Products and Resources Catalog

The Great Lakes Current is the e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.   The September 2023 issue honors National Recovery Month, National Hispanic Heritage Month, Addiction Professionals Appreciation Day (September 20), and the 10th anniversary of the ATTC/NIATx Service Improvement Blog! As always, you will also find links to all upcoming events and trainings hosted by the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC!      

  Webinar Description This training will reviewed how Opioid Use Disorder (OUD) is diagnosed and its associated effects on the body and long-term impacts on opioid users. Discussion included a review of cognitive impairment, compulsivity factors, risk factors, and physical dependence for OUD, which may have implications for screening and treatment. The stigma associated with opioid use and prevention strategies were also covered.   Presenter Diana Padilla, MCPC, CARC, CASAC-T, is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC), and a member of the ASAP-NYCB Trainer Registry. As a cultural agent, Ms. Padilla promotes an equity lens in trainings for engaging diverse communities in need, aligning with evidence and strength-based strategies within behavioral health, addiction, prevention, and recovery supports fields and professional capacities.    Additional Resources  Flyer  PowerPoint Supplemental Resource 

/*-->*/ /*--> Women’s use and misuse of substances create unique challenges, especially in treatment and recovery from opioids. Medical research on substance use by women, along with other health-related concerns, is largely lacking, especially research specific to women and their physiological differences and tolerance of substances to that of men.

Many Paths, One Objective: Recovery Demetrie Garner, CPRS, Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD, and Maurice Harrison-El September 29, 2022, 2:00pm-3:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Recovery Month seeks to promote and support innovative treatments and practices while celebrating individuals in recovery and the dedication of service providers and community members across the country who make recovery obtainable for all who need it the most. While there are many intricate paths for individuals to gain long-term recovery, the peer perspective, treatment options, spirituality, and community support are parts of the "village approach" to sustain freedom from substance use. Is this enough? Underrepresented communities have long been affected by the lack of social support and resources. A holistic approach helps meet an individual's social, physical, emotional, mental, and spiritual needs. This webinar will examine the scope of peers' roles and how they execute a holistic approach within their communities. We will unpack the barriers peers have while working with marginalized and vulnerable communities and the actions taken to ensure equitable treatment to the clients they serve. This webinar will also explore the techniques used by peers to address the ever-evolving needs of communities. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss 2-3 SAMHSA's guiding principles of recovery and their connection to individuals, families, and communities. Define the role of peers and examine their contribution to the holistic approach to recovery. Explore the barriers of social determinants of health and the challenges clients face seeking recovery. Give examples of how partnerships are formulated to ensure healthier individuals and communities. PRESENTERS Demetrie Garner, CPRS, as a Peer Recovery Specialist, has been presented with the unique opportunity of working in the largest Emergency Department in the state of Maryland. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. Having the experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the experience needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective in recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. After 21 years since Demetrie decided to drop out of high school in the 11th grade, education seemed to become more important to obtain. If he wants to help individuals who look like himself and suffer from trauma and active addiction, then higher education has to be pursued. While at the University of Maryland at Baltimore County, currently a sophomore, Demetrie’s interest in studies is in the social science of public health. Future involvement with research is being pursued with patients that have wait times in emergency rooms with substance use disorders. Previous research this past semester has examined minorities  hesitancy to receive Covid vaccinations. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program Spring of 2022.   Lisa Connors, LCPC, NCC, MAC, ABD is an Associate Pastor at In His Image International Ministry, Inc. She is a Licensed Bachelor Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor, National Certified Counselor, Board-Certified Coach, Master Addiction Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, and Certified Grief Counseling Specialist. Ms. Connors is Certified in Thanatology [the study of death, dying, and bereavement]. She has been in the human services/social work/counseling fields for 30 years and has worked in a variety of settings providing services to the despondent and downtrodden. Ms. Connors works tirelessly to help others reach their fullest potential in life, supporting and empowering those who have been oppressed, stigmatized, marginalized, and victimized. Her greatest passion is working with, serving, and providing training related to individuals affected by HIV/AIDS, substance use and mental health disorders, violence/abuse/trauma, grief and loss, racial and social injustices. Ms. Connors is a mental health therapist providing services to individuals who have co-occurring issues. In addition to her pastoral and clinical work, Ms. Connors is a college professor. She has taught at the University of Maryland and is currently teaching at Anne Arundel Community College in Maryland. Like many women of color, Ms. Connors has experienced various forms of oppression. Ms. Connors earned her Bachelor of Social Work, Master of Divinity, Master of Arts in Professional Counseling degrees, respectively, and is a Doctoral Candidate completing her Ph.D. in Psychology. Maurice Harrison-El is the Behavioral Health Program Coordinator for MedStar Health Baltimore Regional Hospitals. He is also a certified Trainer-of-Trainer for the Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery (CCAR) with a concentrated domain in Ethics Reconsideration and Basic Coaching. As a certified Peer Specialist and Peer Supervisor his leadership in the field has managed multiple Peer Coaches in obtaining their Specialist Certification. As Program Coordinator for MedStar Behavioral Health he is also a direct supervisor for the Hepatitis C micro-elimination virus program. In 1979 Maurice began experimenting with drugs and alcohol that lead to 30 years of active addiction. With multiple incarcerations and in-patient treatment, he has an extensive knowledge of institutional programs. Through a multi-faceted approach to recovery, he has decided to give back to the community of substance use disorders by first working as a Peer Recovery Coach for 5 years. Seeing his contribution to the Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment program (SBIRT) MedStar developed a role as Regional Coordinator to supervise and instruct best evidence-based approaches to substance use disorders throughout MedStar’s four Baltimore Hospitals. He tirelessly works with Peer Coaches to ensure that all tools to engage in motivational interviewing are at their disposal. As a liaison between emergency care and patient placement he has developed an extensive resource of inpatient, outpatient, and maintenance assisted programs throughout the Baltimore region. In addition to his career at MedStar he is a family-oriented person that sees the important value of men being present in the family dynamic. He believes that the structure of our youth will enable them to seek internal satisfaction with oneself instead of external validation with gangs and drugs.    

