Weed, Inc: The Science Behind Today’s Marijuana took place last Wednesday, January 13 on Zoom. We had more than 220 attendees including many New Canaan High School sophomores and their health class teachers. Ben Cort, author, TED Talk speaker, and addiction recovery advocate, told us the shocking truth about potency of today’s marijuana products. He detailed the criteria for cannabis

On Wednesday, January 13, 7pm, the New Canaan Parent Support Group is hosting an informative community event on marijuana: Weed Inc with Ben Cort.  The Zoom session—with Q&A moderated by John Hamilton—with focus on the science and data behind today’s marijuana. Ben Cort is an author, TED Talk speaker, recovery advocate and CEO of a Colorado-based treatment center.  In 2007,

On Thursday, November 19 the Addiction Policy Forum hosted a webinar on stigma and addiction. The webinar’s title was “Substance Use Disorders and Stigma: Research, Racial Disparities and Promising Approaches”, and was held to reduce stigma around addiction and color–to ensure access to quality treatment and family support for all. The line-up of speakers was amazing: Nora Volkow, MD, Director

On Wednesday, November 18, our virtual Pathway Session on insurance highlighted steps family members and loved ones can take to fully utilize their benefits.  Scott Leshin, CEO and Founder of SJ Health Insurance Advocates, went through an “Insurance 101” presentation and then answered questions from parents and recovery coaches. Among the points addressed were: Most plans are “self-funded” by larger

On Wednesday, November 18 at 7PM, NCPSG’s Pathway Series of monthly education meetings will be restarted after a 6-month hiatus due to COVID.  Our Pathway Sessions were held in the past at the New Canaan YMCA, but physical meetings have been deferred for the foreseeable future. Each meeting will consist of a Zoom video format, and will comprise 20-30 minutes

We are heartened by the fact that our Pathways Sessions at the Y have been informative and well-attended this year–especially by parents and recovery coaches. Phil Valentine, Executive Director of CCAR (Connecticut Community for Addiction Recovery) started the year off with a fascinating discussion of how recovery coaching has a bright future in our community. (January 15). This was followed

At our latest Pathway Session at the New Canaan YMCA, attendees learned a lot about new pain protocols that reduce opioid use by 64% and more. Imagine–having a shoulder replacement and getting off opioids within 5 days! No refills and less pain than the outdated protocols. Thank you, Dr. Paul Sethi and the ONS Foundation for Clinical Research & Education.

Last Thursday at our support group meeting, Tim Walsh of Adventure Recovery shared his personal story of how adventure, nature and fire are integral to his recovery and personal growth. With the help of his colleague Josh Flaherty, our parents participated in a fire ceremony, to 1) cast out what isn’t working, and 2) give hope and promise for the

Grateful to have Julia Latimer, treatment placement specialist, present last evening at the Y. With people like Julia helping, there are multiple pathways to recovery. #multiplepathwaystorecovery

Thank you, John Hamilton and Kevin Sabet.  You made Reefer Sanity a great success.  Video of Kevin’s presentation available here and slide deck here.  See topics and time breaks below: 0:00 Intro by John Hamilton 1:20 Kevin Sabet starts speaking 4:30 Tobacco kills more than 10 times the amount of people who die of opioid overdose 11:30 Huge disconnect between