Trauma & Addiction: Healing the Hurt –The Council on Chemical Abuse’s 18^th Annual Conference

Reading, PA (November 1, 2018) – Year 18 of the COCA Conference did not disappoint. Three hundred and fifteen professionals from Berks and surrounding counties spent a day learning about trauma and addiction.

Attendees were greeted in the morning by COCA Executive Director, Stanley Papademetriou and Commissioner Kevin Barnhardt as part of an announcement regarding the Berks Opioid Coalition – SOS Berks. SOS Berks is a coalition of Berks County community members who have come together in an effort to reduce overdose deaths and stem the negative effects of the current opioid crisis. Since the coalition was formed in December 2016, the group has been working hard to make a difference in Berks. Coalition leaders shared their accomplishments and assured that they are working hard to decrease overdose deaths in the community.

Following the announcement Keynote speaker, Cheryl Sharp addressed the connection between Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery.

Prior to participants engaging in their workshops, a panel discussion on healing from trauma gave attendees insight into the reality of the devastation of losing a loved one from the disease of addiction and the healing that takes place over time. Three individuals shared their stories and discussed how their lives have been impacted by trauma and how they hope to educate others.

“As a non-social worker and non-counselor professional, this conference was informative and needed. The workshops were well organized and interesting. I enjoyed the conference and will definitely be back next year!” – 2018 Conference attendee.

The COCA Annual Conference is brought to you by the following partners: The Council on Chemical Abuse, The Mental Health/Developmental Disabilities/HealthChoices Programs of Berks County, Community Care Behavioral Health Organization, Berks County Children and Youth Services, and Substance Abuse Service Providers Association of Berks County.