Berks County Opioid Settlement Funds – Click here to learn more or apply
We’re sorry! Registration is now closed for this year’s conference on Wednesday, November 2, 2022 at the DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel, 701 Penn St. in Reading, PA.
Doug Tieman, former CEO of Caron Treatment Centers
Doug will discuss addiction, treatment and recovery during times of uncertainty such as COVID and personal crisis.
All workshops will be offered in morning and afternoon sessions. You will have the opportunity to select three workshops to attend when you register.
Workshop 1: Current Drug Trends
Presented by Sgt. Todd Harris, Berks County Detective
The past several years has shown an increase in the use of opioids that has lead to significant overdose deaths. Illicitly manufactured fentanyl is now being used in combination with not only heroin, but cocaine, methamphetamine and other substances. This workshop will provide up-to-date information on other recent trends in drug use and drug overdose in our communities.
Workshop 2: Harm Reduction 101
Presented by Carla Sofonski
Harm reduction is an approach to reduce and mitigate damage and pain and offers strategies to increase and promote safety. This training provides an introduction to harm reduction for substance use and includes information about the history of harm reduction, the core principles of harm reduction, the benefits of harm reduction, and an overview of basic harm reduction tools and strategies.
Participants will learn practical strategies for working with individuals and communities within a harm reduction framework.
Workshop 3: Adolescents, Trauma and Substance Use
Presented by Rebekah Sedlock, DSW, LCSW
Experiencing trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder may increase the risk of developing a substance use disorder. Also, individuals with substance use disorder are more likely to experience a traumatic event, resulting in a continuous relationship between trauma, distress, and substance use that may negatively impact recovery and lead to return to use. This workshop will provide an overview of the impact of trauma on adolescents, the correlation between trauma and substance use, how to screen for trauma exposure, and clinical models that have shown success for individuals with substance use disorders and trauma.
Workshop 4: Substance Use Recovery and Resilience
Presented by Martha Thompson, Psy.D
Resilience is the ability to bounce back from adversity and perhaps even become happier, smarter, stronger, and healthier than you were before. Setbacks in life can happen, but they do not have to be permanent. How individuals respond to those setbacks can be the difference between stagnation or moving forward. Resilience comprises a variety of skills and knowledge that can improve the quality of life when used with practice and persistence.
Panel Discussion: From Resistance to Resilience: Realities, Hope and Possibilities
Moderated by Dr. Ramona Roberts, CCTP-II
Panelists: Lisa Fuller, Berks Counseling Center Women’s Bridge House; Phil Bennet, Easy Does It, Inc.; John Janiszewski, TASC Warm Handoff Program; Jose Lugo, Recovery Coaching Services
At one time or another, many people experience some form of adversity, hardship, or a tough experience. How people deal with these types of events is important and can change their lives. Oftentimes, people react to such circumstances with a flood of strong emotions and a sense of uncertainty.
Resilience is the process of adapting well in the face of adversity, trauma, tragedy, threats or significant sources of stress. Resilience can involve behaviors, thoughts, and actions that can be learned and developed in anyone. But the approach to building resilience that works for one person might not work for another. Join us for this important discussion on resilience; the reality of supporting others to find their path of resilience and the benefits of self-care for a strong recovery.
Social Work Continuing Education Credits Now Available
Kutztown University School of Social will be sponsoring Continuing Education Social Work Credits. If you are registered for the conference and interested in receiving Social Work Continuing Education Credits please email: mghinnershitz@cocaberks.org
We're sorry! Registration is now closed! Please visit our website events page for upcoming professional trainings.
