Understanding the Behavioral Aspects of Addiction — Thurman Strother

"The Spiritual Journey of Recovery" and "Why we do what we do". Thurman Strother is the Program Director of Foundations Recovery Network in Roswell, GA.

Depression: The Unholy Ghost — Dawn Collinge

Diagnostic criteria for depression. The relationship between suicide and depression The link between substance abuse and depression. Evidence based treatment strategies. Dawn Collinge is the Education Outreach Coordinator for Skyland Trail in Atlanta, GA.

All American Girl Addicted — Hannah Brett

Hannah Brett shares her story of growing up as a kid that every family wanted but ended up addicted to alcohol and going into treatment at 26 years old. Today Hannah is a national rep for Turning Point in New Haven, CT., traveling the country working with treatment providers, health care professionals, schools, and families who need to place their adolescent and young boys with co-occuring disorders.

Transporting Adolescents and Legal Consequences — Matt Sassman and John Brocard

Matt Sassman will share his personal story as well as talk about his job transporting adolescents and adults. John is an attorney and co-founder of Prodigal Child Ministries. John will talk briefly about the legal consequences of drug and alcohol related arrests and convictions.

Virtual Intimacy — Jenna Riemersma

Parenting in today's sexualized digital culture. Jenna will address how technology has impacted the relationships and sexuality of our young people.

Recognizing Signs of Recovery and Relapse — Carey Davidson

Carey is an Addiction Specialist and Board Registered Intervention Specialist. He founded Recovery Program Management and Intervention ASAP out of a sincere desire to help others. Carey holds a Master's degree in Addiction Counseling from the esteemed Hazelden Graduate School of Addiction Studies.

When Your Loved One is an Addict — Dr. Dave Gore

Dr. Gore will address the importance of what the family members should do to make changes when their loved one is an addict.

The Psychology of Emotions and its Effects on Shame — Tony Kitchens

Tony will share his personal story and talk about the guilt and shame that families face by the poor decisions that their prodigals make and how to overcome that.

"After-Care" and Transitional Programs — Jennifer Angier

Jennifer addresses issues of "after-care" and transitional programs. What is available after your child has been away to treatment? Jennifer is the executive director of the new Black Bear Foundations Recovery Center in North Georgia.

So You Love a Prodigal — Rita Moritz

What You Can't Do, What You Can Do, and Why You Can't Quit. Rita is personally and intimately aware of the pain and challenges of loving a prodigal.

The Twelve Steps — John Dyben

John is the director of spiritual care at the Hanley Center in West Palm Beach, FL. John explains the 12 steps in the context of a specifically Christian mindset.

Her Dark Past — Jackie Oerther

Jackie, a former heroin addict, shares her story of addiction which included homelessness, jail, and kidnapping her 7 year-old son from foster care as well as being wanted by the FBI. Jackie now uses her life story and dark past to minister to others.

His Personal Testimony — Larry McKenna

Larry is the director of the Jericho House in Cleveland, GA, a long term Christ-centered drug and alcohol recovery program for men. Larry shares his personal testimony about how he was set free from the bondage of his own addiction and how he has allowed Jesus to become the Lord of his life.

The Impact of Someone Else's Substance Abuse — Anastasia Bean

Anastasia, a counselor with Warnecke Professional Counseling in Marietta, shares her personal testimony on how her life was affected by someone else's substance abuse in her family. She will also talk about the importance of the 12-step and co-addiction support groups.

Internet and Gaming Addictions — Thomas Andre

Thomas is a counselor with Warnecke Professional Counseling in Marietta. Internet and gaming addictions technological advances are influencing culture today. This is a newly proposed disorder and many drug/alcohol clients move their addictions into this area while in early recovery.

Panel of Prodigals

Testimonies from Alexander Sasser, Davis Vaughn, and Chase Sewell

Not Easy But Worth It — The Eberhards

Rand Eberhard and his parents Randy and Susie share their story. God never said that life would be easy. He just promised that it would be worth it!

Addiction, a Matter of the Heart — Eli Velasquez

Eli Velasquez from Genesis Ministries (a Christian residential program for men) addresses codependency, brain chemistry, and the addictive belief system.

How Alchohol Took Over — David Proctor

David from Heroes in Recovery shares his personal story about how alcohol took over his life. David is a retired law-enforcement professional who worked in the field for more than 30 years.

Codependency — David Blackwell

Codependency can be particularly difficult for people of faith. Secular approaches to codependency sometimes seem to come at odds with the concepts of benevolence and long suffering unconditional love. This talk is designed to help believers come to terms with their codependency and begin to move into a more Godly, loving way of life.