As parents and caring adults, the way we talk about and understand substance use can deeply influence the young people in our lives.

This session will explore evidence-informed approaches shared by those with lived experience, helping us better understand substance use and how we can support without judgment.

Topics We’ll Cover:

• Exploring Strength-Based Conversations – Shifting the focus from challenges to resilience
• Looking Out for Deficit-Based Thinking – Recognizing unhelpful narratives and reframing them
• Trauma-Informed Language – Words matter—how we talk about substance use can shape understanding and healing
• Exploring Boundary Setting: Why Is It So Hard?
• Taking Care of YOU! – Prioritizing your well-being while supporting someone struggling

Alex Lekei is a Canadian Certified Addictions Counsellor with over 15 years of experience in healthcare. They currently serve as a Family Educator with Together We Can, a Peer Leader with Vancouver Coastal Health, and operates his own private practice, Guiding Solutions Counselling. Drawing from his own lived experience with substance use as a youth and young adult, combined with academic training and community involvement, they bring a unique and empathetic perspective.  

Steven Hall is the Public Relations Manager at Together We Can Drug & Alcohol Recovery & Education Society (TWC). A graduate of TWC’s 12-step-based program, Steven draws on his own lived experience with addiction and mental health to support others. Now part of TWC’s Community Relations and Family Support Team, he is passionate about creating safe spaces and believes recovery is possible—and everyone is worthy of it.