Pierce County Aging and Disability Resources is sponsoring “Addiction: Getting Rid of the Pink Elephant,” a free public workshop about addiction to prescription, over-the-counter and illicit drugs and alcohol. Representatives from AA (Alcoholics Anonymous) and NA (Narcotics Anonymous) will offer their stories of struggle and hope and how support is so important.

The workshop will be held on:

• Oct. 7 from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the Pierce County Annex main meeting room at 2401 S. 35th St. in Tacoma, and from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Lakewood branch of Pierce County Library System at 6300 Wildaire Road SW. in Lakewood.

• Oct. 9 from 12:10 to 12:50 p.m. at the County-City Building’s Rainier Conference Room at 930 Tacoma Ave. S. (seventh floor) in Tacoma, and from 7 to 8 p.m. at the Sound View Building at 3602 Pacific Ave. in Tacoma.

“Alcohol and drug addiction can slowly take over a life, sometimes without family and close friends being aware,” said Aaron Van Valkenburg, manager of Aging and Disability Resources. “People can become quite adept at hiding their addiction. Families and friends can easily ignore tell-tale signs. But there is help – and hope – for individuals whose lives have been taken over.  Learn about important resources for families and friends.”

The workshop offers the opportunity for participants to ask questions about their own situation and how to connect with resources in Pierce County, officials said. More information is available at at (253) 798-4600.