Description: The effects of trauma and toxic stress can be noted in the family system when a member is actively using substances. The impact and stigma of substance use can create barriers for family members and providers to recognize and discuss life stressors including risky substance use. Eliciting unique and intimate details of these challenges from clients/patients is key to meeting behavioral health needs, and just as importantly when supporting family members at risk. This presentation will review co-occurring toxic stress and trauma in the context of family wellness and how providers can create a safe space to approach sensitive topics. The content will further inform on family engagement techniques that highlight person-centered, trauma informed strategies using recovery-oriented language to build trust and rapport.

Los efectos del trauma y el estrés tóxico se nota en al familia cuando uno de sus miembros consume sustancias. El impacto y el estigma del uso pueden crear barreras para que los familiars puedan reconocer el riesgo de su propio consumo. Los proveedores tambien se encuentran  amvilente de inicial una conversacion qaue esos familiares consumando,  sabiendo que ellos estan bregando con las dificultades emocionales de un queirdo usando drogas. Esta presentación revisará el estrés tóxico y el trauma concurrentes en el contexto del bienestar familiar y cómo los proveedores pueden crear un espacio seguro para abordar temas delicados. El contenido informará además sobre técnicas de participación familiar que destacan estrategias centradas en la persona e informadas sobre el trauma utilizando un lenguaje orientado a la recuperación para generar confianza y simpatía.

The Mid-America ATTC Leadership Institute Immersion Training takes place Monday, April 29 – Friday, May 3! Twelve Kansas, Missouri, and Nebraska will engage in this in-depth program for emerging and existing behavioral health leaders. The weeklong Immersion Training provides opportunities to build community, discuss current and future challenges, network, and receive leadership advice from behavioral health experts. It will include a shadow consulting field trip to an agency that provides supportive housing, family empowerment, and therapeutic services for families with substance use disorder. Participants will also discuss their StrengthsFinder 2.0 results and attend workshops on the following topics: Leadership Fuel, Finding Harmony in the Hustle, Intentional Leadership, and Self-Care Reimagined. This is a closed training program. Visit the Leadership Institute webpage to learn more. 

The New England ATTC, in partnership with RICARES, held the next monthly installment of the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction Reading Group series. We discussed a paper titled, “Mobile low-threshold buprenorphine integrated with infectious disease services” by Rosecrans and colleagues. A summary of the discussion is available for download.

The New England ATTC, in partnership with RICARES, held the next monthly installment of the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction Reading Group series. We discussed a paper titled, “Predictors of Retention and Drug Use Among Patients With Opioid Use Disorder Transferred to a Specialty "Second Chance" Methadone Program” by Moses and colleagues. A summary of the discussion is available for download.

Adolescent use of electronic cigarettes (vaping) remains steady. Teenagers can easily recite the health risks of cigarette smoking, however, awareness of the risks of vaping and the impact of nicotine on development is variable. This 90-minute webinar will explore how adolescent brain development is altered by nicotine or co-use of nicotine and cannabis. We invite educators, mental health and substance use professionals, and family members to join us in learning about the possible consequences of adolescent vaping. Download PDF