Workshop: Learn the Signs and Symptoms of Drug Use and Abuse

It was just over a year ago when the Mid-shore community was saddened to learn about the death of a local youth that involved the use of illegal drugs. Subsequently, information provided in several local town hall meetings regarding the prevalence of illegal drugs in our area raised alarms. There was an outpouring of concern from parents, many of whom expressed a need for more education and knowledge about local resources to help them guide their children through the challenging teen years. As a result of these meetings a joint effort was initiated by local law enforcement, community members, and government leaders to put together a day to raise awareness on the signs and symptoms of drug use and abuse in adolescents.

On Tuesday, September 16 at the Avalon Theatre in Easton there will be two free opportunities for parents, caregivers, and professionals who work with adolescents to increase their awareness of the type and extent of substance abuse among youth in the region. Session I, to be held in the afternoon from 1:00 – 4:15 PM, is geared for professionals and will have Social Work CEUs available. Session II will be held in the evening from 6:00 – 8:00pm and is designed for working parents and caregivers, interested community members, and youth. Both sessions are open to all and will cover the same topics; however, the CEU’s will only be offered to professionals who register for and attend Session 1.

Attendees will learn to identify the behavioral signs of substance use, the impact of substance abuse on mental health, and have an opportunity to identify the local drugs commonly used in the region. Early intervention and treatment resources will also be discussed. The presenters will include both behavioral health experts as well as representatives of local law enforcement. A question and answer period will take place after each presentation.

This community education event is sponsored by The Talbot Partnership for Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Prevention, the Talbot Family Network with the support of the Mental Health Association in Talbot County and Rural Cares, a regional System of Care Collaborative and part of The Institute for Innovation and Implementation, University of Maryland School of Social Work. Funding has been provided through the Governor’s Office for Children.

Jackie Davis, Executive Director of MHATC states, “I remember the community meetings last summer on substance use among our young people. Parents at the time were eager to learn about the drugs that are widely available in our community.” Mrs. Davis goes on to say, “That’s why we planned this community event at the Avalon. It’s a great opportunity for anyone concerned about our children to learn from the professionals who work in the area and see the devastating effects that drug abuse has on a family and in turn the community”.

For more information or to register please contact Danielle Murphy at 410-822-0444 or email [email protected]. You can also register online at the website for the Mental Health Association at www.mhamdes.org. -33- Pictured from left to right are: Jackie Davis, Executive Director of MHATC, Danielle Murphy, Training Coordinator for Rural Cares, Det. George Paugh and Sharon Huseman, Executive Director of Talbot Partnership