SAVANNAH, GA – As August marks the start of a new school year, the Georgia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Disabilities (DBHDD) prepares for the 4th annual Georgia School of Addiction Studies. The conference will be held Monday, August 30 – Friday, September 3, 2010 in Savannah, GA at the Hyatt Regency hotel. This year’s theme focuses on Charting the Course through Prevention, Treatment and Recovery. GA School gives professionals an opportunity to earn continuing education units (CEU) and exchange information with other professionals.

The highlight of the week-long conference will feature a three-hour plenary session on Wednesday morning, September 1, with Dr. Drew Pinsky (Dr. Drew), a Board Certified Internist and Addiction Medicine Specialist, who is famous for his nationally syndicated radio talk show Loveline and VH1 television show Celebrity Rehab with Dr. Drew. This day also marks the kick-off to National Recovery Month, which is an annual observance that takes place during the month of September.

“We are extremely excited about GA School because it brings together professionals across the state and gives them an opportunity to continue learning about best practices in the field,” said Dr. Frank E. Shelp, DBHDD Commissioner. “Each year GA School grows and expands its reach to include not only professionals but students who are truly our future leaders in the fields of prevention, treatment, and recovery.”

On Monday, August 30, 2010, GA School will open with a lunch to welcome all participants. Dignitaries and guests will speak. A variety of workshops will be offered for CEU credit through the Alcohol and Drug Certification Board of GA; Georgia Addiction Counselor Association; Licensed Professional Counselors Association of GA; and National Association of Social Workers of GA. There will also be a student symposium Wednesday evening at 6:15 p.m. that will give students an opportunity to ask questions of professionals who work in the field.

Early on-line registration for the conference will be accepted until Friday, August 6, 2010. Late and on-site registration will be available thereafter. For more information regarding registration or Georgia School of Addiction Studies conference information, please visit http://www.thegeorgiaschool.org.

Contact Information:

Kristie Swink ([email protected])