Your Bridge To Addiction Resources

Project Peace was founded in 2010 by students at Reading High School, reacting to the gun murders of four of their classmates in one school year. The student lead organization works within the schools and the city to promote peace and non-violence among young people and adults. “There are Project Peace groups in the both high schools and the middles schools says, Tyzehna, a senior attending Reading High. “When we first started Project Peace it was just at the high school.” Project Peace members meet monthly to formulate ideas and strategies about ways to help foster a safer community. Tyzehna says the group tries to get involved with everything in the community to make it a better place. Through activities such as Peace Marches, mentoring to kids in elementary schools, and presentations to city council and board members regarding efforts and suggestions to make our communities better, Project Peace are “Young People taking Charge.”

For those who enter the field of addiction as a profession, passion for the work and the people they interact with is necessary to help individuals and families in need. Jamie Cappiello, a recent Alvernia University graduate from the Behavioral Health Program, already has hands on experience in her field of study and is eager to continue working to help educate others. Jamie was an intern at the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) during her Senior year at Alvernia University, and after graduation helped facilitate an evidence-based curriculum “Too Good For Violence.” During her time with COCA, Jamie has taught prevention education in the classroom, and came to realize the importance and empowerment of education. “People don’t realize that drugs, substance and behavioral abuses really are bad,” said Jamie on what she learned during her time working with the Prevention Staff. Jamie also recently finished her Senior Honor’s Thesis “Binge Eating Disorder: Disordered Eating or Deadly Addiction?” In her paper,

Research indicate today’s youth is grappling with a myriad of issues, including self –esteem, peer pressure, academic achievement, and worldview outlook. These dynamics can make it challenging for students to focus in school and/or home. The Student Assistance Program provides assistance to students in a school setting. Student Assistance Program Coordinator, Tina George from Caron Treatment Centers chats with Yvonne Stroman on the program’s role within the school districts and its benefits. Tina says every school SAP team functions differently, but they are in every school district to meet the needs of the student who is referred. Referrals can come from the school, families or anyone concerned about the student’s well-being.

Individuals in early recovery from alcohol, drugs and other behaviors find themselves in a whirlwind, trying to get steady on their feet. Both life-skills and living skills need to be cultivated and nurtures. For the individual fighting to get well, the road can seem lonely. Margaret Baldwin, Certified Recovery Specialist from TASC explains who the services of a Recovery Support Specialist can help ease the anxiety and overwhelming thoughts of how to achieve a sober lifestyle and become a responsible person in recovery. Recovery Support Services are free and available to persons 18 years and older living in Berks County. Margaret states, “As a person in long-term recovery, I did not have the opportunity to receive help as extensive as this.” Join us as we talk to Margaret about how an individual can become involved in this service that is free and voluntary.

The age-old saying “it takes a village to raise a child” still rings true today in the Berks County community. Many communities in the county are working together to provide educational programs for children. Just one of these organizations is the Reading Recreation Commission. Heather Boyer has been serving the Reading community for over 20 years, and current acts as the Program Supervisor for the Reading Recreation Commission. One of her responsibilities includes choosing programming and educational speakers for the summer programs, which includes the Council on Chemical Abuse. As part of the summer programs with the Reading Recreation Commission, the Council speaks with children about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, gambling and gaming. Join the conversation as Heather and Jennifer talk about the education provided to children on gambling, drugs and alcohol and more.

It’s not just the kids who may need to evaluate how much time they spend on with technology and video games. Anyone, any age can find themselves losing hours glued to a screen, whether it’s video games, email, Facebook or watching Netflix. Research now shows that the same part of the brain that responds to drugs and alcohol responds to our interaction with technology. With technology at our fingertips, including cell phones and video game consoles, how is society being affected? Prevention Specialist, Dan Pfost talks with Jennifer Kaucher about the Teens & Technology program offered through the Council on Chemical Abuse, and the importance of education in the classroom to include technology addiction and gaming. Listen in as Dan discusses what topics he talks about to students, including why do we like games like Grand Theft Auto, and how are video games like gambling.

What is the number 1 drug used by youth between the ages of 12-18? If your guess is marijuana or cigarettes, you are incorrect. Alcohol is highly used among youth and it continues to have popularity in all areas of our community. Alcohol is available through friends and family. Underage drinking is a crime punishable by fines and other penalties and sanctions. Officer Kevin Rudy knows too well the consequences and negative outcomes as a result of underage drinking. He joins Yvonne Stroman to engage in a frank conversation about underage drinking in the community and on college campus and a program that is available to help youth and parents gain insight and information into the harmful effects of underage drinking.

