Student Support Services, Professional Development and Student Life are hosting addiction awareness workshops from noon to 1 p.m. Wednesday, April 9, and 12:30 to 1:30 p.m. Thursday, April 10, from in CU2 in recognition of Alcohol Awareness Month.

“The reason we do this series is because addiction in Oklahoma has increased over the years,” said Janie Wheeler, Student Support Services counselor.

Mark Woodward, Oklahoma Bureau of Narcotics spokesman, will speak at Wednesday’s workshop, Wheeler said.

“Woodward will be speaking on how drug abuse has affected Oklahoma and give pointers to friends, parents and family on how to spot drug abuse in someone close to them,” she said.

Wheeler said Peter Messiah, Oklahoma City University Addiction Prevention Studies director, will speak at Thursday’s workshop.

“He will be speaking about how to recognize the signs on addiction,” Wheeler said.

“A lot of people do not realize once you start drugs, how easy it is to become addicted.

“This is to promote awareness and education, so people know they are not alone in this.”

Wheeler said students and faculty are encouraged to attend this education series. She said attending faculty can earn quarterly health and safety training credit.

“The more people are aware of addiction, the better for our state,” Wheeler said.

For more information, contact Wheeler at 405-682-7131.

To contact Mycalyn Blomstrom, email onlinewriter@occc.edu.