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adverse childhood experiences

Helping Children of Addiction

February 12, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

We are mid-way through Children of Addiction Awareness Week. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, a quarter of children in the U.S. grow up in households where there is substance abuse, and studies suggest these children are eight times more likely to develop an addiction themselves.

So how can you help?

  • Be the one. Numerous studies have shown that one trusted, supportive, and stable adult can make a tremendous impact in the life of an at-risk child. See the study from Harvard’s Center on the Developing Child
  • Educate yourself.  What are some early warning signs of risky behavior?  How do I recognize and respond to a cry for help?  What resources are available? We have several local training opportunities which can help equip you.
    • ACEs Training: This course totally changed the way I view addiction.  ACEs (Adverse Childhood Experiences) trauma can lead to chronic health concerns like substance abuse and mental health challenges. Gain a better understanding of what trauma is and how it affects our biology. It is well worth your time and is brought to you FREE by the Rappahannock Area Community Services.  Training takes place in Fredericksburg and are typically held 4 times a year.  Dates and details are posted on our UPCOMING EVENTS page.
    • YOUTH Mental Health First Aid: This course teaches how to help youth who may be developing a mental health or substance use problem. You learn risk factors and warning signs, strategies for how to help, and where to turn for resources.  Upcoming training dates and details are posted on our UPCOMING EVENTS page.
  • Look for mentoring opportunities:  There are lots of opportunities to mentor children in our community.  Many of these organizations are not necessarily addressing addiction, but are providing positive experiences for our youth. Here are just a few:
    • Girls On The Run: teaches life skills such as managing emotions, resolving conflict, helping others, and making intentional decisions. They are always in need of coaches and you don’t need to be runner! Contact 540-296-4687 or kathy.butler@girlsontherun.org
    • CASA Court Appointed Special Advocates: volunteers advocate for the safety and well-being of children who have been removed from their homes due to abuse or neglect. They represent their best interests in courtrooms and other settings and help change their lives.  There is an upcoming information session Feb 25, 2020 at 70 Main St, Warrenton, VA. RSVP required, call 703-330-8145 or email jpolen@casacis.org
    • GEMS Girls Empowerment Mentoring Services: Provides a safe, creative & motivating space that allows female adolescents to thrive toward personal successes. By increasing self-esteem, it assists adolescents with making better choices, reducing risky behaviors.  Meets every 2nd Wednesday 4-6 at Culpeper Baptist Church Contact: gemsinva@gmial.com
  • Get inspired: Ministries Help Children Affected by Addiction

Other Resources

Helping a child whose parent is struggling with addiction
Children of Addiction Website
Sesame Street has created a new character, 6-year-old Karli, whose mom struggles with drug addiction.  Watch Karli’s videos, access resources like coloring pages, music, and articles with topics like how to explain addiction to a child.
Camp Mariposa is a national addiction prevention and mentoring program for youth ages 9-12 who have been affected by the substance use disorder of a family member. Camp Mariposa is offered free of charge to all families. It is offered multiple times throughout the year, and the closest location is in West Virginia near the Southwest Virginia border.

Find more resources on our FAMILY SUPPORT page.

Filed Under: Featured Posts, Our Blog Tagged With: adverse childhood experiences, hope

Employers: Learn how to support those struggling

January 13, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

Businesses play a critical role in creating
a Recovery Friendly Community. 

There are several upcoming opportunities for HR staff, management, and business owners to learn more about mental health challenges employees may be facing and best practices for providing help:

SAMHSA is hosting a FREE webinar on how employers can support the success of people living with mental illness or substance use disorders in the workplace . . .
RECOVERY AT WORK:  Workplace Polices and Practices that Support Employees with Mental Illness and Substance Use Disorder
Thursday, Jan 23rd 2:00-3:00pm
Register here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/recovery-live-recovery-at-work-workplace-policies-and-practices-that-support-employees-with-mental-tickets-74686301739?fbclid=IwAR0gFHtY50CdUe2d9ltJRWnqWGETe_iHeGYQb7F6A14w2onQSR67w6z4V3M
More webinar topics are available as well.
[Read more…] about Employers: Learn how to support those struggling

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: aces, addiction, adverse childhood experiences, depression, employers, mental health, mental health first aid, recovery friendly community, substance use disorder, suicide

FREE Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences Training

January 2, 2020 By Dee Leave a Comment

Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) gave me a deeper understanding of trauma related addiction, and there are several FREE trainings coming up:

January 30,  9:00 – 1:00
RACSB at River Club
10825 Tidewater Trail Fredericksburg, VA 22408
TO REGISTER CLICK HERE
There will also be trainings April 22nd, July 22nd, and October 21st.  Use the link above to register for any of these dates.

Adverse Childhood Experiences or ACEs cause toxic stress and can harm the developing brain of children. This changes how children respond to stress and has lasting effects into adulthood. We now know that this trauma also can damage our immune systems and lead to chronic health concerns like substance abuse and mental health challenges. ACEs are related to violence and other social concerns.
Training participants will gain a better understanding of what is trauma and how it affects our biology. This knowledge can help facilitate important community conversations to prevent high ACE scores and to support individuals with ACE scores.
The training is provided by the Rappahannock Area Community Services Board and is funded in part through the Family Wellness Initiative of the Office of Behavioral Health and Wellness at the Virginia Department of Behavioral Health and Developmental Services.

Contact Jennifer Bateman (540) 374-3337, ext. 100, or jbateman@rappahanockareacsb.org

Filed Under: Our Blog Tagged With: adverse childhood experiences, events, training

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