Developing partnerships and collaborative communities are essential ingredients to building resilient youth. Dr. Jill Hackman, Executive Director of Berks County Intermediate Unit (BCIU) and Board Member for the Council on Chemical Abuse says partnering with the Council on Chemical Abuse has helped her and the BCIU become better stewards to the 18 school districts in the county. Through the offering of professional development trainings and technical assistance, teachers and school administrators are armed with valuable information, practical approaches and research based data that can be implemented in their schools. Additionally, schools are better prepared to assist students and families gain access to needed local services. Dr. Hackman encourages professionals, parents and community members to “find confidence to have the conversation” regarding the dangers of alcohol, tobacco and other drugs as well as other issues impacting the lives of our youth.

Council on Chemical Abuse Prevention Manager, Jackie Steed and Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist discuss the importance of prevention in our community and schools. Evidence Based curriculum such as LifeSkills is a fifteen session education program that addresses refusal skills, decision making and dangers related to alcohol, tobacco and other drugs, teen violence, bullying and peer pressure. Middle School and High School students have access to this information in a classroom setting or at a playground or recreation park during the summer months. Schools welcome this invaluable information for their students, and in some instances, receive LifeSkills training to sustain its continuation for years to come.

According to Megan Faust, a Reading School District teacher, the kids have a lot of questions during their sessions of receiving LifeSkills, an evidence based curriculum for middle school youth that teaches refusal skills, self-esteem, decision making and the dangers of Alcohol, Tobacco and other Drugs. Megan is one of the teachers whose classroom is a part of the LifeSkills curriculum brought to schools by the Council on Chemical Abuse. Prevention Specialist Jennifer Kaucher, and Megan Faust, teacher at Northwest Middle School, discuss the benefits of students receiving LifeSkills curriculum, and how this education is empowering her students.

Empowering students to say no to drugs and alcohol requires more than telling them, “Just Say No!” Through the instruction of 15 sessions of Botvin’s Evidence Based, LifeSkills students gain knowledge on refusal skills, self-esteem and more. Paige Carroll, a member of the Prevention team at the Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA), talks with host, Jennifer Kaucher, about teaching LifeSkills to students in the Reading School District. The curriculum has been proved to reduce drug, alcohol and tobacco use among students who participate in these classes. COCA is able to bring this education to students in Berks County due to specific grant funding.

Council on Chemical Abuse staff Sonia Santiago, a Certified Prevention Specialist and Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist sit down to discuss the Underage Drinking Program facilitated by the Council on Chemical Abuse in collaboration with the local District Magistrates, law enforcement, juvenile probation and Certified Drug and Alcohol professionals. Alcohol is viewed as a gateway drug. Gateway means it can lead to individuals to using other drugs that are illegal. The consequences of use of alcohol for young people under the age of 21 can lead to legal sanctions, driver’s license suspension, court fines and other costs. Learn about how the program is coordinated in an effort to help young people learn about the dangers of underage drinking, its consequences and resources that are available to help people who may need treatment.

Sitting in a class at 8 a.m. on a Saturday morning may not be a choice, but the information learned in this classroom is life changing. The Underage Drinking Program of Berks County is an educational opportunity for underage youth and parents to learn about the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol, and for some to get the help they may need to address an addiction. Joe Boyle has been an instructor for the Underage Drinking Program of Berks County for 9 years, and a schoolteacher for 18 years. He has seen the harm drugs and alcohol can do to a young life. Hear from Joe about the topics discussed in this class as he sits down with Jennifer Kaucher to talk about this beneficial program for youth.

