

21st Century Teens
Supporting kids in a world of…
• instant gratification • overconsumption • excess • escapism • isolation
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.
“21st Century Teens” Presenters

The Changing Landscape of Substance Use & Addiction
Throughout history, humans have used, misused and become addicted to mood-altering substances. We have seen a dramatic change in the form and potency of substances over time. Today we understand that co-occurring mental health disorders can aggravate substance misuse.
This program addressed the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and people in recovery.
Meet Our Presenters!
Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.


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.
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.
Meet Our Presenters!
Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.



The Changing Landscape of Substance Use & Addiction
Throughout history, humans have used, misused and become addicted to mood-altering substances. We have seen a dramatic change in the form and potency of substances over time. Today we understand that co-occurring mental health disorders can aggravate substance misuse.
This program addressed the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and we explored the newest outpatient and inpatient treatment options. We also discussed recovery housing and heard from someone living in recovery from addiction.
Meet Our Presenters!


Troy Jackson, MSS, LSW
Clinician
Ethos Treatment, LLC


Valerie Cannon, MSW, LSW, ACRPS
Division Director
Mirmont Treatment Center, Main Line Health


Brooke Shockley
House Manager
Sunlight of the Spirit
Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services.


Following Up | May 12, 2020 Online Program
Approximately 10% of Americans over the age of 12 will struggle with addiction. This is not something to fear, but to understand. We learned about risk factors, warning signs, and options for recovery. We also heard from individuals who shared their personal journeys from addiction to recovery.
Meet Our Presenters!


Kim Porter, CFRS
Executive Director
Be a Part of the Conversation


John Becker, LPC, CAADC, CEAP, SAP, CTR
Guardian Recovery Services


Nicole Santangelo