The Addiction Action Committee will sponsor a free community awareness
program on teen substance abuse next Tuesday, April 14 at 7 p.m. at Handley
High School's Patsy Cline Auditorium in Winchester.
Will Rushton, MD, emergency physician and toxicologist at Lynchburg General
Hospital will offer an eye-opening presentation, “Your Kids Know
More Than You Do: Straight Talk for Parents about Teen Drug Use.”
Dr. Rushton will share information on current trends in recreational drug
abuse and what parents need to be aware of. His presentation is designed
for adults only.
Dr. Rushton earned his medical degree from Georgetown University and completed
a residency in Emergency Medicine at the University of Virginia, followed
by a two-year fellowship in Medical Toxicology, a specialty focusing on
diagnosing and treating the intoxicated patient. He has published abstracts
and papers and presented at national and international meetings on drug
abuse, and speaks regularly to nurses, physicians, school counselors and
EMS groups. Dr. Rushton is a member of the American Academy of Clinical
Toxicology, American College of Medical Toxicology, and American College
of Emergency Physicians.
Through his presentations Dr. Rushton works to close the gap in understanding
of drugs of abuse. New trends in toxicology demonstrate that prescription
drugs and new synthetic agents are overtaking traditional drugs of abuse,
he says. The Internet has unleashed a new source of drugs, providing direct
information on how to modify common household products, as well as advice
on evading toxicology screens.
The Addiction Action Committee (AAC) is an interdisciplinary group of law
enforcement, health, judicial, social service and treatment professionals
who are working together to address the heroin and opiate addiction crisis
in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, looking at the importance of tackling
the problem openly, as a community. Drawing on the expertise of local
addiction experts and insight of addict families, the AAC’s outreach
committee has launched a rich website,
www.roadtorecovery.info; started a family support group, Parents on the Road to Recovery; produced
PSAs and video testimonials; and sponsored free community education programs.
The Community Forum on Heroin, held March 31, drew more than 120 people
to hear from a local recovered addict and learn what’s happening locally.
Tuesday's program is sponsored by the Addiction Action Committee, with
financial support from Casey Family Programs. For more information on
the AAC and addiction resources in the Northern Shenandoah Valley, visit
www.roadtorecovery.info.