The Global Exchange Conference is an international conference dedicated to professionals who want to elevate their knowledge regarding therapeutic practices, treatment models, and the latest mental health, addiction, and wellness innovations. NACoA Chair Chris Yadron was scheduled to present: “First Hurt But Last Helped: An Inclusive Model for Helping Children in Families with Addiction.” Due to travel complications, NACoA Sr Clinical Advisor Jerry Moe gave the presentation, and emphasized important points such as:

• Kids don’t care about what you know, until they know how much your care.
• If you can only read one book on this important issue, read NACoA Co-Founder Dr. Claudia Black’s book “It Will Never Happen to Me,” recently updated.
• Every child deserves to have the 7Cs. We need to do more than tell them what not to do when they are frightened because of the impact of addiction on the family. We must show them what they can do!

Further, Jerry discussed some of the important methods to work with kids, and provided examples of exercises that are part of the Children’s Program Kit for those who wish to create programs that can provide help and healing for children in grades K-12 impacted by the disease of addiction in their families to help them heal.

January 9th – 11th, 2024

Many communities really struggled with how to best provide family programs during the pandemic. Coupled with staffing changes, some agencies have needed some time to resume regular routine and ensure that they have the capacity to offer family programming. NACoA has received many requests to train additional staff for existing programs to strengthen teams as they prepare to provide Celebrating Families! again in the new year. To help support sites, we will provide an online training for new group leaders for sites who have already been trained.

Cost per person $550. Price does not include curriculum, which will be needed throughout the training.

For more information and to register>>

The World Health Organization recommends banning all forms of e-cigarette advertising, promotion, and sponsorship. Exposure to e-cigarette advertising with kids can modify perceptions of harmfulness and addictiveness, reducing risk perceptions and stimulate curiosity, increasing susceptibility to use. Despite advertising restrictions in place in all four countries involved in this study – Australia, China, India, and the United Kingdom (UK) – most young people reported being exposed to e-cigarette advertising, with an average of five media types. Social media and advertising on/around vape shops and other retailers appear to be key exposure locations.

Read the study here>>

It is important to explore the full spectrum of options for pain management with our children, especially for children already highly vulnerable to developing addiction. We need to educate adults making medical decisions for these children about how to navigate conversations with practitioners and pediatricians to manage pain today while reducing the risk of developing addiction later in life. “The study by scientists at St George’s, University of London, and the University of Liverpool, found that children and young adults under 25 who have chronic pain were 29% more likely to have a mental illness in adulthood. However, those who had chronic pain and were also given a prescription painkiller were 46% more likely to have a mental illness in adult life and had an 82% higher risk of substance misuse.”

Learn more>>

Learn more about how to safeguard addictive medications when needed in your home>> 

An Eluna Community Conversation: Tues, December 5th 2 – 3 pm ET

For children whose parent or a close loved one passes because of addiction, the support provided can be lacking.  These deaths are often treated differently than when cancer or a heart attack steals the life of a parent. With addiction, the death often isn’t talked about, or may be done with great anger/blame/resentment. Many times meals and flowers aren’t provided to support the family. Friends and family may not visit the home, and sometimes children are removed from the home altogether. This webinar aims broaden understanding about the ripple effects of substance use disorder, address stigma associated with substance use disorder and overdose loss, and share strategies to support youth carrying this loss and connect them to communities of support.

Learn more or to register>> 

COA Awareness Week honors the struggle of children dealing with the disease of addiction in their families, and empowers caring adults who want to help them. Mark your calendars to take part and help raise awareness. Look for upcoming details about the webinars we’ll be hosting during the week. We’ll also have materials available to share in your community to begin to stop the hurt and help these kids and teens embrace recovery.

Why support NACoA this Giving Tuesday? Your contribution is not only a donation. It is part of the ongoing solution. Partner with NACoA to strengthen our voice and help provide the healing these kids and teens deserve.

NACoA is blessed with the generosity of a match for donations received. Your donation can double the impact this Giving Tuesday!

Don’t want to wait? You can make an early Giving Tuesday gift today!