Public Invited to Workshop on Substance Addiction

According to Medway Drug Enforcement Agency, drugs continue to be a top law enforcement priority in Wayne County. To better understanding the disease of addiction and learn about environmental prevention The University of Akron Wayne College invites the public and area professionals to a free workshop, To Hell & Back: the Neurobiology of Addiction Wed., April 12, 1:00-4:30 in the Student Life Building. The College is located at 1901 Smucker Road, Orrville. CEU credits are available for social workers and counselors.

The workshop features Nicole T. Labor, DO, BCFP, BCABAM, an addictionologist leading OneEighty's medical assisted treatment program. OneEighty is an organization that helps people in Wayne and Holmes Counties change the direction of their lives with support for domestic violence and assault, mental health, substance abuse and addiction, housing, community health and wellness, and rape. Dr. Labor is a member of the American Osteopathic Board of Family Practice, the American Board of Addiction Medicine, the American Medical Association, and the American Society for Addiction Medicine, among others.

Also speaking is Nonya Stalnaker, senior coalition specialist with Turning Point Coalition, an organization whose mission is to create a safe community environment for Orrville youth. Currently working toward her state prevention specialist certification, she will share how her organization is partnering with other coalitions in the area on environmental prevention activities and strategies to keep area youth from starting unhealthy habits.

A panel discussion with law enforcement and other professionals will follow.

"This is an important event that talks about the facts, not the hype," said Jane Fink, Ph.D., LPCC-S, NCC, BCD, LISW-S, ACSW, CEDS and coordinator of counseling and accessibility services, Wayne College. "To Hell and Back started in 2011 by several Wayne College students who were in recovery and wanted to share their stories. It has grown into an annual workshop that brings the community together to understand the addictive disease process, the implications of addiction, and current trends and treatment. We welcome members of the community to join the conversation and be a part of the solution."

For more information and to register, please call Darcy at 330-684-8965 or email darcy@uakron.edu