March 01, 2016
Medical professionals do not get much training in dealing with drug addiction, according to Dr. Joseph N. Ranieri.
The medical director of Seabrook House, a prominent drug and alcohol treatment center, is presenting a program aimed at medical professionals on Tuesday.
The continuing education class at 6 p.m. is at the Collingswood Community Center, located at 30 W. Collings Ave. in Collingswood, New Jersey, and is sponsored in part by the Camden County Board of Freeholders.
Ranieri said physicians come out of training “knowing very little” about addiction, though that is beginning to change.
He said over-treatment of non-cancerous chronic pain became an issue in recent years. Many given opioids end up addicted, and some move on to heroin.
Medical professionals need to “be more astute,” because between 10 and 30 percent of those prescribed opioids are predisposed to addiction, said the doctor.
"We need to prescribe more cautiously," said Ranieri.
Professionals interested in attending the training can still contact Bridget Comber at bcomber@seabrookhouse.org or (856) 455-7575, ext. 1151, to reserve a space.
