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Helpful Information About ….
Watch Dr. Kevin McCauley’s presentation, “New Perspectives on Addiction & Recovery”
Presented by Be a Part of the Conversation in Devon, PA on December 3, 2019
Understanding Addiction
Harvard Health – HelpGuide article
Understanding Drug Use & Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Addiction 101
Recovery Research Institute
Addictionary®
Recovery Research Institute
The Beast We Call Progression: Addiction a Progressive Disease
Treatment Solutions
Cigarette Smoking Increases the Likelihood of Drug Use Relapse
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Nicotine Craving and Heavy Smoking May Contribute to Increased Use of Cocaine and Heroin
National Institute on Drug Abuse
Facts About Nicotine
UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center
Nicotine as a Gateway Drug
New England Journal of Medicine
Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
Visit our pages dedicated to finding in-patient or outpatient treatment, and recovery housing options:
https://conversation.zone/findrecovery/
Visit the Recovery Resource Center (Partnership to End Addiction):
https://drugfree.org/recovery-resource-center/
Learn about Medication Assisted Treatment:
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment
Learn about Trauma-Informed Therapy:
https://www.verywellmind.com/trauma-informed-therapy-definition-and-techniques-5209445
Find health care professionals specializing in Addiction Psychiatry:
https://www.aaap.org/education/resources/patients/find-a-specialist/
Demystifying Relapse: A Recurrence of Symptoms
The National Council for Mental Wellbeing
CENAPS
CENAPS® (an acronym for Center for Applied Sciences) is a training and consultation firm founded by Terence T. Gorski in 1982.
Staying Sober: A Guide for Relapse Prevention
Book by Terence Gorski
The Relapse Prevention Therapy Workbook
Book by Terence Gorski and Stephen Grinstead
Relapse Prevention
Recovery Research Institute
Alcohol consumption and symptoms as predictors for relapse of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder
Drug & Alcohol Dependence
Marlous Tuithof, Margreet ten Have, Wim van den Brink, Wilma Vollebergh, Ron de Graaf, Alcohol consumption and symptoms as predictors for relapse of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Volume 140, 2014, Pages 85-91, ISSN 0376-8716, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.03.035.
Treatment retention, return to use, and recovery support following COVID-19 relaxation of methadone take-home dosing in two rural opioid treatment programs: A mixed methods analysis
National Institutes of Health
Hoffman KA, Foot C, Levander XA, Cook R, Terashima JP, McIlveen JW, Korthuis PT, McCarty D. Treatment retention, return to use, and recovery support following COVID-19 relaxation of methadone take-home dosing in two rural opioid treatment programs: A mixed methods analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2022 Oct;141:108801. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108801. Epub 2022 May 8. PMID: 35589443; PMCID: PMC9080674.
Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of substance use disorder relapse: A nationally representative, prospective longitudinal investigation
Journal of Clinical Psychiatry
Weinberger AH, Platt J, Esan H, Galea S, Erlich D, Goodwin RD. Cigarette Smoking Is Associated With Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorder Relapse: A Nationally Representative, Prospective Longitudinal Investigation. J Clin Psychiatry. 2017 Feb;78(2):e152-e160. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15m10062. PMID: 28234432; PMCID: PMC5800400.
Stigma & Discrimination
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)
The Real Stigma of Substance Use Disorders
The Recovery Research Institute
Stigma Reduction: Understanding Addiction to Support Recovery
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC)
Addicition Language Guide | Video
Shatterproof
Elevyst
Elevyst is a comprehensive consulting group passionate about helping organizations advance their community & public health initiatives. We offer a broad range of services and expertise to clients within the field of harm reduction, public health, policy & advocacy, and healthcare.
For Health Care Providers: Reducing the Stigma of Addiction
Johns Hopkins Medicine
MARA – Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous
From MARA: “Do you use prescribed medication to treat various drug and alcohol use disorders? Many people who utilize evidence-based science to aid in their recovery sometimes feel uncomfortable in their day to day lives. Additionally, a multitude of people on this healing path have even felt unwelcome at traditional recovery meetings. We understand. At Medication-Assisted Recovery Anonymous (MARA), you’re always welcome!”
