As summer begins, conversations around prevention, public health, and family well-being remain front and center. In this week’s edition of Prevention Pulse, we take a closer look at rising cannabis use among older adults, evolving trends in psychiatry, and local efforts to support recovery and remembrance in New Jersey.
We’re also highlighting upcoming CEU trainings for professionals and practical guidance from our blog on managing college stress, strengthening family bonds, and talking to kids about substance use.
Addiction News & Policy Updates: Week of June 9
This week’s headlines explore new research, policy debates, and community responses shaping the future of behavioral health and addiction prevention both in New Jersey and across the nation.
Cannabis Use Among Older Adults Raises Health Concerns
As cannabis use among older adults climbs, health experts are voicing growing concerns. A report from KFF Health News highlights a sharp uptick in cannabis use among adults 65 and older, accompanied by increased emergency room visits, falls, and potential links to cognitive and cardiovascular complications. While many older adults turn to cannabis for pain or anxiety relief, experts caution that its long-term health effects remain poorly understood, especially in aging populations.
Psychiatry Faces Shifting Public Expectations
A deep dive from the Psychiatric Times explores how psychiatry is being reshaped by government policy, shifting public opinion, and a growing reliance on non-medical approaches. The article outlines the profession’s current identity crisis, as clinicians grapple with balancing medication, therapy, and access, especially in an era where mental health demand continues to rise but structural barriers remain firmly in place.
New Mountainside Facility Expands Access to Treatment
Closer to home, New Jersey welcomed a new 45-bed treatment facility in Mountainside, launched by The Recovery Team. According to EIN Presswire, the center offers outpatient and partial hospitalization programs, addressing both mental health and substance use disorders through evidence-based treatment and trauma-informed care.
Phillipsburg Community Honors Lives Lost and Pushes for Reform
In Phillipsburg, residents gathered at Walters Park for the town’s 3rd Annual Drug Awareness Day, an event organized by the Parents Educating Awareness Community Effort (PEACE). The June 7 gathering honored lives lost to substance use while calling for stronger legislation, improved recovery support, and greater awareness across the region.
Public Health Experts Warn of CDC Shakeup
Finally, former U.S. Surgeon General Jerome Adams is sounding the alarm on a controversial move by presidential candidate RFK Jr. In a TIME opinion piece, Adams warns that purging members of the CDC’s vaccine advisory committee could compromise decades of public health safeguards, especially as vaccine hesitancy and health misinformation continue to grow.
From policy shifts to local mobilization, these stories highlight the evolving challenges and opportunities in the field of prevention.
Upcoming CEU Trainings for CADCs, LCADCs & CPS
Wellspring’s summer training calendar continues with two dynamic opportunities designed to support prevention professionals and addiction counselors in meeting their continuing education requirements while building practical skills for real-world impact.
CPS Course: Prevention Program Evaluation
On June 26–27, join us for Prevention Program Evaluation, a two-day virtual course tailored for Certified Prevention Specialists. Held from 9:00 a.m. to 12:00 p.m. each day, this training explores strategic evaluation frameworks and accessible data collection tools. Whether you’re new to evaluation or looking to refine your approach, this course will help you better measure program impact and make informed, evidence-based decisions.
Marijuana Renewal Training – 6 CEUs
On June 27, Joel Levine returns with his popular class Renewal Training: Marijuana, approved for 6 CEUs for CADC and LCADC renewal. This full-day session runs from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. and will guide participants through the latest research, trends, and policy considerations surrounding marijuana use. The training is ideal for professionals navigating this evolving landscape in both clinical and community settings.
To browse more trainings and register online, visit our full calendar of events.
Prevention Blog Highlights
This week on the blog, we’re exploring stress, communication, and connection, which are three core themes that shape healthy development during childhood and adolescence.
The Stress of Applying to College
College admissions are more competitive than ever, and the process is taking a toll on students’ mental health. In The Stress of Applying to College, we explore the pressures today’s teens face, from high expectations to uncertain outcomes, and offer simple, effective strategies families can use to manage stress and maintain balance.
Family Bonding During the Teenage Years
Strong family relationships don’t happen by accident, especially during adolescence. Family Bonding: Navigating Teenage Years highlights actionable ways to build trust and connection with teens, including open communication, shared activities, and consistency in routines and expectations.
Talking to Kids About Drugs and Alcohol
Knowing when (and how) to talk to children about substance use is a critical part of prevention. In 12 Tips to Talk to Your Kids About Drugs and Alcohol, we outline age-appropriate guidance to help parents initiate conversations early and keep the dialogue going through every stage of development.