Conference at Western Connecticut State University on Epidemic of Addiction in Young People

BETHLEHEM, Conn., Oct. 15, 2013 /PRNewswire/ -- On Friday, November 1, 2013, several noteworthy speakers will address aspects of evidence-based care from risk assessment, family therapy, proper use of medication for young people in early recovery and engaging hard to reach adolescents at Western Connecticut State University in Danbury starting at 7:30am.

Keynote speaker Alan Schwarz, a Pulitzer nominated New York Times writer, will speak on "Innovations in Addiction with Young People: What Works and Why". Mr. Schwarz will present overwhelming evidence of a disturbing national trend towards the use of prescribed amphetamines as a means to obtain unreasonable academic and other goals, even by young people who would not be at risk for illegal drug use. He has spurred the national dialogue about the over prescription of amphetamines and the deadly consequences since 2012.

Additional speakers include, Tian Dayton Ph.D., renowned trainer, author and pioneer of experiential therapies.  Connecticut based master therapist, author and teacher Pat Dechello Ph.D. will also provide keynote addresses focused on evidence-based care for young people.

"We have organized this conference to spotlight the epidemic of addiction in today's youth as well as to present positive and sustainable paths to prevention and treatment," said Jamison Monroe Jr., CEO of Newport Academy, the primary sponsor of the November 1 event.  "As a society, we have decided it's too costly to modify a child's environment to create both a healthy and reasonable environment for sustainable learning and growth. Instead, we increase pressure on them for external success and then medicate them when they show signs of distress or can't keep up," said Jamison.

Newport Academy is opening an adolescent treatment facility in Bethlehem, Connecticut this November to broaden the successful impact of its California based residential programs. The Newport Academy treatment philosophy is based in care that identifies and treats the underlying problems that teens and young adults suffering from mental health, addiction and other destructive behaviors experience.  

The conference will teach counselors, social workers, physicians and affiliated health professionals 'how to' help teens and young adults heal through a trust based, family focused treatment model.

"I'm thrilled to help bring this conference to Western Connecticut State University as part of our mission to provide prevention and early intervention services to our student community and share what works with our colleagues," said Sharon Guck, MPH, Coordinator Substance Abuse Prevention Services WCSU, one of the co-sponsors of the event.

Additional co-sponsors include: the Western Connecticut Health Network and Turning Point, a treatment and extended care program for young adult men in New Haven and Hamden, Connecticut.

"This conference will address so many of the most difficult clinical issues with teens and young adults and provide real skills that will also help clinicians and programs build their evidence based services," said Liz Jorgensen, consultant to Newport Academy and planner of the conference. "As we know, the ACA will allow for a dramatic increase in third party payments for psychiatric and substance abuse programs and services, but only evidence-based services will be eligible. We are choosing to share this information with our colleagues and all who are interested in improving the quality and outcome of their care," Liz said.

"Evidence-based treatment is not only the smart business decision to make now in planning services, but it also leads to more compassionate and effective care for young people and their families," Jamison continued. "It is an honor we can share Newport Academy's philosophy with as many colleagues as we can to make a collective difference."

Join Newport Academy, Western Connecticut State University, Western Connecticut Health Network and Turning Point on November 1, 2013 at 7:30 am- 4:30 pm at the Westside Campus of WCSU.

Cost for the workshop is $120 including lunch and materials with 7 CEUs through NASW, ACA and 6.5 CMEs for physicians.

About Newport Academy

Newport Academy is the nation's leading treatment center for teens and young adults. Newport Academy is dedicated to providing comprehensive, gender-specific, integrated treatment programs for males and females in an environment of caring and compassion by which teens and their families may recover from mental health, behavioral health and substance abuse issues.

More information can be found online here.

Contact:

Nicolle Gallo, [email protected] or (609) 915-6078

SOURCE Newport Academy