Shatterproof
Pennsylvania Harm Reduction Network
Watch the film, The Anonymous People, a feature documentary film about the 23.5 million Americans living in long-term recovery from alcohol and other drug addiction.
Rent ($3.99) or Buy ($9.99) on Amazon
>> Introduction to Behavioral Addictions
Grant JE, Potenza MN, Weinstein A, Gorelick DA. Introduction to behavioral addictions. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2010;36(5):233-241. doi:10.3109/00952990.2010.491884
>> Proposed diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A Delphi expert consensus study
Müller, A., Laskowski, N. M., Trotzke, P., Ali, K., Fassnacht, D. B., de Zwaan, M., Brand, M., Häder, M., & Kyrios, M. (2021). Proposed diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A Delphi expert consensus study, Journal of Behavioral Addictions, 10(2), 208-222.
>> Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views
Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views. Int J Prev Med. 2012;3(4):290-294.
12 Step Meetings for those with Process/Behavioral Addictions:
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Clutterer’s Anonymous
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Codependents Anonymous (CoDA)
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Debtors Anonymous (DA)
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Emotions Anonymous (EA)
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Food Addicts Anonymous
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Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous
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Gamblers Anonymous
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Gam-Anon (for family and loved ones)
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Internet & Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA)
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Love Addicts Anonymous (LAA)
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Overeaters Anonymous (OA)
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Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)
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Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)
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Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA)
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Sexual Recovery Anonymous (SRA)
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Underearners Anonymous (UA)
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Workaholics Anonymous (WA)
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Watch “21st Century Teens”
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with Lizzy Lopez, LPC (2/19/2025)
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with Heather Gregan, LPC, CCTP (4/9/2024)
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with Mike Blanche, LCSW (3/13/2024)
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Watch “Kids & the Tech/Life Balance”
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Watch “10 Things You Need to Know About Addiction”
Pew Research: Teens, Technology & Social Media
Pew Research: As Sports Betting Grows, States Tackle Teenage Problem Gambling
Learn more about Attachment Theory (mentioned by Michael Blanche on 6/1/2023)
Common Process Addictions in Young Adults
Eating Disorders in Adolescents
Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views
National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders
Resources from Screenagers: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/resources
Most children sleep with mobile phone beside bed
>> See Harry Levant on 60 Minutes: “Sports betting boom fuels concerns over problem gambling”
>> “Upon Further Review: The NFL’S Gambling Strategy is a Risk to Public Health and Congress Must Act”
Post by Harry Levant
>> Ethical Gambling Reform Group
>> Stop Predatory Gambling
A national advocacy network of individuals and partner groups with members in all 50 states.
>> SMART Recovery for Gambling Addiction
>> Compulsive Gambling
>> Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board
>> Help with Problem Gambling
Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)
>> National Council on Problem Gambling
>> “Am I a Sex Addict?” (PATHOS)
Dr. Patrick Carnes
>> What is Love Addiction?
Psychology Today
>> What is Sex Addiction?
Healthline
>> Internet Addiction Disorder
Post on PsyCom
>> “Tech addiction is real. We psychologists need to take it seriously.”
Washington Post story
>> Are You Addicted to Technology?
Rutgers University
>> “Breaking My Phone Addiction – Via My Phone”
Wired Magazine
Hazeldon Betty Ford
>> Internet Addiction
Psychology Today
>> What is Social Media Addiction?
Healthline
>> Inside How A 12-Step Recovery Program For Social Media Addiction Works
BuzzFeed
>> Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice
Cash H, Rae CD, Steel AH, Winkler A. Internet Addiction: A Brief Summary of Research and Practice. Curr Psychiatry Rev. 2012;8(4):292-298. doi:10.2174/157340012803520513
>> Screenagers
Learn about three films that address adolescents’ use of screens and other challenges. Additional resources are also available.
