2018 Meetings

November 13, 2018

KEEPING OUR SANITY - PARENT TO PARENT

Our presenter this month is Nicole Federici. She is a lifelong resident of Monmouth County, married and says that her most favorite job and honor is being the mother to her 3 boys.

Two of her sons suffer from substance use disorder. Living with addiction for the past 10 years has offered her the opportunity to use and master healthy coping skills, that she never knew she had. She has learned to make changes in her attitudes and behaviors, when dealing with her sons’ illnesses and that has spilled over to everyday life. Nicole believes this experience has made her a better, happier, and more compassionate individual.

During the chaos, Nicole has learned many methods of keeping her sanity. She has learned to ask for support and be supported by those who understand. She has gained an education about what addiction is and the best practices in treatment while keeping an open mind. She has dedicated much of her time to starting a non-profit, RAFTS (Recovery Advocates for the Shore), which has allowed her to pay it forward and help those that are still suffering. She is also a trained recovery coach and facilitator. Nicole is a living example of someone that can be happy and free while loving someone either in recovery or in the throes of addiction.

October 16, 2018

STRESS REDUCTION FOR THE HOLIDAYS

With the holidays just around the corner, we are all likely feeling a little more stressed that usual. Coping with a loved one struggling with addiction is difficult all the time and often more intense during the holidays.

This month, our co-founder Susan Marco, ACH will offer a stress reduction session to help us be calmer and more relaxed during the holiday season. Susan has practiced massage therapy for 30+ years and more recently earned her certification as a clinical hypnotist. With years of experience helping people learn how to relax and unwind, she will offer suggestions on how to stay calm, as well as leading a guided relaxation session. Participants will be offered a recording of the session (via email) that can be listened to at home to reinforce the feeling of relaxation created in this session. We hope you can join us!

September 25, 2018 NOTE DATE CHANGE

HELP YOUR ADULT LOVED ONE

“I want my old brother back.” Those were the words he heard from his sister on February 13, 1987. That was it. That was all it took for him to start his road to his recovery as well as embarking on a new career.

Charles S. Radiola is currently a clinician at CPC Behavioral HealthCare who works with adults with Co-occurring disorders. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor (LPC), Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor (LCADC) as well as an Approved Clinical Supervisor (ACS). Six years after hearing those words from his sister and wanting to help others, at the age of 40, he decided to go to college. He graduated Rutgers University with a BA in Psychology, then went on to Seton Hall University for his Masters Degree as well as licensing in Counseling Psychology. He has worked in the field of addictions since 2001 in both the clinical and administrative positions, but his heart is truly in the clinical practice. He understands what is in the addicted person’s mind through his own personal experiences and thus knows ways of reaching those minds to battle the denial and help pave a path for their recovery. Charles will share his story as well as help us understand how to cope with our adult family member.

August 21, 2018

FAMILY ADDICTION NETWORK SUMMER PIZZA PARTY

Our First Pizza Party

7:00 - 8:30 PM

No Speaker, just time to share!

Since October of 2015 Family Addiction Network has been providing a safe space, for family and friends of people with substance use issues, to gather, learn and be a support for each other.

As you probably know, we meet the third Tuesday of each month and our meetings usually consist of a speaker, networking and a confidential sharing session. For August we have chosen to take a break from our regular routine... We are hosting a pizza party!!! We invites you to come and enjoy time with other folks who are having similar experiences with their loved ones. Bring your stories, your worries and your compassionate selves…have some pizza and plenty of time to share. The meeting runs from 7:00 – 8:30 and this one will be dedicated to meet, greet, listen and be heard.

July 17, 2018

MONMOUTH COUNTY FAMILY ENGAGEMENT COORDINATOR

Did you know that Monmouth County has a Family Engagement Coordinator?

This month our speaker is Marlene Lizama from the Juvenile Detention Alternatives Initiative. Marlene’s passion is helping families as Family Engagement Coordinator for the Family Division of the Monmouth Vicinage. She actively works to help each caregiver identify their needs and then supports them in their path to success. Marlene will share her story and her role in this position.
Prior to working within the community, Marlene worked as a freelance paralegal.

