Products and Resources Catalog

The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by diverse women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Historically, access to treatment for women has been limited, a disparity that persists today. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for gender-specific services.   Topic 3 (Overview Session): Considerations for Male Clinicians Treating Women with SUDs This 30-minute overview session will introduce participants to the emotional, physical, and socioeconomic factors that uniquely impact women during treatment, and especially how these factors relate to considerations for male clinicians treating with women with SUDs.   Learning Objectives This overview session will address the assessment and screening of co-occurring disorders in women with a special focus on the following information: Women’s treatment history and current aspects of women-centered treatment in the United States, with a focus on the Midwest The link between trauma, substance use, and other co-morbidities in women Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches for specific racial/ethnic women in recovery Effective clinical strategies, interventions, and resources that help improve engagement, retention, and completion of treatment programs   Trainer: Tim Devitt, Psy.D., LCPC, CADC, is a clinician, trainer, consultant, researcher and executive leader with a 35+ year commitment to providing recovery-oriented services to individuals, families and organizations. He currently operates a clinical therapy and consultation practice in the Chicago Metropolitan Area with a specialization in integrated mental health and substance use care for adolescents and adults. His past programmatic development work has included leading the integration of mental health and substance use treatment in assertive outreach, residential and center-based outpatient and intensive outpatient programing. Tim has presented nationally and co-authored 20 peer-reviewed articles and a book chapter on the integration of evidence-based practices to best meet the comprehensive needs of people with substance use and mental health conditions. Tim is the proud recipient of the 2022 William White. Lifetime Achievement Award (awarded by the IL Chapter of The National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Addiction Counselors, NAADAC), a member of the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), a lecturer at the University of Chicago, Crown Family School of Social Work, Policy and Practice, a senior adjunct faculty at Adler University (MA in Military Psychology and MA in Applied Psychology), and serves as board member for Serenity Academy of Chicago, a start-up 501(c)(3) organization committed to the formation of alternative peer groups and a recovery high school for youth and families struggling with addiction and Edna’s Circle, a start-up recovery home and comprehensive recovery services program on the Westside of Chicago. The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by diverse women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Historically, access to treatment for women has been limited, a disparity that persists today. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for gender-specific services.   Topic 2 (Overview Session): Assessment  and Screening of Co-occurring Disorders This 30-minute overview session will introduce participants to the emotional, physical, and socioeconomic factors that uniquely impact women during treatment, and especially how these factors relate to the assessment and screening of co-occurring disorders.   Learning Objectives This overview session will address the assessment and screening of co-occurring disorders in women with a special focus on the following information: Women’s treatment history and current aspects of women-centered treatment in the United States, with a focus on the Midwest The link between trauma, substance use, and other co-morbidities in women Trauma-informed and culturally responsive approaches for specific racial/ethnic women in recovery Effective clinical strategies, interventions, and resources that help improve engagement, retention, and completion of treatment programs   Presenter: Carmela J. DeCandia, PsyD Carmela J. DeCandia, PsyD, is a licensed clinical child psychologist who has dedicated her career to advancing best practices and policies to support vulnerable children and families, and to improve the systems which serve them. In practice for nearly 30 years, her primary work focuses on building trauma-informed systems of care. Her specialties include: child and adolescent development, family homelessness,  addressing the impact of traumatic stress, program development and systems change, neurodevelopmental testing and family assessment. A compassionate clinician and effective leader, she is nationally recognized as a writer, advocate, and public speaker. She has led direct service and national agencies including St. Mary’s Women and Children’s Center and The National Center on Family Homelessness. Currently, Dr. DeCandia is the Owner and President of Artemis Associates, LLC where she provides training and consultation to organizations  to enhance resilience for children, families, and their providers. In addition, she maintains a clinical practice in neurodevelopmental and psychological testing of children at Strong Roots Counseling center, and is the Principal Investigator on a NICHD funded project to develop the screening instrument - NEST Early Childhood. Dr. DeCandia has published extensively in academic journals and educational reports, and lectures on lifespan development and psychological testing at Boston College Graduate school in Counseling, Developmental, and Educational Psychology. For her work, she was named the recipient of the 2016 Horace Mann Spirit of Service Award by Antioch University.   The Great Lakes ATTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by diverse women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for gender-specific services.   Session 2: Substance Use Disorder in Women - History, Use, and Treatment Women experience SUD in ways that are distinct from men. Historically, access to treatment for women has been limited, a disparity that persists today. This 2-hour workshop will explore the emotional, physical, and socioeconomic factors that uniquely impact women before, during, and after treatment. Attendees will gain insights into women-specific challenges and considerations for clinicians, behavioral health professionals, peers, law enforcement, and family members.   SESSION LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the history of women’s treatment and current approaches to women-centered care, with a focus on differences compared to treatment for men Identify up to five key emotional and physical experiences that are unique to women with SUD Recognize two common ways in which women with SUD are stigmatized Explore trauma-informed care strategies to enhance quality of care and increase access for female clients Apply evidence-based practices that are particularly effective in women’s treatment setting   TRAINER: Ashley brings a wealth of experience and education across the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors. She has held various leadership roles in behavioral health and excels in project management, task execution, and organizational improvement. As primary consultant of Ashley Ryan Consulting LLC (ARC LLC), Ashley is known for her ability to grasp larger organizational strategies while meticulously delving into the details of processes and procedures to ensure programs meet their missions and comply with all regulatory requirements. ARC LLC is a social service-focused consulting to satisfy your CARF accreditation, organizational development and evaluation, and project management needs. Based in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, Ashley was the executive director at the Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she and her team successfully increased revenue by 40% from 2018 to 2022, growing the budget from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Under her leadership, the organization also achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation in 2021. Ashley is a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant and plans to achieve her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure (LCDC) II by the end of 2024. Ashley as substance use disorder couseling experience at Catholic Charities Matt Talbot and May Dugan, both located in the greater Cleveland area. A part of her master’s degree, Ashley’s capstone project focused on women’s substance use disorder treatment in women and has conducted several trainings based on this research. In addition to her work in behavioral health, Ashley has extensive experience in health and welfare benefit plan compliance and human resources consulting. She has managed HIPAA compliance projects for large corporations nationwide and is credentialed as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). Ashley earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina in August 2022, followed by her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential in February 2023. Ashley also holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial science/mathematics from The Ohio State University     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

