A substance abuse prevention conference is set to take place Tuesday at 9:30 a.m. at Arkansas State University-Mountain Home (ASUMH). The event is organized to assist individuals who work with students and athletes in understanding and mitigating substance abuse risks.
Kyle Evatt, of the Northwest Arkansas Economic Development District, says the sessions will extend beyond substance abuse to include discussions on gambling and pornography. Primary prevention strategies will be the central focus of the conference, particularly aimed at educating teenagers about substance-related consequences, peer pressure, and the importance of early intervention.
Two keynote speakers are scheduled to present at the conference. Steve Miller will discuss themes such as fostering positive hobbies, developing protective factors, and building strong interpersonal relationships. Dr. Chris Bader, the Associate Athletic Director for Mental Health and Performance at the University of Arkansas, will examine how the brain chemistry of athletes could contribute to addiction risks.
Evatt noted that the conference is tailored for professionals working with youth and families of athletes. To underscore the message of prevention, a high school student panel from the SEEDS Coalition will conclude the program, sharing perspectives on why preventative approaches are effective.
Those interested in participating can reach Evatt for more details by visiting nwaedd.org, emailing kevatt@nwaedd.org, or calling 870-741-6884.