Adolescent Development and Substance Use Disorders

Sponsor: NH Alcohol & Drug Abuse Counselors Association

PRESENTATION:Adolescent development is a period of time where physical, emotional and social development, hormonal changes and brain development is rapidly occurring. This often is a very stressful time for youth. The youth’s peer group, family and/or socioeconomic issues or undiagnosed mental health issues may cause feelings of insecurity/instability and youth seeking a sense of grounding and stabilization.  This may lead to substance use as a coping mechanism.  At this critical time of growth and hardwiring of the brain and prefrontalcortex not fully developed, this puts adolescents at risk for interruptions in social development, reaching psychosocial milestones that may have lifelong effects.  We will examine healthy human growth and development, increased risk that introducing substances bring, root causes of substance use, increased risk, DSM-5- TR diagnostic criteria for level of severity and examine alternative coping skills for youth that keep them on track for healthy development. As a result of the training, participants will learn about:

• Adolescent development/major milestones 
• Adolescent brain development and substance use 
• Current trends/causes and influences leading to substance use 
• Behavioral effects and risks 
• Direction for treatment/treatment planning 

ABOUT THE PRESENTER: Penny Sampson, LPC, LAC, LCMHC, MLADC has worked in the field of human services for over forty-years in various capacities.  This includes clinical program evaluation and design for the public and private sector. She has held the position of Adjunct Professor/Student Advisor for the Springfield College School of Human Services facilitating courses in all areas of psychology, diagnostics and treatment.  She currently is a consultant with CJJA/Georgetown University providing technical assistance and training nationally for State Directors, Secure and Non-Secure Treatment Directors, Administrators and Staff working with at-risk populations. She conducts workshops and training programs relating to best practices in treatment programming, organizational wellness, staff wellness and life balance.  Her career and life mission is one of advocacy for at-risk youth and families and life balance for those who serve them.   

She holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Southern New Hampshire University in Human Services and Counseling, and a Master of Science degree from Springfield College.  She has also completed Post Masters studies in Clinical Psychology at Notre Dame College.  Penny is a Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselor and Master Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselor through the Board of Mental Health Practice and Board of Licensing for Alcohol and other Drug Use Professionals in the State of New Hampshire. She is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC) and Licensed Addictions Counselor (LAC) in the State of Colorado. 

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