>> Visit our web page: “Kids & the Tech/Life Balance”
>> Addiction Interaction, Relapse and Recovery
Scientific American
>> Addiction Interaction Explained
Webinar from The Meadows
>> Addiction Interaction Disorder
Post from Caron Treatment Center
Addict in the Family
by Beverly Conyers
Everything Changes: Help for Families of Newly Recovering Addicts
by Beverly Conyers
Alcoholics Anonymous: The Big Book, 4th Edition
by AA Services
Dopamine Nation: Finding Balance in the Age of Indulgence
by Dr. Anna Lembke
Recovery: Freedom from Our Addictions
by Russell Brand
The Chemical Carousel: What Science Tells us About Beating Addiction
by Dirk Hanson
In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts: Close Encounters with Addiction
by Gabor Mate
The Body Keeps the Score
by Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD
Beyond Addiction
by Jeffrey Foote, Carrie Wilkens, Nicole Kosanke
Loved One in Treatment? Now What! An Essential Handbook for Family Members and Friends Navigating the Path of a Loved One’s Addiction, Treatment and Recovery
by Lisa Frederiksen
Crossing the Line: From Alcohol Use to Abuse to Dependence
by Lisa Frederiksen
Addictive Thinking
by Abraham Twerski
Recover to Live: Kick Any Habit, Manage Any Addiction:
Your Self-Treatment Guide to Alcohol, Drugs, Eating Disorders, Gambling, Hoarding, Smoking, Sex, and Porn
by Christopher Kennedy Lawford
What Addicts Know: 10 Lessons from Recovery to Benefit Everyone
by Christopher Kennedy Lawford
Young, Sober & Free: Experience, Strength, and Hope for Young Adults
by Shelly Marshall
Why Don’t They Just Quit?
by Joe Herzanek and Judy Herzanek
Passages Through Recovery: An Action Plan for Preventing Relapse
by Terence T. Gorski
When Your Teen is in Treatment: A Guide For Parents
Perkins & Perkins, 1990
Helping Your Chemically Dependent Teenager Recover. A Guide for Parents and Other Concerned Adults.
by Peter R. Cohen, 1991
Parenting for Prevention: How to Raise a Child to Say No to Alcohol/Drugs.
by David J. Wilmes, 1988
One Breath at a Time: Buddhism and the Twelve Steps
by Kevin Edward Griffin
The 12-Step Buddhist: Enhance Recovery from Any Addiction
by Darren Littlejohn
When Bad Things Happen to Good People
by Harold S. Kushner
The Spirituality of Imperfection: Storytelling and the Search for Meaning
by Ernest Kurtz and Katherine Ketcham
Get Your Loved One Sober. Alternatives to Nagging, Pleading, and Threatening.
Meyers & Wolfe
Reclaim Your Family From Addiction. How Couples and Families Recover Love and Meaning.
by Craig Nakken
Intervention
by Vernon Johnson
Stage II Recovery: Life Beyond Addiction
by Earnie Larsen
Websites for Montgomery County Resources:
Montgomery County Treatment Courts
for more information contact Megan Morrison, Deputy Chief of Treatment Courts at Megan.Morrison@montgomerycountypa.gov
Montgomery County Reentry Initiative
Community Resources for Reentrants
Justice Related Services
Office of Drug & Alcohol
Crisis Hotlines
Children’s Mental Health Supports and Services
Children’s Mental Health Support and Advocacy Services
Please note: The resources, organizations, agencies and individuals listed on this page are not necessarily endorsed by Be a Part of the Conversation. If you need immediate help, please consider these resources:
>> Finding Treatment
>> National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
>> Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) for Opioid Overdose
Be a Part of the Conversation programs do not provide behavioral health advice and are for informational purposes only. Our programs are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding substance use disorders or related family needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any Be a Part of the Conversation program or video.
21st Century Teens
Presented on February 19, 2025
Adolescence is a crucial time of transition and growth, so we want to give our kids tools that prepare them for life’s challenges. In order to cope with increasing anxiety, it isn’t surprising that teens are drawn to behaviors that distract or numb uncomfortable feelings, including go-to distractions like social media, gaming, shopping, food, relationships, exercise and increasingly potent and available substances.
This program was funded by the School District of Springfield Township.
