What Are They Smoking Now?

Virtual Workshop Description

This workshop is an overview of the evolution of e-cigarettes, usage trends among teens and young adults and the risks and concerns related to these trends. There will be some discussion of adolescent development and why any substance use is concerning for the young brain. We will look at how advertising and social media have contributed to the problem and what can be done at various levels of intervention, including treatment and cessation tools. The program invites schools and communities to develop their own protocols to address this growing problem. The discussion will also address Marijuana use in young people as there is an overlap and continuum of use that often involves Cannabis.

In this virtual workshop you will:

• Gain an understanding of the risks of substance use during adolescence and the young adult years
• Learn what type of electronic smoking devices are available, the differences and be able to recognize them
• Gain information about the health risks and trends in use among adolescents and young adults
• Address myths, trends and concerns related to Marijuana use in young people and the connection to vaping
• Provide opportunities for interaction and collaboration – to begin to brainstorm ways to address these issues in our own school or community

Workshop Instructor

Barbara Burke received her MSW from the VCU School of Social Work in 1978 and most of her work over the past 40 years has been with Substance Use Disorders. She recently retired from clinical practice, where she specialized in the assessment, early and treatment of Adolescents and Young Adults. Barbara believes in the importance of family involvement and meeting folks where they are. Her focus has been on helping young people understand their relationship with substances and their risk factors for dependence so they can make informed decisions. She is the co-founder of “Rams in Recovery”, a Collegiate Recovery Program at VCU where she remains part of the project team and a member of its advisory board. She is currently adjunct faculty in the VCU School of Kinesiology and Health Sciences where she teaches courses in Substance Abuse and Coping and Adaptation. She also contracts with the University of Richmond to provide early intervention groups and is a consultant to area schools.