She brings with her a wealth of professional experience working with children, adolescents, and adults struggling with a wide range of behavioral and emotional difficulties, including but not limited to mental illness, behavioral issues, and substance abuse or a combination thereof.

Her personal experience has afforded her an increased sense of empathy for the families she works with within the community. She has an appreciation for the courage and strength that families display as she once did herself. She utilizes a diverse array of suggestive tools and modalities and strives to assist each individual's process to gain the most positive experience possible.

June 19, 2018

NAVIGATING THE UNEXPECTED

Guest Speaker: Barbara A. Cashin, CSW, LCADC

As a parent or a loved one, none of us ever expected the outcome of a family member struggling, being caught up with or diagnosed with addiction. That heart sinking feeling when the realization hits is beyond words. What do we do? How do we move forward? Who do we call or where do we go for help?

We are proud to welcome back Barbara A. Cashin, CSW, LCADC, (you may remember her from her presentation 'Understanding Detox and Withdrawal'). She will share her wisdom and understanding from a personal and professional perspective as to how to navigate when the unexpected becomes reality.

With over 35 years of clinical, administrative, and community outreach experience in the field of treatment for substance abuse and co-occurring disorders, Ms. Cashin brings extensive knowledge and passion for addiction care to the community.

"My claim to fame is strong integrity, patient advocacy, and the encouragement of family care, which is critical to the healing process of this disease. I have a strong belief in collaboration with all those involved in the life of the addict, and in creating a strong after-care plan that ensures a client doesn't just 'get sober,' but stays sober."

Ms. Cashin has worked for several treatment facilities, including detox, rehabilitation, and outpatient centers for co-occurring disorders. In addition, Barbara has been the Director of Marketing for several companies, most recently at Tranquil and Quest in Bradley Beach, NJ. As an LCADC, she ran a private practice with Gateway Counseling, and has spoken at various schools and support groups about addiction treatment and recovery.

"If there's one thing that people say about me, it's that my passion is palpable. "Ms. Cashin extends this passion and enthusiasm to her interactions with her clients who she enjoys speaking to and motivating daily.

May 22, 2018 NOTE DATE CHANGE

SUBSTANCE ABUSE AND KIDS THESE DAYS

Current trends in substance use are almost impossible to keep up with. Vaping, binge drinking, social media and bullying are all issues facing our youth every day. Mental health disorders are on the rise as well. What can we do to support and prevent our young people from making dangerous decisions that can change the course of their lives? Student Assistance Coordinators in the schools are here to help with, support and educate students about mental health and substance use in their own lives or in the life of someone they care about. Let's talk about what's going on with Kids These Days!

Lori Todd has experience in the field of substance abuse counseling and prevention both in treatment and in the school setting, beginning her career at Chelsea House (Monmouth Chemical Dependency Treatment Center) and working in the Long Branch and Red Bank Regional School districts. She currently serves as a Student Assistance Coordinator at Red Bank Regional High School and president of the Association of Student Assistance Professionals of NJ, overseeing the statewide professional organization. Lori has been an adjunct professor at Monmouth University in the Educational Counseling department for several years. She earned a M.A, Psychological Counseling, a Post-masters certificate in psychological counseling, both at Monmouth University, and a B.A., Criminal Justice, from St. Anselm College. Lori is a Licensed Professional Counselor as well as an Approved Clinical Supervisor among other certifications. Additionally, she is a proud mother of her children, 10 and 15 years old.

April 17, 2018

YOU CAN'T NAG SOMEONE SOBER

Repeat: YOU CANNOT NAG SOMEONE SOBER!

Nag: verb: annoy or irritate (a person) with persistent fault-finding or continuous urging.

God bless those few among us who never nag. When another person is doing the same negative thing over and over the urge to nag, badger, reprimand, chastise, condemn, denounce, etc. can be irresistible even for some of the most strong-willed individuals.
One’s appetite for nagging can increase even further when the person who is doing wrong is someone we care about, especially when that person’s actions are repeatedly hurtful. Addiction falls right into this category because it can be so devastating to all involved either directly or indirectly. Any loved one of someone who is addicted can verify the pain involved with watching someone hurt themselves and others over and over through the destructive addiction process. Addiction itself is synonymous with negative behaviors that directly hurt those who we love the most, repeatedly often for years and years on end. Therefore, when a family member cares, the temptation to nag is understandable, and may even seem justifiable. However, there is one unavoidable and indisputable truth about nagging: It is extremely ineffective.

