Real Talk About Teen Substance Use & Mental Health in a Post-Pan

Jewish Family & Career Services of Atlanta is hosting a virtual live interview with best-selling authors, David and Nic Sheff, where the well-known father-son duo will discuss navigating teen substance use and mental health in a post-pandemic world June 10 at 7 p.m. via Zoom.

David Sheff is the author of Beautiful Boy, which was made into a major motion picture starring Steve Carell, about his struggle as a father trying to help his son as he falls further into addiction.

Father and son David and Nic Sheff wrote their book High as a resource for kids and their caregivers, based on their lived experience — David, as a father, and Nic, as a person in recovery reflecting on his teenage-early adult years and time in active addiction.

Through the lens of the book, they’ll share their truths and what they’ve learned about teens, mental health, substance use, and how what we already know about kids can inform how we help them navigate their world post-pandemic.

The event is the second in the JF&CS Mental Health Series for the Atlanta community.

The first event featured Gary Gulman, star of the HBO Comedy Special, The Great Depresh, who shared about his personal struggle with depression and anxiety to a crowd of more than 450 registered attendees on May 7 and was produced by The Wellness Institute, a division of the Rohr Jewish Learning Institute (JLI).

JF&CS expanded clinical services for mental health throughout the COVID-19 crisis, utilizing Telehealth phone and video sessions, and providing support groups for teens and families. JF&CS offers counseling for all ages and accepts most forms of insurance.

“The pandemic has exponentially increased the demand for our mental health services with all ages,” says Terri Bonoff, CEO, JF&CS Atlanta. “David and Nic will provide critical information to parents and teens about mental health, and substance abuse.

David Sheff is a bestselling author and advocate on U.S. drug crisis, prevention, and treatment of addiction. Sheff is the author of Beautiful Boy: A Father’s Journey Through His Son’s Addiction, a number one New York Times bestseller; the book was adapted as a feature film starring Steve Carrell and Timothee Chalamet in 2018. Nic Sheff is the author of two memoirs, including the New York Times best seller Tweak: Growing Up On Methamphetamines and We All Fall Down: Living With Addiction. He has also written several novels for young adults and is a writer, story editor, and co-producer for the Netflix series, 13 Reasons Why.

Register at jfcsatl.org/RealTalk

About JF&CS

Established in 1891, Jewish Family & Career Services (JF&CS) offers programs and resources to help the Atlanta community. Guided by Jewish values, JF&CS serves thousands of individuals annually regardless of age, race, religion, national origin, or ability to pay. We offer counseling and therapy for individuals, families and groups, older adult services, careers and support services, intellectual and developmental disabilities services, as well as free dental services at the Ben Massell Dental Clinic. For more information, please call 770.677.9300 or visit JFCSatl.org.