A community discussion on opiates and the drug use will take place May 22 in Navarre. The presentation is free and open to the public.
“This is an opportunity for your readers to ask question and receive information on what is happening in their community. Substance abuse does not discriminate and everyone can be effected,” said Denise Manassa, prevention education and awareness coordinator for CDAC Behavioral Healthcare.
The event will include a presentation by a panel of experts from law enforcement, first responders, medical and drug treatment prevention professionals.
“It would be hard to find someone that has not been directly or indirectly affected by the epidemic of opiate use. This includes the young people in our area. The same part of the brain that tells us to drink water or breathe “learns” that opioids fix life. Once this happens, deciding to not use is as impossible as deciding to not be thirsty. There is help. Medicines and therapies are able to repair a hijacked brain, restoring life as it was meant to be lived. Answers for this problem are not easy ones, but they start with education and awareness of the disease,” said T.R. Reeves, MD, who is board certified in addiction medicine.
The presentation is scheduled for 6-7:30 p.m., Tuesday, May 22 at Community of Christ Church, located at 2111 Presidio Street in Navarre. Light snacks will be provided by Bradford Health Services.
For more information contact CDAC at 850-434-2724.
