This post was contributed by a community member. The views expressed here are the author's own.

Neighbor News

You’re Invited to a Free Benzodiazepine Forum

Learn about the current prescription medication abuse and diversion problem in CT and throughout the US

You're Invited to learn about the current prescription medication abuse and diversion problem in CT and throughout the US

WHEN

March 31, 2017

Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

9:30 am – 12:30 pm

LOCATION

Find out what's happening in Greenwichfor free with the latest updates from Patch.

Norwalk City Hall (Community Room)

125 East Avenue (Exit 16 off of I-95)

Norwalk, CT 06851

COST

Free to healthcare professionals and other concerned community groups.

The presentation is appropriate for all community members, including school personnel and parents.

INVITATION

Are we ignoring an escalating benzodiazepine epidemic amongst adolescents and young adults? Deaths from benzodiazepines overdose have grown at a faster rate than deaths by opiate overdose for the past 13 years.

DEFINITION OF BENZODIAZEPINES

Benzodiazepines pills primarily used for treatment of anxiety; a controlled substance; some of the more well-known benzos are Xanax, Valium, Ativan, and Klonopin

GUEST SPEAKERS

J. Craig Allen MD, Medical Director, Rushford

John Hamilton, LMFT. LADC, CAC-E CEO Recovery Network of Programs

The workshop will focus on ways to reduce illegitimate access to prescription medications by adolescents and young adults, while maintaining appropriate use.

- The signs and symptoms of overdose

- The potential adverse consequences of prescription drug use by persons whom they are not prescribed

- Why Benzodiazepines are so widely abused

- How to safeguard medications and safely dispose of medications

- The difference between Benzodiazepines and Opioids

- Treatment and recovery options for those with an opioid disorder

MEETING AGENDA

9:30 am - 10 am

Sign in and check out resource tables

10 am – NOON

Presentation from John Hamilton, CEO of Recovery Network of Programs and Craig Allen MD, Medical Director of Rushford.

NOON – 12:30 pm

Questions, discussion and check out resource tables

Presentation packets will be provided.

REGISTRATION

Register online at

https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/7Q65CJS

OR

Contact Giovanna Pisani

203-849-111 ext. 3006

gpisani@hscct.org

CEUs ARE AVAILABLE

*CEUs are provided from CCB and CT-NASW. (LMSW, LCSW, LMFT)

There is a $10 per person fee for those wishing to receive CEUs.

Make payment to:

CT Prevention Network

c/o HVCASA

60 Stony Hill Road

Bathel, CT 06681

SPONSORS OF THIS EVENT

- Connecticut Prevention Network

- NPW – National Prevention Weel May 14 – 30, 2017

- Dmhas

- Communities4Action

- Human Services Council

- RYASAP

Photo from Connection Prevention Network

The information in this article is provided as an information resource only, and is not to be used or relied on for any diagnostic or treatment purposes. This information is not intended to be patient education, does not create any patient provider relationship, and should not be used as a substitute for professional diagnosis and treatment.

Please consult your health care provider for an appointment, before making any healthcare decisions or for guidance about a specific medical condition.

______________________________________________________________________

Linda Ziac is the owner and founder of The Caregiver Resource Center. The Caregiver Resource Center is a division of Employee Assistance Professionals, Inc. which Linda founded in October 1990. The Caregiver Resource Center provides a spectrum of concierge case management and advocacy services for seniors, people with special needs and families.

Linda’s professional career spans more than 40 years in the health and mental health field as a CT Licensed Professional Counselor, CT Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Board Certified Employee Assistance Professional, Board Certified Case Manager, and Board Certified Dementia Practitioner. In addition, Ms. Ziac has 15 years of experience coordinating care for her own parents.

Linda assists seniors, people with special needs and their families; in planning for and implementing ways to allow for the greatest degree of health, safety, independence, and quality of life. Linda meets with individuals and family members to assess their needs, and develop a Care Team, while working with members of the Team to formulate a comprehensive Care Plan (a road map).

Once a plan is in place, Linda is available to serve as the point person to monitor and coordinate services, and revise the plan as needed. This role is similar to the conductor of an orchestra; ensuring that there is good communication, teamwork, and that everyone remains focused on the desired goal.

http://www.CaregiverResourceCenter.com

The views expressed in this post are the author's own. Want to post on Patch?