Substance Use Disorders and Youth: An Overview

This trauma-informed course explores techniques to identifying substance use disorders in youth, along with strategies to engage and support youth struggling with substance use. Participants will leave the course with a comprehensive understanding of how caseworkers, leaders and system of care partners can compassionately support and empower youth struggling with substance use disorders.

After attending this training, participants will be able to:

• Describe the impact of trauma on adolescent development and how trauma may increase the risk of substance use disorders.
• Learn the stages of substance use in youth and techniques for identifying substance use in youth.
• Understand the protective factors to prevent substance use in foster youth.
• Identify language used on social media platforms to buy, sell, or discuss substances amongst youth populations.
• Engage with young people in conversations surrounding substance use.
• Develop the ability to act in the case of an overdose.
• Foster a non-judgmental and compassionate approach to working with youth who use substances, emphasizing protective factors and reducing the negative impact of substance use on youth and their communities.

Who should attend?

 This course is highly recommended for caseworkers, leaders and system of care partners interested in improving their ability to support youth who are struggling with substance use disorders in a compassionate, trauma-informed and empowering way.