The Intersection of Prevention and Recovery: Making the Connection September 7, 2022   Webinar Overview and Objectives There is frequent discussion in the field of behavioral health of the existence and problems associated with the siloing of services and its negative impact. This webinar will explore the many connections between prevention and recovery. Participants will explore opportunities for collaboration and mutual support and benefit. By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to: List common terms used in prevention and recovery Describe the intersection between prevention and recovery approaches Identify specific ways in which prevention and recovery practitioners can better support one another   Presenter: Sandra Puerini Del Sesto, M.Ed, CPSS, is a consultant and master trainer in behavioral health and strategic planning for non-profits and has worked in prevention for over 40 years. In addition, she was the founding director of the Institute for Addiction Recovery at Rhode Island College. Sandra is a member of the advisory boards of the New England Prevention Technology Transfer Center (PTTC), the National Latino PTTC, the PTTC-NCO (National Coordinating Office) and the New England School of Addiction Studies. Sandra serves as the RI delegate to and the former Prevention Committee Co-Chair of the International Certification and Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC), which certifies professionals working in behavioral health. Sandra is a co-author of the SAMHSA's Substance Abuse Prevention Skills Training (SAPST) and its basic and advanced Ethics in Prevention courses as well as many other face-to-face and online courses in prevention.     Webinar Session Materials Recording for The Intersection of Prevention and Recovery: Making the Connection Slide Deck for The Intersection of Prevention and Recovery: Making the Connection (PDF)   Additional Resources  Words Matter- Terms to Use and Avoid When Talking About Addiction (PDF) Is it Time for Person-first Language in Addiction Treatment? William White and Alisha White (PDF) Recovery Capital (PDF)     Questions? Contact Britany Wiele ([email protected]) if you have additional questions about the content related to this webinar.

Webinar Description Medications for Opioid Use Disorders (MOUD) are recommended for individuals with an opioid use disorder, including pregnant women. While facilitating pathways to recovery for the person with an opioid use disorder (OUD) is appropriate, it is important to consider and address the severe effects OUD has on family relationships and functioning. Children are especially vulnerable and are at an increased risk of trauma, academic challenges, or child neglect, which can disrupt healthy development. This interactive webinar will define opioid use disorder (OUD), review adverse effects of opioid use on family dynamics, and review behavioral and developmental concerns for children, including neonatal abstinence syndrome (NAS). The content will also discuss medications recommended to treat OUD and inform on approaches to support healthy recovery for children and family wellness. Presenter Diana Padilla is a Research Project Manager at New York State Psychiatric Institute, Columbia University Medical Center. She is a senior staff trainer for the Northeast & Caribbean Addiction Transfer Technology Center Network (NeC-ATTC) and provides training and technical assistance on implementation of Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT), and Equity & Inclusion capacity building opportunities. Powerpoint  Handout