View past 21st Century Teens programs:
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Watch “21st Century Teens”
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Watch “Kids & the Tech/Life Balance”
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Watch “10 Things You Need to Know About Addiction”
Pew Research: Teens, Technology & Social Media
Pew Research: As Sports Betting Grows, States Tackle Teenage Problem Gambling
Learn more about Attachment Theory (mentioned by Michael Blanche on 6/1/2023)
Common Process Addictions in Young Adults
Eating Disorders in Adolescents
Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views
National Institute of Mental Health: Eating Disorders
Resources from Screenagers: https://www.screenagersmovie.com/resources
Most children sleep with mobile phone beside bed
The Changing Landscape of Substance Use & Addiction
We have seen dramatic changes in addictive substances over time. Fentanyl has devastated our region, “tranq” (xylazine) use has escalated, THC potency has transformed cannabis, and poly-substance use is much more common. This program addresses the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and experienced by people in recovery, and we explore community-based efforts, including harm reduction and treatment options.
Embracing the Consequences
As substance use progresses, there may be deeply painful consequences that impact mental or physical health, relationships, financial hardships, or legal matters.
In this program, we explore ways to “embrace the consequences.”
• While punishment is never preferred over treatment, consequencessuch as legal charges may lead to structured programs that ultimately break the cycle of substance use.
• Substance use can cause serious health conditions or mental illness, and medical interventions can be a catalyst for positive change.
• When our loved one’s consequences have devastated us as family members and friends, we can change our path to find our own peace of mind and recovery.
This program was funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug and Alcohol.
Navigating the Maze of Substance Use & Mental Health
On April 11, 2024, we joined with stoAc (Springfield Township Opioid Action Committee) to present Kate Appleman, MA, MBA, LPC, CAADC, CSAT, CCS from Caron Treatment Center. In her presentation, Kate addresses the co-occurrence of mental health challenges and substance use disorders. People addicted to drugs are roughly twice as likely to suffer from mood and anxiety disorders, with the reverse also true. Both mental health and substance use disorders are treatable.
This presentation addressed paths to recovery from co-occurring disorders, which can include integrated approaches and ongoing care.
We were also joined by a person in recovery who shared her personal story.
This program was funded by stoAc (the Springfield Township Opioid Action Committee).
Challenging Stigma: Helping Friends & Families Understand Addiction
On January 9, 2024, we talked with Dr. Sean Fogler, MD, EMBA and Katherine, a family member who shared her personal experience. We had a conversation about:
• why it is that some people become addicted, while others do not
• how to respond when we are concerned about someone’s substance use
• how we can challenge stigma and remove obstacles to seeking treatment and support
• how we find and support recovery as individuals, as families, and as a community
This program was funded by the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission.
Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy (Lic. #004115) is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors to offer continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy (Lic. # PSY000215) is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists. Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy maintains responsibility for the program.
Understanding Relapse Syndrome & the Impact of Specific Substances
This online workshop provided an understanding of relapse syndrome and the benefits of the Advanced Relapse Prevention Therapy model as the primary treatment approach for patients/clients struggling with chronic relapse patterns. The training introduced the process of how relapse occurs, why it tends to happen, what drives patterns of self-sabotage and self-harm, and what takes an individual from a stable place in recovery to their first addictive use of a substance.
We explored how relapse syndrome differs for individuals struggling with Stimulant Use Disorder and Opiate Use Disorder and discussed helpful tips for increasing engagement in the treatment process. This workshop also identified common warning signs and triggers related to relapse syndrome and taught the development of relapse prevention skills to help people intervene on the relapse process prior to the high risk warning signs. All Theories about relapse and relapse prevention therapy in this training were specific to the work of Terrence Gorski.
This workshop was funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol, and presented by Be a Part of the Conversation.
10 Things You Need to Know about Addiction
Drugs, alcohol, gaming, social media, sex/love, spending/shopping, eating, pornography, relationships/codependency, gambling, exercise. These are the substances and behaviors that can derail a life and devastate the people connected to that life.
We’ll look at addiction through a wide-angle lens and explore the spectrum of addiction and its many manifestations.
We will hear from experts who have dedicated their lives to understanding and treating addiction and the families who are impacted. We’ll also hear a personal story that will help us to understand the complexity of behavioral and interactive addictions.
Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.
Lizzy Lopez, LPC
From Heather:
