We love being with you in person, but we are also pleased to provide you with recorded programing that can be viewed at your convenience!

Visit our YouTube Channel for all of our videos!

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.

Some Featured Videos

Watch our “Supporting Families Impacted by Addiction” Video

This film was premiered at our 2024 Spring Brunch, our annual fundraising event. We wanted to feature some of our services that support families impacted by addiction, including Parent Partnership meetings and our Family Recovery Course. All are free to attend, as are our community programs.

Learn more about Parent Partnership meetings: https://conversation.zone/partnership
Learn more about the Family Recovery Course: https://conversation.zone/frc/
Find upcoming community programs: https://conversation.zone/calendar
Support these programs and services by donating today! https://conversation.zone/donation/
Sincere thanks to 20/20 Visual Media for their support and creativity! https://www.2020visualmedia.com/

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

Solutions for Anxiety in a Culture of Instant Gratification

It’s human nature for young people to seek opportunities to escape life’s stressors and feelings of anxiety. Social pressures, poor sleep patterns, and the onslaught of technology have contributed to a very challenging time for adolescents and young adults. Given the increased use of medical marijuana, we all need to expand our understanding of cannabis and ask important questions about what works best for anxious or stressed out kids.

Just as adults may be drinking more to cope with these stressful times, adolescents may be using more nicotine and THC products. This program addresses healthy and effective ways kids can manage stress and anxiety – today and for a lifetime.

Guest Speaker: Kara Schwartz, MS 

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

>> Click here to learn more on our website.

This project is made possible through the Bucks County Opioid Settlement Funds.

Funding was also provided by the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.

21st Century Teens

Anyone emotionally invested in a person with a Substance Use Disorder (addiction) is at risk of experiencing trauma. Parents may have lost sight of their own wellbeing in an effort to coax or manage the recovery of their child. The impact on siblings and adult children is also devastating. The stress of seeing someone you love live with the pain of addiction can be traumatic. Emotions including grief, rage, depression, shame and fear can take their toll on family members’ health and relationships. This program explores opportunities for family members to heal, embrace healthy changes, and sustain recovery for themselves.

Presenters included Mary Cosgrove, MS, Family Support Services Coordinator,Mirmont Treatment Center; Lauren Williams MSS, LSW, CTP, CRS, CFRS, Experiential Trauma TherapistPhoenix Trauma Center; and Colleen, a family member who shares her lived experience.

Learn more: https://conversation.zone/families

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

Thank you to the Bucks County Drug & Alcohol Commission for funding this program.

Understanding & Supporting Siblings Impacted by Addiction

Families are dramatically impacted when a member has a substance use disorder (SUD/addiction). While we are getting better at addressing parents’ needs, we sometimes overlook the siblings’ needs and experiences. Quite naturally, siblings may feel resentment and anger, they may desperately want to rescue their addicted sibling, or they may isolate or disconnect … either from the addicted sibling or from the entire family system.

We heard from a professional who works closely with family systems, as well as other family members who shared their personal experiences. This program is relevant to siblings, parents, or anyone seeking understanding about the relationship between siblings when one or more have a substance use disorder.

Thank you to the Chester County Department of Drug & Alcohol Services for funding this program.

Learn more: https://conversation.zone/siblings/

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

Women & Alcohol: Our Cultural Drug of Choice

Alcohol use among women is on the rise. Women who drink have a higher risk of certain alcohol-related problems compared to men. It is important that women be aware of health risks. The pandemic has increased isolation and anxiety, and has created fertile ground for alcohol misuse, aided by the social norms that deceive us into believing it’s okay to drink when we’re stressed.

We had a conversation about:
• why alcohol is innocuous for some women and devastating for others
• how to know when the line has been crossed from moderate to alcoholic drinking
• how to support those we love, seek help when needed, and explore treatment options

This program was funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.

Learn more: https://conversation.zone/alcohol/

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

>> Click here to visit our web page about addictions.

Kevin McCauley, MD: New Perspectives on Addiction & Recovery

Kevin McCauley, MD

Dr. McCauley’s presentation* on October 12, 2023 addressed current neuroscience and public health research about substance use disorders for people in or seeking recovery, their families, friends and co-workers, and public policy professionals. He discussed two important areas of recent discovery: epigenetics (the study of how behaviors and environment can cause changes that affect the way genes work) and psychoneuroimmunology (interactions among behavioral, neural and endocrine, and immune processes). Much of this research validates the lived experiences of people with addiction, and this program helped us to understand those experiences.

*We apologize for the poor quality of the audio! 

>> Click here to watch the recorded program.

>> Click here to visit our web page dedicated to Dr. McCauley.

This program was self-funded by Be a Part of the Conversation. If you would like to support our organization, please click here to donate: https://conversation.zone/donation/

Visit our YouTube Channel for more videos!

Visit our calendar for upcoming programs.

Learn about Parent Partnership meetings.

Learn about our Family Recovery Course.

Your tax-deductible donation will help Be a Part of the Conversation to continue providing free programs and services to families impacted by substance use and addiction.