Drug experts and people whose lives have been impacted by addiction came together today for a summit on heroin and prescription pill abuse on Long Island.

The summit was held in Melville. Organizers say they hope to make it an annual event.

Among the participants was Lori Carbonaro, who lost her 22-year-old son Nick to what she believes was a heroin overdose. Carbonaro says her son began experimenting with alcohol and marijuana as a teen, but then became addicted to painkillers after having surgery the same week his grandfather passed away.

Carbonaro says she and other mothers are heading to Washington in two weeks to continue their fight for more services and better care.

Local treatment providers said the face of the heroin crisis has changed to include younger faces, some as young as 13 years old. There has also been an increase among young female users, they report.

Organizers say they plan to continue to work with local and state lawmakers to make sure people battling addiction get the help they need.