  The Take 10! Transforming Care for Women with Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) and their Families series discusses current issues and challenges confronted by diverse women presenting with substance use, SUDs, and who are in recovery. Studies show that when women begin treatment for SUDs, they frequently arrive with more severe medical, behavioral, psychological, and social struggles compared to men. For these reasons, there is a need for gender-specific services. Introductory Session: Substance Use Disorder in Women - History, Use, and Treatment Substance use disorder (SUD) is a biopsychosocial disease that impacts women differently than men. Understanding and implementing gender-specific treatment approaches are crucial for effective care. Historically, women have had less access to treatment, a disparity that continues today. Stigma remains a significant barrier both for women seeking treatment and for providers offering care. This workshop will illuminate the emotional and physical differences women experience compared to men before, during, and after treatment. Additionally, it will address how socioeconomic factors can significantly affect a woman's ability to achieve long-term sobriety. The presentation will highlight common women-specific treatment issues and considerations for clinicians, behavioral health professionals, peers, law enforcement, family members, and other stakeholders.   SESSION LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Understand the history of women’s treatment and current approaches to women-centered care, with a focus on differences compared to treatment for men Identify up to five key emotional and physical experiences that are unique to women with SUD Recognize two common ways in which women with SUD are stigmatized Explore trauma-informed care strategies to enhance quality of care and increase access for female clients Apply evidence-based practices that are particularly effective in women’s treatment settings   TRAINER: Ashley brings a wealth of experience and education across the nonprofit, for-profit, and government sectors. She has held various leadership roles in behavioral health and excels in project management, task execution, and organizational improvement. As primary consultant of Ashley Ryan Consulting LLC (ARC LLC), Ashley is known for her ability to grasp larger organizational strategies while meticulously delving into the details of processes and procedures to ensure programs meet their missions and comply with all regulatory requirements. ARC LLC is a social service-focused consulting to satisfy your CARF accreditation, organizational development and evaluation, and project management needs. Based in Cleveland, Ohio. Previously, Ashley was the executive director at the Women’s Recovery Center (WRC) in Cleveland, Ohio, where she and her team successfully increased revenue by 40% from 2018 to 2022, growing the budget from $700,000 to $1.2 million. Under her leadership, the organization also achieved Commission on Accreditation of Rehabilitation Facilities (CARF) accreditation in 2021. Ashley is a Chemical Dependency Counseling Assistant and plans to achieve her Licensed Chemical Dependency Counselor Licensure (LCDC) II by the end of 2024. Ashley as substance use disorder couseling experience at Catholic Charities Matt Talbot and May Dugan, both located in the greater Cleveland area. A part of her master’s degree, Ashley’s capstone project focused on women’s substance use disorder treatment in women and has conducted several trainings based on this research. In addition to her work in behavioral health, Ashley has extensive experience in health and welfare benefit plan compliance and human resources consulting. She has managed HIPAA compliance projects for large corporations nationwide and is credentialed as a Certified Employee Benefits Specialist (CEBS). Ashley earned her Master of Public Administration (MPA) from the University of North Carolina in August 2022, followed by her Project Management Professional (PMP) credential in February 2023. Ashley also holds a bachelor's degree in actuarial science/mathematics from The Ohio State University     The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

This interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis will be placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and is not required. This training was approved for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

SBIRT is considered an evidence-based practice that uses a preventive public health approach to identify and intervene with persons whose pattern of use puts them at risk for, or are experiencing substance-related health problems, and facilitate referrals to specialty care for persons with a high potential for substance use disorders. Many people who do not meet the criteria of an alcohol or substance use disorder are potentially impacting their health and wellness. SBIRT addresses a person’s risky behavior and as a practice model, can be integrated into health care and behavioral health settings. This course will review validated instruments to screen for substance use, how to provide a brief intervention, essential components of successful facilitation of referrals to specialized care, and billing criteria for qualified professionals. Participant Criteria: This SBIRT 4-hour course met NYS OASAS training requirement for Qualified Health Professionals (i.e., Licensed Social Workers, occupational therapists, physicians, PAs, RNs, licensed psychologists, certified rehabilitation counselors, therapeutic recreation specialists, licensed marriage and family therapists, and licensed mental health counselors), who intend to bill for SBIRT services in their settings. This training was approved for 4 renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and 4 initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses are were reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Various situations and perspectives are considered when helping individuals with substance use disorders, and subjectivity can blur the provision of client care and impact recovery and wellness outcomes. As such, professionals need to integrate ethical principles that are based on courage, empathy, humility, and respect. This three-hour interactive training will review the Canon of Ethical Principles for the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC). Topics include definitions, principles, and questions emerging from challenging situations. Content will further discuss the concept of "do no harm,” confidentiality, self-disclosure and more, as they related to the Canon principles. This training was approved for three renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and three initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

This two-part interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis was placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and was not required. This two-part training was approved for six renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and six initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity

This two-part interactive learning community conversation focuses on the development of groups and the use of groups as a method of intervention. Emphasis was placed on group work vs. case work in a group, and the skills necessary to facilitate groups. Prior group facilitation experience is a plus and was not required. This training was approved for six renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and six initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity.

Stigma of substance use can impede appropriate and preventive care that is critical for older adults and their wellness. Biased perceptions of substance use can often dismiss health related impacts of substance use and impede prevention efforts with the aging community. The webinar will explore how stigma of substance use with older adults underscores the lack of screening and tailored prevention. Content will further inform and educate on age-related challenges that increase substance misuse, medication adherence, and person-centered brief intervention approaches. This training was approved for two renewal hours (CASAC, CPP, CPS) and two initial hours (CPP, CPS) through New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (NYS OASAS). As an IC & RC member board, OASAS accredited courses were granted reciprocal approval by the New Jersey Division of Consumer Affairs, Alcohol and Drug Counselor Committee. Many other states offered reciprocity

This 1.5-hour webinar is intended for mental health professionals who work with individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD) comorbidity. According to research, PTSD and SUDs are extremely prevalent co-occurring disorders, with each diagnosis raising the chance of the other. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) has established six principles of trauma-informed care that are intended to promote a supportive and healing environment for those who have suffered trauma. The presenters will go over these six principles and how to implement them when assisting clients recover. These principles guide the delivery of trauma-informed care, ensuring that services are compassionate, respectful, and successful in meeting the varied needs of trauma survivors. This webinar aims to provide attendees with evidence-based methods and practical tools for facilitating change and promoting recovery in this dual-diagnosis population.   LEARNING OBJECTIVES: Discuss the prevalence and impact of co-occurring PTSD and SUD Understand the six principles of trauma-informed care Implement trauma-informed care in clinical practice     TRAINERS: Mark Sanders, LCSW, CADC, is an international speaker in behavioral health whose presentations have reached thousands throughout the United States, England, Canada, Spain, Lithuania, West Indies and Guam. He is the recipient of five behavioral health lifetime achievement awards including the prestigious NAADAC Enlightenment Award. He is Founder of The Museum of African American Addictions, Treatment and Recovery which is the 2023 winner of the Faces and Voices of Recovery Innovations In Recovery Award. He is the author of 5 books on recovery and had had a 30-year career as a university educator.       Isa Vélez Echevarria, PsyD is a Puerto Rican clinical psychologist. She is the Ohio State Project Manager for the Great Lakes Addiction, Mental Health, and Prevention Technology Transfer Centers managed by the Center for Health Enhancement Systems Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.  During her pre-doctoral internship at Children’s Institute in Los Angeles, CA, she obtained a certification as Interpersonal Psychotherapy Clinician. She was trained in Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Family Therapy. In addition, she provides telehealth services to communities of color in Massachusetts and Puerto Rico. Her clinical work has focused on culturally tailored and trauma-informed services to Latinx communities.       The Great Lakes A/MH/PTTC is offering this training for individuals working in HHS Region 5: IL, IN, MI, MN, OH, WI. This training is being provided in response to a need identified by Region 5 stakeholders.

