SWIC Belleville Campus to host discussion today on addiction

 

From Illinois Business Journal news services

College Activities at the Southwestern Illinois College Belleville Campus will host a community discussion on addiction Thursday, March 24, at 2 p.m. and again at 7 p.m. in the Main Complex Theatre, 2500 Carlyle Ave.

The event will feature a panel of experts including medical professionals, recovering addicts and families directly affected by addiction.

The speakers include: Chad Sabora, the current director of MoNet, a former attorney and recovering heroin addict; Kari Gullicksrud Karidis, Ph.D., assistant principal of Collinsville High School who lost her son to heroin; Chrissy Sinovic-Shields, who lost her son to addiction; Aalok Y. Oza, an instructor of yoga and meditation in recovery; Ron Edmiston, D.C., who practices ariculotherapy, acupuncture and recovery stress release; Joseph Craig, Ph.D., who will share his journey to sobriety; Verna Hopkins, LMT, who will share the benefits of massage and essential oils for addiction.

“Addiction has a large impact on our community – not just on the addict but on family members as well,” notes SWIC Coordinator of College Activities and Theatre Operations Jeff Blue. “We want to help open the discussion, as well as raise awareness about available resources.”

Additional speakers also will share their journeys. Heartlinks and Celebrate Recovery groups will be there and information on rehabilitation and other resources will be available.

For more information, call College Activities at (618) 235-2700, ext. 5561.