Building Bridges, Not Barriers

This course will help attendees understand how bias, assumptions and stigma associated with mental health and diseases can be detrimental to providing care and consideration for the vulnerable. We will walk through practical examples of bridge building versus barrier building, so that attendees can take a fresh look at their unique approaches to problem solving techniques that offer care and support.

Participants will be able to: (1) Align on our understanding of common concepts and definitions, (2.) Understand how some of these key concepts (bias, stigma, discrimination) can easily cloud judgement and perspective, (3) Reflect on their current behaviors to identify improvement opportunities, and (4) Have a clear action plan for how to apply these concepts to their daily lives.

Kristina Bell uses her expertise in communication, her love for interpersonal engagement and her knowledge of diversity, equity & inclusion to create engaging learning sessions that leave attendees with tangible actions to support their personal and professional experiences. Kristina has a 17-year career in fast-paced, high-engagement corporate functions, in a variety of roles from Internal Communication and Digital Marketing to Human Resources. She’s currently Senior Director, Employee Experience & Diversity at Bullhorn where her primary responsibility is ensuring every employee has a sense of belonging, a voice that is heard, and a clear path for success.

Conference

Workshops

The Intersection of Autism and Substance Use and Misuse

Linda M. Raffaele Mendez, PhD

Fairleigh Dickinson University

The past few years have seen an increase in first-person accounts of the lived experiences of individuals with autism who do not have a comorbid intellectual disability. These narratives have provided the opportunity to gain greater insight into the day-to-day experiences of autistic adolescents and adults with lower support needs. Although substance use is relatively uncommon among autistic people with higher support needs, it is not uncommon among those with lower support needs. Substances like marijuana and alcohol are used by some autistic people to "mask," to manage anxiety or depression, and/or to cope with stress, overwhelm, and/or overthinking. The purpose of this presentation is provide participants with an understanding of the use and misuse of substances, primarily alcohol and marijuana, among autistic individuals. It is expected that participants will expand their knowledge on the challenges faced by individuals with ASD, what the extant literature shows about how substances may be used to cope challenges with these challenges, and how clinicians can assist individuals with ASD to manage these challenges in healthy ways.

Participants will be able to: (1) understand how recent first-person accounts of autism have increased understanding of the day-to-day experiences of autistic individuals with lower support needs. (2) describe common challenges faced by autistic individuals and how substances like marijuana or alcohol may be used to cope with these challenges. (3) review the research on substance misuse among autistic individuals to become aware of the scope of the problem and how these numbers of have changed over time. (4) understand substance use and misuse at among autistic individuals at a more granular level through the presentation of two case studies. (5) use what is known about the autistic experience to develop strategies to assist autistic individuals to make healthy lifestyle choices.

Enhancing Care with Harm Reduction Approaches

Timothy Ryan, MSW, CPRS

New Jersey Prevention Network

A harm reduction approach is especially important for people with substance use disorders because it focuses on minimizing the negative consequences associated with drug use rather than solely emphasizing abstinence. Examples of those negative consequences are fatal overdoses and the transmission of infectious diseases. Harm reduction recognizes the humanity of individuals with substance use disorders and aims to improve their overall well-being and quality of life while acknowledging that recovery is a process that looks different for everyone

Participants will: (1) define harm reduction (2) identify evidence based harm reduction practices and (3) identify the impact of bias.

What's new for 2024: Drug Trends Encountered by Law Enforcement

Detective Sergeant Frank Gallucci

Bergen County Prosecutor's Office - Narcotic Task Force

This presentation educates about the latest developments and information regarding substances encountered by Law Enforcement, especially those seen in Bergen County. Special attention will be paid to Xylazine ("Tranq") and its emerging impact. Participants will receive a practical, real-world education on current and emerging drug trends.

Participants will be able to: (1) identify current drug trends including specific substances being misused and (2) explain the effects, risk, and other information about commonly used substances.

Professional Development: This program will provide 6 professional development hours for teachers/school staff. Provider Registration Number 1409.

TCADR usually applies for continuing education from the Certification Board for Licensing and Certification Renewal LCADC, CADC, MFT, MFT- Permit, LPC, LAC LRC, and re-certification for all certifications issued by the Certification Board of New Jersey as well as NASW-NJ.

NJ4S- Bergen Hub

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Programs for Parents and Families

We offer programs that help parents and families connect in a safe and fun way.

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Looking for help

We offer recovery support services for individuals who misuse substances and those who love them.