Sessions

*Evolving Vapes: Cannabis, Stash Vapes, Nicotine and Other Drugs

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Session Info

Vaping continues to evolve at a rapid pace, extending far beyond nicotine. This session explores the expanding world of vape devices used to consume cannabis, high-potency THC concentrates, synthetic cannabinoids, and other illicit substances — often hidden in plain sight. Participants will learn how modern vape devices are designed to evade detection, how stash vapes and altered devices function, and why these products present unique risks for youth and adults alike. Through real-world examples and current trend analysis, this session equips attendees with the knowledge needed to recognize, understand, and respond to emerging vaping behaviors in their communities.

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

  1. Identify the latest vaping devices used for nicotine, cannabis, and other drugs, including stash and modified vapes.

  2. Understand how vape technology has evolved to conceal drug use and avoid detection in schools, vehicles, and public settings.

  3. Recognize emerging substances being consumed through vaping beyond traditional nicotine products.

  4. Assess the health, safety, and legal implications associated with modern vaping trends.

  5. Apply practical strategies to improve awareness, prevention, and response efforts within their professional roles.

 

Speakers

*Understanding the Disease We Are Working to Prevent: Why Stigma Matters

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*Opioids Other Than the F word (Fentanyl)

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*Lessons from the Front Lines: Mental Health, Youth Risk, and Trendy Social Media Decisions (Officer Gomez)

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Session Info

Abstract

Today's schools provide a unique window into the challenges facing young people. From mental health struggles and social media influence to substance use and risk-taking behaviors, educators and school leaders are witnessing firsthand how these issues intersect and impact student well-being. Drawing on years of experience in school administration, this session explores the lessons learned from working directly with students, families, and school communities. Attendees will gain practical insights into identifying emerging concerns, understanding the role of school culture, and supporting students through informed, proactive approaches that foster resilience and healthier decision-making.

Learning Objectives

  • Identify current youth risk behaviors and mental health challenges commonly observed in school settings.
  • Examine how social media, peer pressure, and other influences affect student behavior, decision-making, and overall well-being.
  • Recognize strategies schools can use to build supportive environments that encourage resilience and positive choices.
  • Apply practical approaches for collaborating with families, educators, and community partners to better support at-risk youth.

 

Speakers

*Breaking Badder: The Resurgence of Methamphetamine

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Session Info

 

Description

Methamphetamine has been around for a long time, but current illicit drug markets shifting heavily towards the overall trend of synthetic drugs has caused a resurgence of this stimulant.  The market is rapidly expanding, and organized crime groups are currently producing incredibly pure and potent versions of the drug.  This session will give the attendee a better understanding of the current methamphetamine situation, why it has resurfaced, and the possible effects it may have on overdose deaths.

Objectives

-Review the history of methamphetamine

-Discuss the role of transnational criminal organizations (TCOs)

-Examine fake pills containing methamphetamine

-Illustrate how methamphetamine is a persistent threat to overdose deaths

 

Speakers

*AI and Kids: The Questions We Will Ask Next

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Session Info

 

Children are getting therapy from chatbots that displace human support. Generative tools are turning innocent social photos into sextortion material and CSAM. Companion apps are building emotional dependencies that draw kids out of human relationships. Underneath all of it is the same problem: AI is a super-genius junior intern. It reads fast, knows a lot, and it lacks experience with which to exercise judgment. Most adults, let alone kids, don't have the experience to direct it or catch its mistakes.

This session covers the AI-driven risks reaching minors, suggested guidelines for child-AI interaction, and a framework professionals can use both to protect the kids in their cases and to use AI well in their own work. Participants leave with three take-home exercises.
 

Learning Objectives:

1. The participant will be able to identify AI-mediated harm patterns, including AI as therapy substitute, AI companion attachment, AI-mediated grooming, and AI-generated imagery of minors, in cases they are already working.

2. The participant will be able to describe how generative AI produces deepfakes, conversational agents, and synthetic media, and explain what that means for evidence handling, clinical interpretation, and school response.

3. The participant will be able to articulate suggested guidelines for child-AI interaction and translate them into guidance for parents and caregivers.

4. The participant will be able to apply a question-based framework, including the Critique Technique and a custom-instructions block, that treats AI as a low-trust thinking partner for better-informed decisions, both in their own work and as a model for the families they advise.

 

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*Alcohol Drinking Trends in the New and Evolving Modern Landscape

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Forever 15 Project

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New and Emerging Opioid Trends and Other Drug Trends

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Session Info

The drug landscape continues to evolve at an unprecedented pace. Synthetic opioids, novel compounds, counterfeit pills, and polydrug combinations are reshaping the risks facing communities nationwide. This session provides a current, real-world overview of emerging opioid trends — including fentanyl analogs, synthetic combinations, and shifting patterns of use — alongside other rapidly developing drug threats impacting youth, adults, and public safety.

Participants will gain insight into how these substances are marketed, concealed, distributed, and consumed, as well as the implications for schools, law enforcement, prevention professionals, and community leaders. Attendees will leave with practical, actionable knowledge to better recognize trends, reduce harm, and respond effectively in their communities.

Speakers

From Controlled Substances to Convenience Store Shelves

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Session Info

Over the last several years many products intended for human consumption that were once restricted to the pharmaceutical sector and/or classified as controlled substances have been entering traditional food markets. These products typically contain chemicals that are considered psychotropic, very different from traditional foods. Regulators are now having to incorporate these psychotropic products into various regulatory frameworks, and they are not necessarily an easy fit thus requiring a different approach and skillset in many cases. These products are being intertwined with traditional food products and made readily available to consumers of all ages at a variety of public establishments. This segment will unravel some of the mysteries that surround many of these products and discuss different strategies being used by some in the industry to evade regulation and illegally expand the spaces they were given in which to operate.
 

Learning Objectives:

Attendees will:

  • Understand how psychotropic products are making their way into easily accessible food markets.
  • Understand concerns surrounding psychotropics being sold as/in food.
  • Understand some of the arguments that are being made in attempts to confuse officials and regulators.
  • Become familiar with many of the product classes and products commonly available on the market today.
  • Understand the necessity for strong scientific backgrounds to filter through illegitimate arguments.

 

Speakers

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