Casper's fifth annual Methamphetamine and Substance Abuse Conference begins today with a lunchtime talk by Joseph A. Califano Jr., a former presidential aide and current president of the National Center on Addiction and Substance Abuse.

The three-day conference, held at the Parkway Plaza Hotel and Convention Centre, will look at the impact substance abuse has on Wyoming communities. It will feature speakers from across Wyoming and the nation.

The conference will cover a variety of substance-abuse related topics, from addicts' health to new treatments. More than 400 participants are expected.

Although authorities are seeing some indicators that use of methamphetamine is declining, Casper Police Chief Tom Pagel said the meth problem hasn't been solved yet.

"Meth is going to be with us for years to come," he said in an interview last week.

At the same time, prescription drug and alcohol abuse is on the rise, the chief said. Last year, Casper had 580 drunken driving arrests - an all-time high.

Registration for the conference, hosted by the Casper Area Meth Watch Committee and the Casper Police Department, begins at 8 a.m. today. Walk-up registration is available.

A free public session will take place Thursday from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m. and will focus on recovering addicts and families dealing with adult addicts.

Registration is $100 and covers all three days of the conference and lunches.