AdCare Educational Institute of Maine, Inc

New England REEL Recovery Film Festival 2025  June 6-7th, 2025  Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME  Evening Events  https://cvent.me/PArZAE   Where Stories of Recovery Come to Life  Every recovery journey begins with a story and the decision to change. A battle fought in silence or a victory shared with the world. At the New England REEL Recovery Film Festival, these stories come to life on screen and stage, offering a powerful glimpse into the realities of addiction, healing, and resilience. Now in its second year, the festival is more than a series of films- it’s a movement. A chance to listen, learn, and take action.  Join Us for an Unforgettable Experience. June 6th & 7th, 2025 Hannaford Hall, University of Southern Maine, Portland, ME. The festival will feature a collection of local and national films exploring addiction and recovery, keynote speakers who are leading voices in recovery and justice reform, personal testimonials from individuals impacted by the Bed Sponsorship Fund, and a silent auction to raise funds for those in need. 

2025 Virtual Alcohol Misuse Prevention Conference:  Continuing the Conversation: Preventing Alcohol Misuse through Engagement and Communication  April 17th, 2025  Zoom  9 – 3:30 PM  https://cvent.me/drZNQD    This conference typically focuses on the lesser-known aspects of the harm that alcohol can cause to individuals and communities. We’ve learned together about how alcohol is a class one carcinogen just like tobacco is, about how the harms from alcohol use are often perpetuated by certain municipal, commercial, and global structures, and we’ve examined why it is positively vital that if we want to protect youth, we need to give them a permanent seat at the prevention table. This year, please join us as we explore what we can do about everything we’ve learned. 

Best Practices for Youth and Young Adult Substance Use Treatment  Presenter: Jordana Willers, Ed.M  June 11th, 2025  Live-Webinar 9:30 - 3:30 EST  $25 Registration Fee/ 5 Continuing Education Credits  https://cvent.me/94mN2P  This training provides an overview of best practices to support youth and young adults in recovery from addiction and their families. We will lay the foundation for effective substance use treatment programs by focusing first guiding principles. We will then explore effective organizational structure and how this is maintained (e.g. through professional boundaries, organizational policies and procedures, developmentally appropriate activities, and ongoing staff training and support). Next, we will focus on best practices for screening and assessment, including evidence-based screening tools and how best to assess for substance use and co-occurring disorders. We will then turn our attention to best practices for engagement, highlighting Motivational Interviewing as an evidence-based practice and how this can be used at various levels of care and at different stages of change. This training will also focus in -depth on evidence-based clinical practices for substance use treatment for youth and young adults (such as CBT, TF-CBT, DBT, ACT, Seeking Safety, etc.), in addition to the importance of peer recovery supports. Finally, we will discuss evidence-based practices to help families in recovery, along with best practices for self-care for providers. 

Marijuana, Vaping, and Youth: What’s the Big Deal? Presenter: Jordana Willers, Ed. Thursday, May 8th, 2025 Live-Webinar  9:30 - 3:30 EST $25 Registration Fee/ 5 Continuing Education Credits https://cvent.me/B9R3kN This training focuses on both the impacts of marijuana use and vaping (as it relates to both nicotine and THC) on the physical and mental health of young people. We will review current trends of marijuana use and vaping among youth, then review research on marijuana and the adolescent brain, perceived benefits, short-term vs. long-term effects of THC use, and understanding cannabis use disorder. We will then focus on best practices to engage youth in open, positive communication about their marijuana use and motivation for recovery, and ways to support families in this as well. We will end the morning session with a review of best practices in treatment and recovery for youth and young adults struggling with marijuana use. The second half of the training will focus on nicotine use among youth and ways to address vaping. We will review the perceived benefits and evidence-based physical and behavioral health impacts of vaping nicotine on the developing brain and body. We will then discuss challenges to addressing youth vaping, along with successful ways of engaging youth in conversations around vaping, developing alternative to nicotine use, and ways to promote open, positive communication and healthier life choices. We will review prevention and intervention strategies, including vaping curriculum. We will conclude with a review of treatment and recovery resources for vaping cessation, and resources for families. #Cannabis #Vaping #Youth

