Addiction Awareness Week spotlights complex nature of the disease

UNT Health Science Center’s Medical Student Government Association (MSGA) is hosting a series of events Nov. 18-21 in recognition of Addiction Awareness Week.

Kicking off the week will be a presentation by Joseph Skrajewski, Director of Medical Education at the world-renowned Betty Ford Institute. His presentation will provide an understanding of the complex nature of addiction.

Each session will be from 5 to 6:30 p.m. in the Medical Education and Training building, Rooms 109-110, at the Health Science Center. The events are free and open to the public.

Events for the week:

Monday, Nov. 18:  Introduction to Addiction Awareness Week by the Betty Ford Institute’s Skrajewski.

Tuesday, Nov. 19:  "Pleasure Unwoven: An Explanation of the Brain Disease of Addiction." This video produced by The Institute for Addiction Study provides an in-depth look at the debate over whether addiction can really be considered a "disease."

Wednesday, Nov. 20:  Presentation by Kyle Pillans and Brandi Robbins, children’s counselors at the Betty Ford Center’s Five Star Kids program. Participants will learn about the impact of addiction on family dynamics. They also will discuss how the Five Star Kids program works and the skills taught to promote resiliency in children.

Thursday, Nov. 21:  Process Groups and Meditation Session. This will be a small-group exercise led by students who attended the weeklong course at the Betty Ford Center. Many intimate aspects of addiction will be addressed, and students will be asked to come with an open mind and ready to participate. A relaxing meditation session also will be included.

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