Stevenson University’s Psychology Club will host a Speaker Series panel to discuss drugs and compassion on Nov. 2 in the Rockland Center conference room A from 6-7:30 p.m.

This event is different than those of the typical Psychology Club Speaker Series. Rather than just one speaker, the panel will include several speakers sharing their knowledge of and experience with substance abuse. Some of the speakers include a Stevenson University alumnus, individuals in treatment, and professionals who treat substance abuse.

“We want to help people, and everyone involved wants to help people, even if they have different ideas on how to do that. We want to provide different perspectives on how to treat substance abuse because ultimately it is about compassion,” said Ingrid Tulloch, Ph.D., research psychologist and faculty advisor of the Psychology Club.

During the event, panelists will talk about what they do, explain why they are on the panel and share  their experience with substance abuse. After each panelist talks, the floor will be open to questions from the audience.

The recent spike in overdoses in Carroll County got the Psychology Club thinking about this topic and wondering what they could do.  The club chose this theme because the country is in the midst of an enormous addiction crisis, said Tolluch.

This event is relevant for students who might know someone who has issues with substance abuse and the Psychology Club hopes to provide resources to individuals who might need help, according to Tolluch.

“I think it is awesome that the Psych Club is bringing this topic to Stevenson. Talking about substance abuse is often avoided, and there are many stigmas with the topic, so getting people to talk about it is a great first step to opening up a conversation that has been ignored for so long. Especially since nearly everyone knows someone who has abused substances or alcohol,” said Christine Favata, a junior business communication major.

By bringing this event to Stevenson, the Psychology Club hopes students see that those who suffer from substance abuse are not bad or irresponsible people.

Tulloch added that the Speaker Series will show people that individuals who suffer from substance abuse need compassion.

The Psychology Club hosts several Speaker Series events throughout the semester that are open to all students.