Professional Development and Student Support Services presents an Addiction Series Monday, March 5 through Thursday, March 8 in College Union 3.

Presenter Erin Koos will cover “Drug and Alcohol, Use and Misuse” from noon to 12:50 p.m. March 5.
OCCC Student Support Services Counselor Jenna Howard said this will not be the first time the addiction series has been offered.

“Drugs and alcohol, we usually do every year, especially right before spring break,” Howard said.

Howard said the departments are partnering  to put on this series due to the issues addiction creates in our society.

“Many people either struggle with it or know somebody that has some type of addiction,” she said.

“It not only affects the individual, but it affects the whole family and society.”

The series is free for all OCCC faculty, students and staff.

Howard said she has contacted many professors who have given her positive feedback on the anticipated attendance.

“I’m hoping we’ll get a really good turn out,” she said.

“I also contacted the Health Professions department and they are going to encourage their students who may be working with people who have addictions,” Howard said.

Presenter Doctor Vicki Wyatt will cover “What Everyone Should Know About Love, Sex and Porn Addiction” from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. on March 6.

Howard said this is the first time the addiction series will touch on this type of addiction.

“Sexual addiction, we’ve never done that, it is a big issue in society,” she said.

“I think it’s out there but people are afraid to talk about it.”

According to Howard, pornography addiction is very high due to how easy it is to access it now.

“Addiction is anything that we use to escape from personal issues that becomes habitual and unmanageable and causes problems in our relationships,” Howard said.

“There is a lot of shame in addictions, which perpetuates the problem,” she said.

Howard anticipates this series will help everybody understand addictions and the cycles and how to get help.

“My hope is that if people understand addictions better, they may see that they or a friend or family member have an addiction and to reach out to them – they can also learn what resources are out there.” Howard said.

Howard emphasized that the first step of all addictions is to realize you have an issue.

Presenter Cindy Satterfield will cover “Gambling Addiction, How It Affects Individuals, Families and Society” from 12:30 to 1:20 p.m. on March 8.

For more information on this series, contact either Professional Development at 405-682-1611, ext. 7308 or Student Support Services at 405-682-1611, ext. 7520.

To contact Sarah Hussain, email seniorwriter@occc.edu.