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CFC#12020
CFC#12020
February 9 - 15, 2025
Join this international awareness campaign and shine a light on the hidden pain and suffering of vulnerable kids and teens impacted by the disease of addiction in their families. While some children can find a supportive adult who helps protect them from the worst, others suffer in isolation. They often believe it is their fault, and they are responsible to “fix” the person and save their families. All children deserve the hope and healing that can transform their lives.
During COA Awareness Week we can work together to educate children and families and empower the caring adults who want to help them.
Together, we can make a difference that can last a lifetime!
Through film and song, Henry Maybury introduces his older brother and Sally Maybury’s son ‘Tom Maybury’ – a young, sporty, talented man who simply stumbled in life, falling into a depression which led to his mental health suffering and development of an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Henry and Sally will share a passionate account of Tom’s life, their experiences while he was alive and since his passing, and how an expression through the arts has helped with acceptance and grief.
View the Film Trailer here>>
Listen to Henry’s song ‘Every Night & Day’ in memory of his brother Tom>>
**Henry’s documentary ”Wish You Could Have Stayed” will launch on the NACoA website February 22, 2025 in recognition of the anniversary of Tom’s passing.**
Children are often the first ones hurt and the last ones helped when substance use is impacting the family. During this webinar, we will explore how teenagers are impacted, learn tools to help them cope, and important messages for teenagers to hear. Participants can learn new tools to help families change the family legacy and discover recovery together.
The development of a young child is profoundly influenced by experience. Experiences shape the organization of the brain, which, in turn, influences the emotional, social, cognitive and physiological activities. Insights into this process come from understanding brain development. When our experiences are predictable, moderate and controllable, our brains become stronger, more flexible and develop in ways that make them open for taking in new and novel information. However, if a child’s experiences are frequently uncontrollable, unpredictable, chronic or extreme, the very same neuroplasticity results in changes in the stress-response systems that make them more active, reactive and, over time, highly vulnerable. This session will provide an overview of key principles of neurodevelopment crucial for understanding the role of experience in defining functional and physical organization of the brain. This information will inform further discussion of the educational implications related to a neurodevelopmental approach to child maltreatment and suggest new directions for educational approaches.
NACoA is excited to announce its partnership with the IAMME app, bringing it to the United States to help teens and families through its online education and support. This session will discuss helping teens, young adults, and children of all ages who would benefit from a greater understanding about themselves in order to become active participants in their own wellbeing journey. COAs spend most of their time on high alert and in the fight, flight, or frozen state. They often lack a role model who can help regulate emotions and move with more ease. This App has proven its ability in the UK to help increase their comfort in identifying and managing their emotions and learning how they can build a stronger relationship with themselves.
One of the most supportive resources for children impacted by addiction in the family is the Seven Cs, outlining the healthy boundaries for children. It tells children that they didn’t cause, can’t control, and can’t cure the addiction affecting their families. It continues to provide important guidance to help themselves. This essential resource is available now to children in different languages to truly help support more children around the world. Find these translations in our International Materials.
Consider sharing these with families and other caring adults in the community during COA Awareness Week, and all year long!