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. The April 2024 issue spotlights content celebrating National Minority Health Month and Alcohol Awareness Month. It also features links to upcoming trainings focused on supporting Black students experiencing racial trauma, harnessing AI for substance misuse prevention, and process improvement. Make sure you're subscribed to our email contact list so you never miss a month of The Great Lakes Current newsletter, and thank you for reading!  

The New England ATTC, in partnership with RICARES, held the next monthly installment of the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction Reading Group series. We discussed a paper titled, “Hospitalizations for Alcohol and Opioid Use Disorders in Older Adults: Trends, Comorbidities, and Differences by Gender, Race, and Ethnicity,” by Acevedo and colleagues. A summary of the discussion is available for download. Article link: https://journals.sagepub.com/doi/epub/10.1177/11782218221116733 Please find the the meeting summary here: ATTC ReadingGroup 02222024 Summary

The purpose of the listening sessions was to gather information from family members and loved ones of people with substance use challenges to better understand family members’ experiences supporting and seeking support for their loved one who is using substances; to ask what questions family members have about supporting their loved one who is using substances; to ask who or what is providing support for family members; and the unmet needs for support for family members. Version 1 of this report in February 2023, which described the process and findings from the initial round of listening session in 2022. Version 2 of this report describes the process and findings of additional follow up community outreach in 2023 to enhance the first phase of this consultation process: including a new round of listening sessions with family members and loved ones of people who use substances.  This project is in collaboration with the African American Behavioral Health Center of Excellence and National Hispanic and Latino ATTC.

Fetal Alcohol Spectrum Disorder (FASD) is an umbrella term that refers to a wide range of life-long physical, cognitive, and behavioral effects that can occur as a result of prenatal alcohol exposure (PAE).  Additionally, individuals with FASD often struggle with co-occurring substance use and mental health challenges and may benefit from modifications to treatment that take into consideration the cognitive, behavioral and adaptive functioning challenges that are common across the spectrum.  This presentation will provide the attendee with a brief overview of FASD, information regarding assessment and diagnosis, and suggestions for ways to tailor treatment/intervention to support success. Presenter Dr. Joanne Sparrow is a clinical psychologist in private practice currently licensed in Washington and Colorado; she works primarily with adults who present with histories of complex trauma/post-traumatic stress disorder, mood and anxiety disorders, and substance use disorders. View recording Download handouts: Common Messages: Guidelines for Talking and Writing About FASD (CanFASD.ca) Language Guide: Promoting Dignity for Those Impacted by FASD (Canada NW FASD Partnership) FASD: Preferred UK Language Guide (National Organisation for FASD) Life History Screen (Grant T et al. 2013) Moving Towards FASD-Informed Care in Substance Use Treatment (CanFASD.ca) Safety Plan (TherapistAid.com)        

We recognize that the holidays are a difficult time for many. Mid-America ATTC developed a holiday toolkit: How to Thrive During the Holiday Season. It includes tips for people in recovery and for those who support people in recovery, harm reduction techniques for those who want to cut back during the holidays, self-care ideas, LGBTQ+  and recovery resources, and more! Author: Darla Belflower Editors: Bree Sherry, Catie Holmes, and Jenny Ho Other Resources from SAMHSA's Holiday Toolkit  

Trans Awareness Week, observed from November 13—19, is an opportunity to identify and become freshly aware of the unique challenges faced by the transgender community, particularly in relation to substance use disorder. We all have a crucial role to play in understanding and addressing these challenges. Behavioral health professionals, social workers, counselors, and educators play a crucial role in creating a supportive environment for transgender individuals. By recognizing the additional layers of stress and vulnerability they face, professionals can better tailor interventions and support systems that address the underlying issues contributing to substance use. The Central East ATTC is committed to equity and inclusion for ALL. In August, we provided a training titled “Creating Safety: Welcoming Approaches for LGBTQ Clients” for Health and Human Services Region 3 in which we explored how organizations can become safe spaces for LGBTQ clients and their families. To check out a recording and/or slides of that training, click HERE. We have the power and responsibility to shape a more inclusive and empathetic workforce and society. By fostering understanding, compassion, and support, we can work together to create a world where transgender individuals are not compelled to escape their pain through substance use but are empowered to face their challenges with resilience and dignity. Let Trans Awareness Week 2023 be a stepping stone toward a more inclusive, empathetic, and supportive future for us all. To learn more about Trans Awareness Week, check out https://glaad.org/transweek.

