With addiction directly impacting over 20 million Americans, most people know and care about someone battling this reality.  With the increase of stress and isolation in the wake of COVID-19, alcohol sales and treatment intakes are on the rise.  In the midst of attempts to cope with a “new norm”, families are reaching out more than ever to seek support and recovery.  This presentation will focus on increasing understanding of the relationship between COVID and addiction, understanding how this pandemic has created a “perfect storm” for addiction, and what solutions family members and loved ones can be empowered to explore.

- Increase understanding of the impact COVID-19 has had on substance use, mental health.

- Explore the impact COVID-19 has had on family systems where there is addiction, problematic use, or mental health concerns present.

- Process effective coping strategies and solutions to move from isolation and addiction, into connectedness and recovery.

Presented by Kate Appleman, MA, CAADC, CSAT, CMAT, CCS;

Sr. Clinical Director of Men’s Treatment and Clinical Support Services

Since 2013, Kate has been active in program development, supporting the development of evidence-based clinical programming for executives, healthcare professionals, attorneys, and opioid addiction. Kate’s areas of expertise include a focus on men’s addiction treatment and recovery, as well as relapse treatment and prevention, motivational interviewing, and working with family systems impacted by addiction. Her oversight of Men’s Treatment Services and counselor assistants on the Pennsylvania campus allows for a strong focus and emphasis on staff growth and professional development. Kate’s tenure at Caron has allowed her to receive training in addiction interaction disorder (AID) and professional development. She is a certified clinical supervisor and a certified advanced alcohol and drug counselor and holds CSAT and CMAT certifications. She received a Bachelor of Social Work degree from Alvernia University in 2006 and a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology degree from Rosemont College in 2010.