GACA Adolescent Addiction Counselor Training Summit

Celebrating GACA in 2025

"Rooted in Legacy

Growing in Hope

45 Years of Progress in Addiction Recovery!"

September 25-27, 2025

Up to 18 Live/Synchronous CE Hours Approved from GACA and NAADAC. Applied to GAMFT and GSCSW.  Up to 18 Clock Hours Approved by NBCC. 

 On ZOOM

CE Provider Approvals for CORE Hours:

GACA Addiction Counselors: Georgia Addiction Counselors Association

National Addiction Counselors:  NAADAC

Licensed Professional Counselors: National Board for Certified Counselors

Marriage and Family Therapists: Georgia Association of Marriage and Family Therapists

Social Workers: Georgia Society of Clinical Social Workers 

CAAC/CORE Courses Offered: 

Thursday, September 25, 2025 8:45 AM 

Adolescents & Addiction

Providing education on the epidemic of adolescents and substance use. Including how other mental health issues such as depression and anxiety contribute to SUD for youth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Provide an in depth understanding of the SUD among adolescents.
2. Provide varied perspectives on mental health disorders for adolescents.
3. Provide education on preventative approaches to address SUD and mental health issues for adolescents.

Thursday, September 25, 2025 10:30 AM 

Addressing Suicide Crisis in Adolescents Using Culturally Diverse Sensitive Interventions

This course will identify how adolescent development occurs, the difference between suicidal behaviors and self harm actions, clarify suicide statistics for minorities and the mainstream adolescent population, and expound on risk factors as well as interventions that are helpful with culturally diverse communities.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify risk factors for suicide in adolescents. 
2. Ability to provide support options that do not involve ongoing therapy and/or hospitalization. 
3. Name and describe the best treatment interventions for culturally diverse communities overall.
   

Thursday, September 25, 2025 12:45 PM

Digital Technology:  Adolescent Gateway to AOD Use and Link to AOD Relapse  

This (3) hour training for addiction professionals and service providers interested in improving their skills and increasing knowledge pertaining to the impact of Digital Technology Addiction (or DA - Digital Addiction) on the functionality of the brain as a gateway to AOD use as well as its link to AOD relapse.  Participants will gain insight regarding the emergence and rise of the digital era. The link between digital addiction and AOD will be highlighted, indicating the spiritual, mental and physical aspects of addiction. Participants will also receive insight and tools to enhance their ability to assist the client in their recovery from SUD & Digital Addiction (DA)simultaneously. 

Learning Objectives:

1. To provide an overview of the emergence & rise of the digital era as we know it.
2. To identify the link between Digital Addiction & the onset of AOD Addiction as well as AOD Relapse.
3. To lend insight and tools to enable recovery from Digital Addiction (DA) and SUD simultaneously.

Friday, September 26, 2025  8:45 AM

Addiction on the Spectrum

This comprehensive workshop addresses the complex and pressing issue of addiction among adolescents with autism spectrum disorder (ASD). As the prevalence of autism continues to rise, it is becoming increasingly evident that adolescents in this demographic face unique vulnerabilities that can contribute to substance use and dependency. 

The primary aim of this workshop is to foster a deeper understanding of the intersection between autism and addiction. Participants will explore the distinctive characteristics of adolescents with autism, including social communication challenges, sensory sensitivities, and executive function difficulties, which may heighten their risk of engaging in addictive behaviors. Through evidence-based research and real-world examples, attendees will gain insights into the prevalence rates of substance use within this population, shedding light on a critical issue that often goes unrecognized.

In addition to awareness, the workshop will equip attendees with practical strategies for identifying early signs of substance use and addiction in adolescents with autism. This includes understanding atypical behavioral patterns, emotional dysregulation, and changes in routine that may signal substance involvement. 

A significant component of the workshop will focus on prevention and intervention strategies tailored to the needs of adolescents with ASD. Participants will learn to create supportive environments that promote resilience and healthy coping mechanisms. Furthermore, effective communication techniques will be explored to ensure that professionals and caregivers can engage with these adolescents in meaningful ways that resonate with their unique experiences.

The workshop will also facilitate interactive discussions through case studies, allowing participants to apply their knowledge and share experiences from their own practice or personal life. This collaborative approach will enhance the learning experience, encouraging the exchange of ideas and solutions among professionals, educators, and family members.

By the conclusion of this workshop, participants will not only have a comprehensive understanding of addiction in adolescents with autism but will also leave with an actionable toolkit of resources, strategies, and connections to local support services. This knowledge will empower attendees to better support adolescents with autism in navigating the challenges of addiction, ultimately fostering healthier outcomes and enhancing their quality of life.

We invite participants to engage actively in the discussions and to provide feedback that can help shape the content of future workshops, ensuring that we meet the evolving needs of this important community.

Learning Objectives:

1. Understand the unique vulnerabilities of adolescents with autism that may contribute to substance use and addiction.
2. Identify the signs of substance use and addiction in adolescents with autism.
3. Explore effective prevention strategies and intervention approaches.
4. Promote communication strategies and support systems for families and professionals.

Friday, September 26, 2025 12:45 PM

Behavioral Activation for Depression in Adolescents: Practical Tools for Clinicians

Adolescent depression is frequently characterized by social withdrawal, inactivity, and loss of interest in previously enjoyed activities. Behavioral Activation (BA) is an evidence-based intervention that directly addresses these patterns by helping adolescents increase engagement in meaningful and rewarding activities. This 3-hour and 15-minute virtual interactive workshop equips mental health and substance abuse clinicians with the knowledge and skills to effectively use BA techniques, including activity monitoring, values-based goal setting, and activity scheduling. Through case studies, interactive exercises, and real-world application, participants will learn how to design activation plans that can improve mood and overall functioning in adolescents with depression. 

Learning Objectives:

By the end of this workshop, participants will be able to: 

1. Identify avoidance patterns and behavioral traps commonly seen in adolescents with depression and explain how these maintain depressive symptoms. 
   
2. Apply activity monitoring and scheduling techniques to increase engagement in reinforcing and values-based activities. 
   
3. Develop a weekly behavioral activation plan tailored to the needs and values of adolescent clients to enhance motivation and treatment outcomes. 

Saturday, September 27, 2025 8:45 AM

Adolescents 101

This workshop is a three hour introduction to working with adolescent clients in mental health and substance abuse work. The workshop will cover the science behind the adolescent mind and the unique struggles it can present. Three speakers from Ignite, a dual diagnosis adolescent php/iop will discuss their first hand experience with their teen clients, and the specific issues faced today while working with adolescent clients in 2025. 

Learning Objectives:

1. Educate on recent trends and common issues, 
2. new substance use trends, and 
3. best practices when working with adolescent clients.

Saturday, September 27, 2025 12:45 PM

Peer Pressure, Social Media, and Substances: Guiding Teens Through the Noise

Adolescents today are navigating substance use risks within a complex social environment shaped by peer influence and the ever-evolving digital world. This interactive three-hour workshop equips addiction professionals with practical tools to understand and respond to the unique challenges teens face. Participants will explore the neurological, social, and emotional factors that make adolescents vulnerable to peer pressure and social media messaging related to substance use. Through case studies, group discussions, and role-play activities, attendees will learn clinical strategies to strengthen engagement, build digital literacy, and foster healthy decision-making in youth.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify key neurological, social, and emotional factors that contribute to adolescent vulnerability to peer pressure and social media influence related to substance use.
2. Demonstrate clinical strategies for engaging adolescents in treatment, including role-play techniques and group discussion methods.
3. Integrate digital literacy tools and decision-making frameworks into individual and group counseling to support healthier choices in youth.