Please find the slides and the video for the Substance Use Disorder and the LGBTQ+ Community: Assessing the Impact of Compounded Stigma and Treatment Considerations on October 30 and November 6 from 1 pm - 2:30 (CST). Substance use is a complex issue that affects individuals from all walks of life, including the LGBTQ+ community. Members of this community face unique challenges when seeking help for addiction. Stigma, shame, and a lack of family support can all make it difficult for LGBTQ individuals to access the resources they need to overcome substance use disorders. Additionally, growing anti-LBGTQ legislation can further exacerbate these issues, creating a hostile environment for individuals struggling with addiction.   Session 1: Click here to watch the video Session 2: Click here to watch the video Click the button above to download the slides Objectives: Educate Substance Use Disorder (SUD)  providers on the unique challenges faced by LGBTQ+ individuals with SUD Increase awareness of the compounded stigma and discrimination the LGBTQ+ community may experience Learn to provide effective and culturally competent treatment to the LGBTQ+ population   Presenter Information: Darla Belflower has worked in substance use disorder and behavioral health for over three decades. She started a training and consultation business in 2022. She is a member of The Missouri Behavioral Health Council’s Culture, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) Committee. She is also Vice Chair of the Kansas City Recovery Coalition and is active in the Kansas City Recovery Community. Being in long-term recovery from a substance use disorder inspired her to write her memoir, I Am Not Anonymous. She has also authored two booklets and is writing a workbook on Substance Use Disorder and Trauma that will be released in the spring of 2025. Ms. Belflower is a Clinically Licensed Social Worker in both Missouri and Kansas, a Licensed Addiction Counselor in Kansas, a Certified Reciprocal Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor in Missouri, a Certified Peer Specialist, a Certified Tobacco Treatment Specialist, a Certified Harm Reduction Specialist, and a trainer and educator of Narcan distribution. Darla and her wife live in Kansas City, Missouri, and enjoy spending time with their daughter. She is passionate about teaching and training so that others may learn how to help those most vulnerable individuals she has enjoyed working with. CEUs are pending. Please email Bree at [email protected] for any questions.

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know. Episode 5: Lisa got sober at fifteen, and now, at 34 people often discount her experience.  Lisa has many labels: a person in recovery, a queer lesbian, multi-religious, and a single mom who created her family through international adoption. She continues to work on her recovery daily and is grateful to be sober.    

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know. Bonus Episode: Norma is an 88-year-old woman who entered recovery in her 50’s. As an older lady friends and family have a hard time believing she ever had a drinking problem. She educates her doctors and friends about what alcoholism is.    

National Recovery Month (Recovery Month), which started in 1989, is a national observance held every September to promote and support new evidence-based treatment and recovery practices, the nation’s strong and proud recovery community, and the dedication of service providers and communities who make recovery in all its forms possible. Hosted by the ATTC, and MHTTC Network, in collaboration with SAMHSA, this hour-long event showcases the winners of the 2022 Recovery Innovation Challenge through a “talk-show” format. Hear from four of the ten Challenge Winners who share their innovative strategies for recovery, lessons learned from implementation, and recommendations for replication in other communities. Download the slides by clicking on the green "download" button above.

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know. Episode 4: Jazie is a non-binary person who is coming up on their 2nd sober anniversary. Jazie recognizes the older version of themselves taught them many things and acknowledges that they would not be the best version of themselves without that former self.    

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know. Episode 3: Casey explains that recovery does not have to be abstinence only.  She discusses her thoughts on why she practices abstinence only now, but she may not always. She discusses why she may use substances in spiritual practices or rituals that her culture has used for centuries, and that does not contradict being in recovery. Casey uses her voice to stand up for who she stands on.     

Each person who enters recovery is as unique as their story. And this month, in honor of recovery month, we are bringing you recovery stories from people in diverse populations. Hear what people in these communities want providers to know.   Episode 1: Laura celebrates her recovery and the person she has become as a result. When her daughter was battling her own addiction, this veteran, divorced, gay mom had to advocate to get her daughter's other mom to be recognized in the healthcare setting.  Laura and her ex-partner were the first parents in MO to have a same-sex partner adoption, but even that legal distinction did not stop the discrimination this queer family faced when seeking medical care for their daughter.