PRESENTER

Sasha Lambert, Ph.D.

OBJECTIVES:

Describe the behavioral and neurobiological effects of substance use on the developing brain, including actions at the synapse and on major neurotransmitter systems.

Identify substances commonly used by children and adolescents and the warning signs of problematic use for parents and treatment providers.

Differentiate developmentally normative substance use from substance use disorders likely to persist into adulthood.

Evaluate evidence-based prevention and treatment approaches for youth substance use, including common myths and ineffective interventions.

AGENDA:

8:00 a.m. – 8:30 a.m.  –  Registration

8:30 a.m. – 10:00 a.m.

Define substance use, misuse, and substance use disorder in youth, including DSM-5-TR criteria, functional impairment, and key differences between adolescent and adult presentations

Examination of the adolescent brain on drugs, including reward circuitry, dopamine and other neurotransmitter actions at the synapse, and the mismatch between limbic and prefrontal development

Review of substances currently used by youth (e.g., alcohol, nicotine vapes and pouches, high-potency cannabis, prescription misuse, and counterfeit pills containing fentanyl) and signs and symptoms for parents and providers

10:00 a.m. – 10:15 a.m. – Break

10:00 a.m. – 12:45 p.m.

Differential diagnosis, distinguishing attachment disorders from oppositional defiant and conduct disorders, autism Discuss substance use across the lifespan, including what is developmentally “normal,” the potential spontaneous decline in use as the brain matures, and myths and facts about gateway drugs

Identification of youth at risk for persistent disorders, including early onset, family history, co-occurring conditions, and validated screening tools

Review of how we best help, including family-based, behavioral, and medication-assisted approaches, as well as approaches that don’t work

12:45 p.m. – Adjournment

CE APPROVALS:

Psychologists – Professional Training Resources, Inc.  is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for Psychologists.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content.

Licensed Professional Counselors – Professional Training Resources, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an approved Continuing Education Provider, ACEP No. 5829.  Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified.  Professional Training Resources, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the programs.

Social Workers – This program has been approved for 4 clinical continuing education contact hours by the National Association of Social Workers, Louisiana Chapter, and may be applied toward the continuing education requirements for licensure renewal.

Substance Abuse Counselors  – approved by the Addictive Disorder Regulatory Authority for 4 clock hours.

NASP – Professional Training Resources is approved by the National Association of School Psychologists to offer continuing education for school psychologists.  Professional Training Resources maintains responsibility for the program.

Other Professions – may seek apply for education credits through their respective boards.  Everyone in attendance will receive a certificate of attendance for 4 clock hours.