Press Releases
4/17/2008 – Chicago-based Timberline Knolls Creates Substance Abuse Awareness Week
Treatment center gives residents, families and the community a chance to understand addiction and begin the road to recovery
(Editor's Note: Medical Director Kimberly Dennis, M.D., is available for interview. Contact Chad Backus at 214-521-8596.)
CHICAGO (April 17, 2008) - In an effort to highlight the dangers of substance abuse, in conjunction with National Alcohol Awareness Month, Chicago-based Timberline Knolls will host "The Dance of Destruction," a conference examining and exploring the prevalence of chemical addictions, compulsive behaviors, and other addictions. The conference, which is open to the public, will take place on April 25 and highlights Timberline Knolls' Substance Abuse Awareness Week.
In the United States, as many as 23 million people suffer from substance abuse, according to the Department of Health and Human Services. Six out of 10 of substance abuse sufferers are also diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder such as an eating disorder, depression or other emotional disorder. To increase community understanding about this very real issue in society, Timberline Knolls, one of the country's leading treatment centers, has created its own "Substance Abuse Awareness Week."
April 21-25 will serve as an on-campus week of celebrating sobriety at Timberline Knolls. This week of awareness will re-enforce healthy habits for both Timberline Knolls residents and the community, which is critical in the process of recovery, according to Medical Director Kimberly Dennis, M.D. "The activities we have planned for substance abuse awareness week are integral in the development of our residents," said Dr. Dennis. "Providing opportunities for healthy activities allows our residents to grow and learn more about living their lives in recovery."
Activities for Timberline Knolls residents will include a viewing of a movie about the founders of Alcoholics Anonymous, signing a declaration of independence from addiction, relay races, a bowling outing and a letting go ceremony, where residents will have the opportunity to ceremonially burn items associated with past pains.
Dr. Dennis also added the importance of including the community. "Involving and educating the community allows for an understanding of substance abuse and the ability to help loved ones who are in recovery." The community is welcome to join at the open Alcoholics Anonymous meeting and candlelight vigil on Tuesday, as well as the Al-Anon skit and speakers on Wednesday.
Signs of Substance Abuse in Youth *
- Reclusive behavior - long periods spent in self-imposed isolation
- Long, unexplained absences
- Lying and stealing
- Getting into trouble with the law
- Deteriorating family relationships
- Obvious intoxication, delirious or incoherent behavior
- Changes in behavior and attitude
- Decline in school performance
* While the above signs may not necessarily indicate substance abuse, they should be enough to suggest a problem.
For more information on Timberline Knolls' Substance Abuse Awareness Week, including "The Dance of Destruction," please contact Guy Oberwise at 630-343-2324 or by email at goberwise@timberlineknolls.com.
About Timberline Knolls
Timberline Knolls specializes in helping women and adolescent girls 12 and older, offering treatment for complex co-occurring disorders that can include self-injury behavior (SIB), substance abuse, eating and other affective disorders. For more information on Timberline Knolls and the services offered, visit www.timberlineknolls.com
Media Contacts:
Chad Backus
Courtney Smith
Michael Burns & Associates
214-521-8596
cbackus@mbapr.com
csmith@mbapr.com