Psychologist Presenting Seminar on Student Substance Abuse

The Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee is following up its drinking and drugs Town Hall meeting in October with a licensed psychologist speaking on student substance abuse issues.

Dr. Tim Silvestri, who has over a decade of experience as a psychologist and teaches at Lafayette College, will be presenting a discussion Dec. 15 at 7 p.m., held in the .

The psychologist plans to delve into a particulars of the Straight Shots program, an effort to provide parents a greater insight into student substance abuse.

According to a press release issued by the Ridgewood Municipal Alliance Committee, Silvestri frames the problems and various nuances in "an accessible and engaging manner" by presenting multiple challenges students face in advertising, social conventions and "positive expectations," points the RMAC says is often lost in other programs of this nature.

Students will also take a "visual journey" through the brain, beginning with the first sip of alcohol and the moment of death.

The event is free and open to the public; parents are highly encouraged to attend.