Community Education - Rochester, Minnesota

Substance Use Disorder (SUD) and addiction have reached epidemic proportions, ravaging individuals, families, and communities everywhere. Addiction affects all of us in one way or another. Whether you are a concerned citizen who wants to be better informed, or a worried family member or friend searching for answers, please join us as we examine this misunderstood disorder. Please join us for any or all the sessions to find the resources and inspiration to make a difference.

October 2: Learn the Facts – Understanding Addiction and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) ● Learn the science of substance use and what we now know about this chronic condition. ● Gain knowledge to dispel stigma and misconceptions.

October 9: Hear the Stories – How Does Addiction Affect Our Community ● Hear from people on the front lines: law enforcement officers, social workers, first responders, outreach workers, health care providers and treatment professionals, and, most importantly, persons recovering from addiction. ● Discover the effects of addiction on our workforce, community resources, health care settings, and more. ● At the end of the session, there will be time for questions for the assembled panel of community members

October 16: Understand the Impact – How Does Addiction Affect Families ● Hear from families about their experience of loving someone with addiction. ● Discover strategies to support families, especially children, who are often profoundly affected by this disease. ● Learn effective strategies families can use to help their loved one with substance use problems. ● Explore how we in the community can support families who love someone with addiction.

October 23: Be Inspired by Hope – Finding Solutions ● Learn effective strategies for prevention, harm reduction, and treatment. ● Hear the many paths to recovery for individuals, families, and communities.