In many cases, nagging may even have the opposite effect than what is desired. Nagging can make things worse instead of better. Ken will inform and enlighten us about alternative ways to address and show up for our family members who are suffering with this disease of addiction.

Ken Pecoraro is program coordinator for CPC Behavioral Healthcare’s Addiction Recovery Services Program. He holds multiple certifications including LCSW, LCADC and CSS, has over twenty years of experience in the field. He developed his own staff-training program, which is a model for other addiction recovery professionals throughout New Jersey. Pecoraro authored, "Taking the Escalator – An Alternative to the 12 Steps", a recently released book which has garnered praise in the field. More information about his program is here: www.takingtheescalator.com. Ken's ability to communicate clinical information with humor, compassion and in clear language makes him a sought-after presenter about substance abuse and addictions, including the heroin epidemic.

March 27, 2018 NEW DATE

Recovery Support Programs-Sifting Through Truth & Misconception

Eric McIntire is the Recovery Support Coordinator for Barnabas Health Institute for Prevention. He will be sharing his knowledge regarding current recovery support programs, what is working and how to make sure your person gets the help they need. He has over 14 years in the recovery field from starting a nonprofit organization to providing a 24-hour help hotline as well as providing interventions for families of loved ones who suffer from the disease of addiction. He is a volunteer for the EAP of his union of over 10,000 members. He has been continuing his education in the addiction field with the Union by attending Labor Assistance Professionals training and continues to bring the message of hope to individuals who have substance use disorder in prisons jails and institutions.

February 20, 2018

A BEREAVED MOM'S PERSPECTIVE ON ADDICTION

For our next meeting we are honored to have Abby Boxman come and share her passion and heartfelt wisdom with us. Abby who holds an MSW, graduated from Rutgers University in 2017 and is currently pursuing her licensure in the State of NJ. This new journey began on July 13, 2011 upon the sudden loss of her middle son Justin 21, from an accidental overdose. Abby began sharing her story to create awareness and prevention while reducing the stigma on the devastating drug epidemic which has consumed our state and country. She created an organization, JustintheBox.org which brings awareness to the dangers of prescription drugs and their abuse and misuse. Abby founded and facilitates the Monmouth County chapter of GRASP, Grief Recovery After a Substance Passing, at Centre State Medical Center. This is a nationwide support group for those who have lost a loved one to substance abuse, who need a place to grieve without the stigma from disenfranchised grief.

Abby currently works as a case manager for non-profit organization. She is a Member of NASW-NJ and the National Organization for Human Services NOHS; Howell Municipal Alliance; Prevention Coalition of Monmouth County; advocate for the NCADD-New Jersey; Board Member for GIERS, Grief Information Education & Recovery Services; Abby also testified on behalf of GCADA for the Task force report which helped the implementation of the 911 Overdose Prevention Act-Naloxone Bill. She has presented for numerous media outlets and events bringing awareness to the drug epidemic that plagues our communities.

Hope to see you there!

January 16, 2018

FINDING A REPUTABLE REHAB

By now, we are all aware of the scourge of unscrupulous treatment centers popping up around the country, but especially in Florida (where many of our NJ people end up for treatment). This month we are fortunate to have Dory Rachel as our speaker. She will share her knowledge in an effort to educate us about how to find a reputable treatment center, how to recognize red flags when searching online and what questions to ask when you are about to send your loved one away.

For over 20 years, Dory Rachel has worked in the industry of addiction including prevention, treatment and recovery with the goal of helping individuals and their families find their path to recovery. She has experience with the insurance requirements these days as well as the different levels of care available based on the addiction and depth of its damage. She also has had direct experience as a recovery advocate on both the state and national levels.

Dory, who is celebrating over 32 years of sobriety, has spoken about recovery to various professional groups throughout New Jersey. She loves art and music, is a grandmother and lives in Ocean Grove.

Hope to see you there!