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 2: What Prevention Professionals and Others Can Do Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner May 10, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will review strategies for addressing and preventing stigma against people at risk for substance misuse, substance use disorders, and consequences of substance use. It will discuss strategies at multiple levels: 1) peers and individuals; 2) within prevention organizations; 3) among collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum; 4) throughout the community at-large; and 5) in society as a whole. Each of these strategy levels will be examined from the perspectives of both academic research and lived experiences. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Discuss strategies to overcome stigma working as a peer with substance use clients Review strategies to avoid stigma within prevention organizations Explain how prevention can work with collaborative partners and across the behavioral health continuum to address stigma Explore opportunities to address stigma in the community and across society PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Demetrie Garner, is a Peer Recovery Specialist at the Emergency Department. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans, and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. The experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the expertise needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective on recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend the UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program in spring of 2022 after obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.  

Stigma and Substance Use Prevention Part 1: The Impacts of Stigma Josh Esrick, MPP, and Demetrie Garner May 4, 2022, 1:00pm-2:30pm EST COURSE DESCRIPTION This webinar will provide a broad overview of stigma and the importance of addressing it through what the research tells us and what is known through lived experience. The webinar will define stigma and explain how it can manifest in various substance use prevention settings and on the road to recovery. It will address the similarities and differences between public-, self-, and institutional-stigma and the role of both intentional and inadvertent stigma. The webinar will also discuss how stigma impacts substance use prevention outcomes and our ability to recovery. Additionally, it will explain why prevention professionals, other stakeholders, and the community-at-large need to address stigma. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define stigma conceptually and from a recovered person’s perspective Review the various forms of stigma and their effects on our ability to recover Discuss the impact of stigma on prevention outcomes Explain stigma’s ongoing impact on the road to recovery PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Demetrie Garner, is a Peer Recovery Specialist at the Emergency Department. This has given him the vantage point to encounter minority disparities. A lack of health communication targeted to African-Americans, and other minorities help further this disparity. As a Peer Recovery Specialist, the visible cracks of systemic inadequacies in health care and its access garners attention and policy changes in patients with substance use disorders. The experience in active addiction abusing opiates, cocaine, and alcohol for 26 years with countless relapses fostered the expertise needed to help others in active addiction. Finding recovery over the last 2 and 1/2 years while working in the recovery field has given Demetrie a unique perspective on recidivism and retention throughout the process of recovery. With the help of the God of his understanding (Jesus Christ), Narcotics Anonymous, and healthy relationships, the pathway of a daily reprieve from active addiction is now possible. Continuous work through pastoral licensed counseling has unlocked the acceptance of childhood molestation and recovery from trauma. Demetrie is currently a Pre-McNair Scholar with ambitions to attend the UMBC School of Public Policy M.P.P Program in spring of 2022 after obtaining his Bachelor’s degree in Public Health.  

Recovery & Resiliency with Real Students (HHS Region 1) Brought to you by the New England PTTC and SAMHSA Region 1   This webinar is one of the New England PTTC's prevention trainings (recorded October 20, 2021). No continuing education is available. Contact us if you have any questions.   Course Summary: Listen to hear student testimony and learn how commitment, collaboration, and compassion, work together to make recovery possible with welcoming remarks from SAMHSA’s Office of the Assistant Secretary, Office of Recovery. SAMHSA would like to highlight the successes of recovery high schools in MA while addressing the barriers communities sometimes face during implementation and emphasizing the importance of cross-sector collaboration. This is also an opportunity to share those best practices with neighboring states and community leaders.   Link to view the recorded webinar (recorded on October 20, 2021). No continuing education is available. 

Bridging the Gap Between Prevention and Recovery Josh Esrick, MPP, and Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip January 20, 2021, 1-2:30 PM EST COURSE DESCRIPTION Behavioral health services exist along a continuum, from mental health promotion and substance use prevention to treatment through to recovery support. The behavioral health continuum of care framework is both an organizing principle and a way of identifying opportunities for collaboration across service providers. One such opportunity may exist between substance use prevention providers and recovery support service providers. Although they are serving different populations, both seek to address risk and protective factors for substance use and there can be overlap between prevention and relapse prevention. This webinar will examine this potential overlap and discuss opportunities for collaboration that may exist between prevention and recovery support services. LEARNING OBJECTIVES Explain the behavioral health continuum of care Discuss the principles of recovery support services Identify the similarities and differences between prevention and recovery Explore potential opportunities for collaboration PRESENTERS Josh Esrick, MPP is a Senior Policy Analyst with Carnevale Associates. Josh has extensive experience in substance use prevention; researching, writing, and presenting on best practice and knowledge development publications, briefs, and reference guides; and developing and providing T/TA to numerous organizations. He developed numerous SAMHSA Center for the Application of Prevention Technologies’ (CAPT) products on strategies to prevent opioid misuse and overdose, risk and protective factors for substance use, youth substance use prevention strategies, youth substance use trends, emerging substance use trends, the potential regulations surrounding marijuana legalization, as well as numerous other topics. Emily Patton, MSc, PgDip holds a Masters of Science in Abnormal and Clinical Psychology from Swansea University and a Postgraduate Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from the University of Edinburgh. She offers significant professional experience in the fields of public policy development and analysis, criminal justice research, data collection and analysis, program development, and performance management.               

