Coming Together Day 1 | October 28, 5:30 pm – 8:00 pm
Person Journey
Dr. Andre Johnson | Detroit Recovery Project CEO
Detroit Recovery Project Inc (DRP) utilizes the SAMHSA definition of harm reduction as a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower PWUD and their families with the choice to live healthier, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives. Harm reduction centers the lived and living experience of PWUD, especially those in underserved communities, in these strategies and the practices that flow from them.
Navigating Pregnancy and Substance Use with Care and Support
Dr. Maria Muzik | Professor of Psychiatry and Obstetrics & Gynecology at Michigan Medicine, Co-Director of the Women and Infants Mental Health Program, Medical Director of the Perinatal Psychiatry Clinic, and Co-Director of Zero To Thrive at the University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare Policy & Innovation.
Substance Use Disorder is a chronic medical condition that affects 1 in 6 Americans. Unlike other common
health conditions, like asthma or heart disease, stigma around substance use is very high. This is
particularly true when people who use substances become pregnant. Pregnant people with a substance use
disorder often face the highest levels of stigma and judgment, even when they ask for help. Substance use
during pregnancy also comes with many health risks for the parent and child that are important to address.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to provide compassionate, supportive, respectful care for birthing people who
are also experiencing a substance use disorder. As a community, it is imperative that we resist judging
pregnant people and instead help them as they begin their journey towards recovery.
This public keynote will discuss best practices—centering empathy and the very best research—for caring
for birthing people with substance use disorders.The presenter will also share practical advice for those of
us in the community who wish to better support loved ones who are experiencing addiction during their
pregnancy.
Coming Together Day 2 | October 29, 7:30 am – 4:00 pm
Morning Keynote:
The Least of Us: True Tales of America and Hope in the Time of Fentanyl and Meth
Sam Quinones | Journalist, Storyteller, former LA Times reporter, and acclaimed Author
A conversation about the spread of synthetic drugs nationwide, how they change everything we’ve thought
about addiction, overdose, treatment and much more. And how solutions reside in the small, local,
community building efforts, so often unnoticed yet crucial in building durable solutions.
Afternoon Keynote:
Session Details Pending
Dr. Andre Johnson | Detroit Recovery Project CEO
Detroit Recovery Project Inc (DRP) utilizes the SAMHSA definition of harm reduction as a practical and transformative approach that incorporates community-driven public health strategies — including prevention, risk reduction, and health promotion — to empower PWUD and their families with the choice to live healthier, self-directed, and purpose-filled lives. Harm reduction centers the lived and living experience of PWUD, especially those in underserved communities, in these strategies and the practices that flow from them.
Breakout Sessions:
Fetal Alcohol Syndrome
Jim Henry, LLMSW | Ph.D., Professor and Director of the FASTER Program at Western Michigan University School of Social Work
Integrative Approaches to Recovery: Acupuncture for Substance Use Disorders
Mandi Schupbach, MS, LAc, Dipl. Ac. (NCCAOM) | Wellspring Acupuncture and Jennifer Yanchula | Willow Tree Reiki and Meditation
As part of an integrative care model, acupuncture can provide meaningful support for individuals navigating
the challenges of Substance Use Disorders and mental health recovery. Research shows acupuncture may
help regulate the autonomic nervous system, reduce cravings, ease withdrawal symptoms, and improve
sleep and emotional stability. This session will explore both the physiological mechanisms and practical
applications of acupuncture, including a demonstration of the National Acupuncture Detoxification
Association (NADA) protocol, to show how acupuncture can be incorporated into collaborative treatment
plans to support long-term recovery outcomes.
Promoting the use of recovery-oriented language: Why words matter
Kristen DeVall, Co-Director of the National Treatment Court Resource Center
The question of why/how language is important to the work that is done within treatment courts and the
larger criminal legal system is an emerging area of focus. Sociologists, linguists, and others have examined
the role of language within our society and the influence it has on thoughts, attitudes, and behaviors. This
presentation will begin with an overview of this work and answer the question of “what is language?”
Second, the goals of both the criminal legal system and treatment courts will be outlined. Next, an overview
of how language can serve as a vehicle by which we do/do not achieve these goals will be provided. Finally,
a historical account of how language has changed over time will be reviewed. Specific attention will be paid
to terminology practitioners and researchers should avoid using, as well as alternative words/phrases that
promote recovery, healing, and wellness.
Celebrating Multiple Pathways to Recovery
Kara Trainor, Peer Recovery Coach | Rachel Johnson | Elisha Ash
In recognizing that individuals are best served by honoring a person-centered approach towards SUD
recovery, it is important to value one’s autonomy to choose what pathway resonates with them the most.
Traditionally, twelve-step fellowships like AA or NA have been the mainstay as far as providing vital tools,
connection and building one’s recovery capital. Yet, other groups and programs do exist. This break-out
session and panel will explore the concept of multiple pathways and preview a few community-based
recovery support groups that may be a possibility for individuals preferring an alternative resource for
support.
Navigating Pregnancy and Substance Use with Care and Support
Dr. Maria Muzik, University of Michigan Institute for Healthcare & Policy Innovation
Substance Use Disorder is a chronic medical condition that affects 1 in 6 Americans. Unlike other common
health conditions, like asthma or heart disease, stigma around substance use is very high. This is
particularly true when people who use substances become pregnant. Pregnant people with a substance use
disorder often face the highest levels of stigma and judgment, even when they ask for help. Substance use
during pregnancy also comes with many health risks for the parent and child that are important to address.
For these reasons, it’s crucial to provide compassionate, supportive, respectful care for birthing people who
are also experiencing a substance use disorder. As a community, it is imperative that we resist judging
pregnant people and instead help them as they begin their journey towards recovery.
This public keynote will discuss best practices—centering empathy and the very best research—for caring
for birthing people with substance use disorders.The presenter will also share practical advice for those of
us in the community who wish to better support loved ones who are experiencing addiction during their
pregnancy.
Prevention
Katie Newby, Community Healing Centers Prevention Specialist
Re-entry after Incarceration
Gwendolyn Hooker, CEO/Founder of HOPE Thru Navigation
Serving Underserved Populations Locally
Street Medicine Kalamazoo, WMU Homer Stryker M.D. School of Medicine
The Treatment of Substance Use Disorders and Behavioral Addictions
within the VA: Current Approaches and Future Directions
Taylor R. Weststrate Ph.D. LP, Clinical Psychologist, Battle Creek VA Medical Center
This presentation seeks to provide the audience with a brief overview of Substance Use and Behavioral addictions and their relationship with co-occurring mental health disorders within the Veteran population. Current evidence-based approaches, limitations within the field of substance use disorder treatment, and directions for new and progressive treatment approaches will be discussed.
“Why Am I Here? This Is Sus.” Engaging Adolescents in the Pre-contemplative Stage of Substance Use TreatmentYouth in the Pre-contemplative Stage of Change
Youth Panel accompanied by Victoria Orbe, LMSW, CAADC, Clinical Director of Community Healing Centers
Adolescents in the pre-contemplative stage of substance use treatment often enter services with low
motivation and high skepticism—cue the classic “Why am I here?” This skills-based session explores
developmentally appropriate strategies for connecting with youth who aren’t yet considering change.
Participants will learn how to build rapport, introduce harm reduction, and define realistic treatment goals.
Designed for interdisciplinary professionals—treatment providers, legal staff, educators, and medical
personnel—this workshop offers practical tools for engaging “resistant” teens. Attendees will leave with
fresh insights and more confidence in meeting adolescents where they are (even when where they are is
“this is sus”).
