Deadline Near For Substance Abuse Event

Today is the last day to register for an upcoming substance abuse prevention conference at Bridgewater College.

 

The conference, which will address various topics on the subject, is set for 8:30 a.m. until 3 p.m. Jan. 26 in Bowman Hall.

 

According to organizer Brian Kelley, the purpose of the event is to explain the scope of the issue and teach faith leaders prevention and treatment strategies.

 

All community members, pastors, youth and lay leaders, substance abuse prevention professionals, students and parents are invited to attend for a $30 fee.

 

Conference cost includes a DVD, handouts, breakfast, presentations by guest speakers, a panel discussion and other various activities.

 

Topics covered include how drugs work, cultural sensitivity, risk factors for addiction, tools for church engagement and signs and symptoms of abuse.

 

“[This] is our nation’s number one public health problem, with more than 25 percent of our country dealing with some form of chemical addiction,” said Kelley, a psychology professor at Bridgewater. “While substance abuse may conjure up images of sordid neighborhoods and dangerous, predatory drug dealers, the most serious drug abuse problems often occur in our own homes and include drugs and chemicals that are the most easily accessible like cigarettes, alcohol, prescription pills and inhalants.”

 

To register or RSVP, contact Kelley at bkelleyphd@gmail.com.

 

Contact Emily Sharrer at 574-6286 or esharrer@dnronline.com