Trauma and substance use: Supporting youth clients who use substances with compassion

Trauma and substance use: Supporting youth clients who use substances with compassion

Presented by SickKids CCMH Learning Institute

Date: July 10, 2024
Time: 1 to 4 p.m. ET
Facilitator: Leora Rich, MSW, RSW

Description:
Substance use poses multifaceted challenges and often co-exists with experiences of trauma. Did you know:

• Young people aged 15 to 24 are more likely to experience mental illness and/or substance use disorders than any other age group.
• People with a mental illness diagnosis/psychiatric diagnosis are twice as likely to have a substance use disorder compared to the general population. At least 20% of people with a mental illness diagnosis/psychiatric diagnosis have a co-occurring substance use disorder.

(Source: CAMH – Mental Illness and Addiction: Facts and Statistics)

This training will focus on supporting youth clients who have experienced trauma and substance use with compassion. We will begin by reviewing general and foundational information on substance use. This will include terminology, understanding internal biases and a review of the different drug classifications.

We will explore the principles of harm reduction and trauma-informed care strategies for youth clients who use substances will be provided. This training consists of a blend of theory, frameworks, therapeutic techniques, and practical application for use with clients.

Learning objectives:

• Understand the risks and reasons why individuals use substances 
• Explore the connection between managing trauma symptoms and substance use
• Build introductory knowledge of the impact of trauma on the body
• Learn trauma-informed application of harm reduction principles
• Build knowledge of terminology, types of substances, risks, and vulnerabilities for developing challenges with substance use

Registration fee: General - $150 | Student - $135

For full program overview and registration details please visit: https://cvent.me/Ymb1zq

Facilitator Bio:
Leora Rich, MSW, RSW is a clinical social worker currently working in private practice. Leora has experience providing therapy and support to youth and their families through direct treatment, therapy, program evaluation and program development. She has worked within different community mental health and hospital settings across the GTA and has supported many justice-involved youth.

In her previous role as clinical manager at East Metro Youth Services, Leora provided training nationally to interdisciplinary service providers on the subject of gender-based violence and human trafficking.

Leora is passionate about working with youth who are experiencing challenges with their substance use. She is dedicated to increasing capacity for service providers to best support youth struggling with concurrent disorders. With a strong commitment to providing trauma-informed care, she enjoys educating other service providers in this model of care.

Leora is committed to continuous learning and engaging in discussions about health equity, anti-racism and trauma-informed care.

Continuing Education (CE) information: 3 CE hours