Substance Abuse: Talking to System-Involved Youth (SIY) About Addiction

Brooke Hailey, PhD

Training Description

This training will help participants understand how to talk to SIY about addiction. The training will provide comprehensive education on various substances, their effects, and the risks associated with their use. It includes teaching effective coping mechanisms for anxiety management and peer pressure, promoting healthy alternatives to substance use, and discussing the consequences of addiction on physical health, mental well-being, and legal standing. The program emphasizes understanding addiction as a medical condition, reducing stigma, and encouraging help-seeking behaviors through access to supportive resources and community networks.

Learning Objectives

· Participants will be able to identify 3 types of substances which increase SIY risk for addiction.

· Participants will be able to list 3 misconceptions and 3 basic facts about each substance.

· Participants will be able to identify 3 key coping strategies which can be taught to system-involved youth to prevent addiction.

Agenda

9:00-9:15AM  Welcome and Introduction

• Welcome participants, introduction, find out what participants want from training
• Briefly outline the goals and objectives of the training session.

9:15-9:30AM  Icebreaker/Interactive Exercise

• Case study of SIY with addiction issues: Get feedback on how participants might handle situation

9:30-9:45AM  Understanding Substances

• Overview of different types of substances (alcohol, drugs, nicotine).
• Discuss common misconceptions and basic facts about each substance.

9:45-10:00AM  Effects of Substances

• Explain the  short-term and long-term effects of substance use on physical and mental health.
• Provide examples and visual aids to illustrate the impact of substances on the body.

10:00-10:15AM  Risks of Substance Abuse

• Discuss factors contributing to substance abuse, such as peer pressure, stress, and societal influences, genetics and family dynamics
• Highlight specific risks associated with underage drinking and drug use.

10:15-10:30AM  Break (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

10:30-10:45AM  Peer Pressure and Decision-Making

• Role-play scenarios to practice assertiveness skills and strategies for resisting peer pressure.
• Facilitate group discussions on effective ways to say no to substances.

10:45-11:00AM  Coping Mechanisms

• Introduce healthy coping mechanisms for stress and difficult emotions, such as mindfulness techniques, exercise, and hobbies.
• Encourage participants to share their own coping strategies.

11:00-11:15AM  Seeking Help

• Provide information on resources available for youth struggling with substance abuse, including hotlines, counseling services, and support groups.
• Discuss the importance of reaching out to trusted adults and seeking professional help when needed.

11:15-11:30AM  Addiction and Brain Science

• Explain the neuroscience of addiction and how substances affect the brain's reward system.
• Discuss the concept of tolerance, dependence, and the cycle of addiction.

11:30-11:45AM  Consequences of Substance Abuse

• Review the legal, social, and personal consequences of substance abuse, including impacts on relationships, education, and future opportunities.
• Share real-life examples and case studies to illustrate consequences.

11:45AM-12:00PM  Questions & Ansers and Discussion

• Open floor for questions and answers related to the morning sessions.
• Facilitate a discussion on key takeaways and personal reflections.

12:00-12:30PM  Lunch Break (CE hours will not be offered for this time)

12:30-1:00PM  Local Resources and Support

• Provide information on local resources for substance abuse prevention, treatment, and recovery.
• Distribute pamphlets or handouts listing community organizations and support services.

1:00-1:30PM  Interactive Activity

• Conduct an interactive activity related to substance abuse prevention or decision-making skills.
• Engage participants in group tasks or discussions to apply what they've learned.

1:30-2:00PM  Role-Playing Scenarios

• Divide participants into groups and assign role-playing scenarios related to substance use situations.
• Allow groups to act out scenarios and practice applying refusal skills and coping strategies.

2:00-2:30PM  Wrap-up and Reflection

• Summarize key points covered throughout the day and review learning objectives.
• Facilitate a reflection exercise where participants share their insights and commitments to making healthy choices.

2:30-2:45PM  Closing Remarks

• Thank  participants for their active participation and commitment to learning about substance abuse prevention.
• Provide final resources and contact information for follow-up support.

2:45-3:00PM  Wrap Up

• Encourage participants to provide suggestions for improvement and share their overall experience.

Meet Our Trainer

Brooke Hailey, PhD is a licensed marriage and family therapist. She completed her undergraduate work at New York University and then received her master’s degree from Antioch University and her PhD from Pacifica Graduate Institute. She has been in private practice in Los Angeles for more than twenty years. She is also the owner and clinical director of New Directions, an intensive outpatient program for eating disorders. Brooke works with adults, adolescents, couples and families. Though she specializes in the treatment of eating disorders, Brooke works with clients who have a variety of issues from depression, anxiety and addiction to relationship issues.

This course meets the qualifications for (5.25) BBS CE hours for LCSWs, LMFTs, LPCCs, and LEPs as required by the California Board of Behavioral Sciences & is provided by Fred Finch Youth Center, CAMFT Provider #045295.