Be a Part of the Conversation

01/28/2026

FREE Event online TONIGHT!

Now more than ever, technology plays a vital role in all our lives. It keeps us connected and can educate, illuminate and entertain. With increased use, kids can develop an unhealthy dependence on tech as an escape or way to avoid life's challenges.

Gaming, social media, and streaming entertainment can be fun and relaxing, but moderation can easily slide toward dependence. We'll provide strategies to help our kids develop a healthy relationship with technology, and skills to practice self-care.

Register at https://conversation.zone/event/gv2/

01/27/2026

Siblings, parents, and all family members are welcome at this FREE online session.

Families are dramatically impacted when a member has a substance use disorder (SUD/addiction). While we are getting better at addressing parents’ needs, we sometimes overlook the siblings’ needs and experiences. Quite naturally, siblings may feel resentment and anger, they may desperately want to rescue their addicted sibling, or they may isolate or disconnect … either from the addicted sibling or from the entire family system.

Offered in partnership with Chester County Health Department of Drug & Alcohol Services.

Register at https://conversation.zone/event/siblings/

01/23/2026

Our Family Recovery Course (FRC) is a three-part series of peer-led interactive educational trainings for parents or guardians whose child, at any stage of life, has struggled with addiction to drugs or alcohol.

Part 1 – Addiction 101: Exploring this complex disease.
Part 2 – Family Foundations: Understanding the family disease of addiction.
Part 3 – Family Recovery: Building a recovery plan for life.

Check out our upcoming schedule (including a Saturday course) and registration information below. There is no charge to participate and all course are limited to 12 participants.

https://conversation.zone/frc/

01/22/2026

Siblings... we see you!

Families are dramatically impacted when a member has a substance use disorder (SUD/addiction). While we are getting better at addressing parents’ needs, we sometimes overlook the siblings’ needs and experiences. Quite naturally, siblings may feel resentment and anger, they may desperately want to rescue their addicted sibling, or they may isolate or disconnect … either from the addicted sibling or from the entire family system.

We’ll hear from a professional who works closely with family systems, as well as a family member who will share their personal experience.

This program is open to siblings, parents, or anyone seeking understanding about the relationship between siblings when one or more have a substance use disorder.

Register Today for this FREE online program ▶ https://conversation.zone/event/siblings/

01/21/2026

The Road to Recovery is Paved with Boundaries

Read Sue's journey with lived experience as the parent of someone who has struggled with addiction. She is a cherished Conversation volunteer who leads a Parent Partnership meeting.

https://conversation.zone/2026/01/20/how-can-i-stop-my-son-from-using-drugs/

01/20/2026

Kids are wired to try new things. Whether it’s ni****ne, THC (cannabis), or “just” flavoring, the current trend, both nationally and locally, is va**ng. Along with other risky behaviors, this is something we need to have a conversation about, as parents and as a community that cares.

We’ll talk about ways we can help kids to break away from cultural pressures.

☑ The teenage brain is built to take risks. We’ll learn how to encourage smart choices.
☑ Va**ng can involve flavored liquids, ni****ne, or THC (cannabis). We’ll learn about the implications of each.
☑ We'll discuss the implications of medical ma*****na, and the potential for legalized adult use.

This program is presented in partnership with School District .

Register for this FREE in-person program here: www.convo.zone/colonial

01/13/2026

Now more than ever, technology plays a vital role in all our lives. It keeps us connected and can educate, illuminate and entertain. With increased use, kids can develop an unhealthy dependence on tech as an escape or way to avoid life's challenges.

Gaming, social media, and streaming entertainment can be fun and relaxing, but moderation can easily slid toward dependence. We'll provide strategies to help our kids develop a healthy relationship with technology, and skills to practice self-care.

This online program is free to attend. Register at https://conversation.zone/event/gv2/

01/11/2026

Thank you to The Philadelphia Citizen for sharing "The Reiner Family is Our Family" written by Executive Director & Co-Founder Kim Porter, CFRS.

According to a SAMHSA (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration) 2024 national survey, more than 48 million Americans meet criteria for substance use disorder. What's more — this disease impacts the entire family system. If you can relate to the paradox of loving someone in action addiction, this is for you. 💚

Shoutout to Lauren McCutcheon and Mary-Olivia Kram for your help sharing this story.

In light of a recent Hollywood tragedy, people who love people with mental health disorders are quietly asking: Could this happen to us?

01/09/2026

Free Online Program!

Families are dramatically impacted when a member has a substance use disorder (SUD/addiction). While we are getting better at addressing parents’ needs, we sometimes overlook the siblings’ needs and experiences. Quite naturally, siblings may feel resentment and anger, they may desperately want to rescue their addicted sibling, or they may isolate or disconnect … either from the addicted sibling or from the entire family system.

We’ll hear from a professional who works closely with family systems, as well as a family member who will share their personal experience.

This program is open to siblings, parents, or anyone seeking understanding about the relationship between siblings when one or more have a substance use disorder.

Register Today ▶ https://conversation.zone/event/siblings/

01/08/2026

"When you have a sibling with a substance use disorder (SUD), your life is shaped in ways that are hard to explain unless you’ve lived it. It’s not just about watching someone you love struggle. It’s about how that struggle quietly reorganizes your entire world."

Thank you to Mallory Henry, Director of Family Education at Caron Treatment Centers, who leads our weekly Sibling Partnership support group (join us Wednesdays, 8pm ET on Zoom) for contributing to our blog. Read Mallory's full piece, A Sibling's Perspective on Addiction, and please share if you are so moved: https://conversation.zone/2026/01/06/a-siblings-perspective-on-addiction/

We are also hosting an upcoming program on January 29 with Pat Brown, LCSW: Understanding & Supporting Siblings Impacted by Addiction. Sibling support is available! Register here: https://conversation.zone/event/siblings/

01/06/2026

Please read this story about the challenges of Medetomidine in our region's drug supply: https://www.nytimes.com/2025/12/15/health/medetomidine-withdrawal-symptoms-treatment.html

It's important to stay informed about current trends in substance use and related treatment options.

Subscribe to receive announcements from us about upcoming programs and ongoing services: https://conversation.zone/subscribe/

01/05/2026

Recovery isn’t a January resolution.
It’s courage. It’s community. It’s showing up, one day at a time. And you don't have to be alone.

Check out our Parent Partnership meetings, offered online and in-person, 5 days a week. Free to attend. ▶ https://conversation.zone/partnership/