At Kindbridge Research Institute, we recognize the impact problem gambling has on those in the military. The impact reaches beyond the individual... We break down how things like financial strain, decreased morale, and mission readiness play a role, affecting squads, units, and overall team cohesion. Swipe to learn more If you or someone you know is suffering from problem gambling, free help is available. Call 1-844-FREEVET or visit https://lnkd.in/gvru5E4j #KindbridgeResearch #MilitaryGambling #GamblingResearch

Join us for the April 4th 2025 webinar as part of Governor Mills’ Opioid Response Summit at which time representatives of the Maine Department of Education will present an update on DOE Rules Chapter 40 and 41 regarding naloxone training and availability in Maine schools. Emily Poland, MPH, RN, NCSN, School Nurse Consultant at the MDOE and Tammy Diaz, MPH, RN, NCSN, School Nurse Specialist at MDOE will present. Emily and Tammy are in the Office of School and Student Supports in the Department of Education. Maine Director of Opioid Response Gordon Smith, J.D. will moderate the program and, to the extent time permits, will discuss current legislative initiatives pertaining to opioid response. Full details and registration at https://cvent.me/mv3PBB

Have you seen the latest Maine Disaster Behavioral Health Newsletter? https://lnkd.in/e6qnWjf6 Inside this issue: -Welcome our new Maine Disaster Behavioral Health (DBH) Coordinator, Erin McGann -2024 Responder Safety and Health Survey -Upcoming training events -New DBH Listen and Learn Webinar Series Announced -The Maine Resiliency Center -Health Care Coalition of Maine (HCCME) -SAMHSA Disaster Behavioral Health Information Series (DBHIS) -Rural Disaster Behavioral Health: A Guide for Outreach Workers and Crisis Counselors -Creating Safe Scenes Training Course -Tips for Healthcare Professionals: Coping with Stress and Compassion Fatigue -ASPR Technical Resources, Assistance Center, and Information Exchange

Free Webinar: Gaming and Mental Health: Unraveling the Psychology Behind Video Games with Dr. Daniel Kaufmann, Ph.D. March 25 12-2 Eastern https://cvent.me/PmG0nV If the time doesn't work for you, register anyway and we'll send you the recording. Summary: This webinar, "Gaming and Mental Health: Unraveling the Psychology Behind Video Games," offers an in-depth exploration of how video games influence mental wellness and impact our daily flow of mental health. We’ll discuss the cognitive, emotional, and social benefits of gaming while addressing common misconceptions about screen time and mental health. Topics include a balanced perspective on the psychological principles behind gaming, its role in building emotional resilience, how gaming can become risky or harmful in certain circumstances, and how mindful play supports mental health recovery. In addition, we will explore the intersection of gaming and gambling behaviors, particularly with the rise of microtransactions, loot boxes, and in-game gambling mechanics. Attendees will gain valuable insights into the therapeutic potential of play, balancing gaming habits effectively, and unlocking the mental health benefits of this engaging medium. Whether you’re a gamer, a mental health advocate, or just curious, this session is for you!

Learn the signs of a gambling problem and be a source of support for those in need. If you or someone you know may have a gambling problem, contact the Problem Gambling Helpline, which offers resources without stigma or shame. In Maine, dial 211 or 1-800-GAMBLER, text your zip code to 898-211, or visit www.1800gamblerchat.org #PGAM2025

Embracing Ethical Power: Enhancing Therapeutic Practice Workshop Presenter: Sarah Buino, LCSW, RDDP, CADC, CDWF, NMT Friday March 28th, 2025 Live-Webinar / 10:00 - 1:00 https://cvent.me/0k4zDe In the realm of helping professions, the concept of power often carries negative connotations stemming from personal experiences of abuse and oppression. However, what if our aversion to power inadvertently limits our ability to facilitate positive change, both for ourselves and our clients? Imagine if we were to redefine power as a force for ethical good and collective well-being. Learning to be in right relationship with power supports therapists to harness their inherent power responsibly, fostering a nurturing environment conducive to client growth and healing. Join us for an immersive workshop experience that delves into the intricacies of power dynamics, encompassing five distinct types of power and the nuances of up-power and down-power interactions. Through engaging activities and heartfelt discussions, participants will embark on a journey of self-discovery, exploring the intersection of power and compassion in therapeutic practice.