'Get Naturally High' To Combat Substance Abuse

WESTFIELD, NJ — Parents in Westfield and surrounding areas are invited to attend "Getting High Naturally," a positive, science-based and practical approach to substance abuse prevention.

This free parenting workshop will be held Monday, May 15 from 7 to 8 p.m. in the Westfield High School Auditorium, 550 Dorian Road, Westfield.

The program will focus on how parents, educators and students can help foster skills in a supporting environment without arguing. Specifically, it will present techniques such as effective communication, mindfulness meditation and using natural highs as healthy coping mechanisms against stress, alcohol and other drug use and bullying behavior.

The goal is to help improve the quality of life for parents, educators and teens. The current research on adolescent brain development will be presented and time will be given for questions and answers.

Matt Bellace, Ph.D., a motivational speaker, author, comedian and specialist in clinical neuropsychology, will lead the workshop. His "How to Get High Naturally" program, which will be presented to Westfield High School students during daytime assemblies on May 15, encourages healthy choices.

Dr. Bellace uses humor and a non-judgmental approach to convey neuroscience research that supports choosing healthy natural highs over chemical highs like alcohol.

The event is sponsored by the Westfield High School Dream Team, Westfield Municipal Alliance, Prevention Links, Westfield Parent Teacher Council, Westfield High School and the Westfield School District.

For more information, contact Louise DeDea at Lngdedea@hotmail.com.

(Image via Morguefile)

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