Monthly electronic newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. November 2020 issues features Native American Heritage Month, Veterans Day, and new resources including Stigma Basics, Counselor's Corner, and Telehealth Services for Mental Health infographic.  

During the month of September, we are excited to celebrate National Recovery Month, dedicated to those who are in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders. This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections”. We would like to honor everyone currently in recovery, thank all the allies who stand by those of us in recovery and encourage anyone considering recovery. Together, we can do it! Disponible en Español Durante el mes de septiembre celebramos el Mes Nacional de Recuperación. El tema del Mes de la Recuperación de este año es: "Únase a las voces para la recuperación: celebrando las conexiones". Nos gustaría honrar a todas las personas que se encuentran en recuperación, agradecer a todos los aliados que están a nuestro lado en la recuperación y animar a cualquier persona que esté considerando comenzar su recuperación. ¡Juntos, lo podemos lograr! Disponible en Portugués Durante o mês de setembro, estamos animados para celebrar o Mês Nacional da Recuperação. O tema do Mês de Recuperação deste ano, “Junte-se às Vozes para a Recuperação: Celebrando Conexões” Gostaríamos de homenagear todas as pessoas em recuperação, agradecer à todos os aliados que estão ao nosso lado na recuperação e encorajar todos que estão considerando começar sua recuperação. Juntos nós podemos!

During the month of September, we are excited to celebrate National Recovery Month, dedicated to those who are in recovery from mental illness and/or substance use disorders. This year’s Recovery Month theme, “Join the Voices for Recovery: Celebrating Connections”. We would like to honor everyone currently in recovery, thank all the allies who stand by those of us in recovery and encourage anyone considering recovery. Together, we can do it! Disponible en Español Durante el mes de septiembre celebramos el Mes Nacional de Recuperación. El tema del Mes de la Recuperación de este año es: "Únase a las voces para la recuperación: celebrando las conexiones". Nos gustaría honrar a todas las personas que se encuentran en recuperación, agradecer a todos los aliados que están a nuestro lado en la recuperación y animar a cualquier persona que esté considerando comenzar su recuperación. ¡Juntos, lo podemos lograr! Disponible en Portugués Durante o mês de setembro, estamos animados para celebrar o Mês Nacional da Recuperação. O tema do Mês de Recuperação deste ano, “Junte-se às Vozes para a Recuperação: Celebrando Conexões” Gostaríamos de homenagear todas as pessoas em recuperação, agradecer à todos os aliados que estão ao nosso lado na recuperação e encorajar todos que estão considerando começar sua recuperação. Juntos nós podemos!  

Monthly e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC.  September 2020 issue focus: National Recovery Month

Monthly e-newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. 

The Great Lakes Wave podcast channel is available on all of the top podcasting platforms, including Anchor, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, and Breaker. New episodes and podcast series are added regularly!  

Chuck Klevgaard, prevention manager for the Great Lakes PTTC, gives an overview of Recovery Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) any how prevention professionals can build a ROSC in their communities. Presented on Jan. 29, 2020.  PowerPoint Presentation Handout: Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care and Resilience

Research has outlined the Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care model as an effective framework for supporting individuals to overcome substance use problems and disorders. This handout accompanied the webinar, Prevention as Partners in a Recovery-Oriented System of Care, presented by Chuck Klevgaard on Jan. 29, 2020.  Download the PDF

This printable, downloadable infographic summarizes research findings published in The Journal of the American Dental Association, 150(7), 591-601 article, "Comprehensive oral care improves treatment outcomes in male and female patients with high-severity and chronic substance use disorders".

January 2020 issue of the Great Lakes Current, the newsletter of the Great Lakes ATTC, MHTTC, and PTTC. 

This document, available in English and Spanish, provides a list of potential state- and community-level partners to engage in opioid overdose prevention efforts.