Problem gambling is a disorder that interrupts every part of your life. Relationships are compromised, employment is challenged and finances are shaky. It can cause bankruptcy, physical and emotional stress and worry. Join Yvonne Stroman, Community Programs Specialist from Council on Chemical Abuse and her guest, Bob Schwartz as they discuss the destruction that can occur as the result of gambling. As an individual who struggled with the a gambling addiction for over 25 years, Bob gives some insight into how his gambling started, how it progressed, and the steps he took to find help and live a gambling free lifestyle. Bob states, “I never did anything illegal to get alcohol, but for gambling…..” Today, Bob contracts with the Council on Chemical Abuse to deliver education awareness programs in the community to make individuals aware of the harm that comes from gambling. Bob has spoken with individuals who have lost their life savings and have fallen into depths of despair. Bob works to provide resou

As Director of Planning and Resource Development, Marcia Goodman – Hinnershitz sits down with Yvonne Stroman to talk about problem gambling, its pervasiveness, behaviors and attitudes associated with problem gambling and what resources are available for people living in Berks County who may be living with a gambling addiction, but do not know where to turn for help. Marcia indicates that she has been with the Council on Chemical Abuse for more than 15 years and she has witnessed the growth of the agency to include problem gambling and gambling addiction as a problem behavior that needs to be addressed. “In the beginning, COCA focused on alcohol and other drugs”. As time passed the Council on Chemical Abuse began to address and appropriate services that address other problem behaviors such as problem gambling. Once casino gambling became legalized in Pennsylvania, more monies became available to financially support prevention and treatment efforts. Marcia talks about the availability of prevention and interv

What are tobacco holidays and why do they celebrate them? Every year, during the month of March people all over the country celebrate Kick Butts Day - a national day designed to educate and empower teens to say no to tobacco. The Council on Chemical Abuse (COCA) joins in on the celebration! Prevention Specialist, Teresa Tieman Detweiler joins Jennifer Kaucher in this video podcast to talk about youth and tobacco education. They discuss the events and education around Kick Butts day and a new popular trend among young adults: smoking e - cigarettes. Teresa and Jennifer also discuss the other tobacco holidays the Council on Chemical Abuse recognizes, World No Tobacco Day in May and the Great American Smoke Out in November.

Did you know Nicotine is said to be the most addictive substance – more addictive than heroin?! The drug found in tobacco products, nicotine, is what leads to addiction. Council on Chemical Abuse offers resources to help people quit smoking. In this podcast, host Jennifer Kaucher is joined with Teresa Tieman Detweiler to talk about the free tobacco cessation classes COCA offers to Berks County residents. Teresa talks about what the classes are about and what is offered to those who join, along with information about how someone can quit for good.

George Vogel started working with the State Employment Office and had an interest in criminal justice. He ultimately was assigned to work with people on probation, parole and in prison. George found that the people he worked with could not hold a job. George says, “There was another piece that was so obvious it would be hard to deny it … Just about every person had some history of drug and alcohol addiction in their past”. George says he became very interested in working with that segment of the population. At about the same time, the Berks County Prison Warden, George Wagner decided that the prison would play a major role and set up a drug and alcohol rehabilitation program within the prison walls. Having heard time and time again about individuals re-entering into the prison system due to drugs, this seemed like the next logical step. Years later that program and the programs that COCA offers have made a big difference. George says, “To me it means that if we can intervene on this part of the person’s l

Yvonne Stroman is a Community Program Specialist with the Council On Chemical Abuse and has been affiliated with COCA for over 20 years. She believes it’s important to share recovery. Yvonne says at Coca “We speak about the disease of addiction, people do and can get well. Families do get better. Hope is just around the corner and often times that hope is found by contacting the Council on Chemical Abuse”. Yvonne says “COCA is responsible for the administration of public dollars back into the community. By working with local drug and alcohol providers COCA works to offer the most effective means of recovery and prevention”. COCA works collaboratively in the community offering recovery resources, prevention, treatment for the disease of addiction and intervention services. Yvonne says sometimes you ask, “Is it worth it with all this calamity, but when you see families and young people getting well, and you see them being productive citizens. That’s a huge motivator to keep working in the trenches making

Jennifer Kaucher, a Prevention Specialist with COCA got involved with drug and alcohol prevention in high school. She had a deep desire to get involved in events that weren’t surrounded by drugs and alcohol. She and 3 friends started a program that encouraged drug and alcohol free lifestyle, activities and events. During her senior year Jennifer participated in an ‘Earn and Learn’ class that COCA offered. After graduating from Alvernia University she joined the COCA staff. Now she gets to go to area schools, manage the COCA website and social media outlets and is involved with creating and producing COCA related materials that are disseminated in the community. Jennifer states that she finds fulfillment in being able to reach out to high school students with the resources necessary to equip students with alternatives to drug and alcohol activities. Jennifer has been with COCA for two years and says, “I learned a lot more about addiction as a brain disease. I have friends who are in recovery now and