2026 Conference Archive

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Know Your Neuro

First Presenter’s Email Address

crystal@drcrystalcollier.com

First Presenter's Brief Biography

Crystal Collier, PhD, herself a person in long-term recovery, is a therapist, prevention researcher, and author. Her work has been recognized in the prevention science and addiction fields with the Torch Bearer Award by the Texas Association of Addiction Professionals, 2019 Counselor of the Year by the Houston Counseling Association, and the Outstanding Research Award from the Association of Alternative Peer Groups. Dr. Collier’s comprehensive prevention model and parent guide, which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to children, teens, teachers, and parents, received a commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. In her children’s book series, Know Your Neuro: Adventures of a Growing Brain and her free, online prevention website www.knowyourneuro.org, she teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of high-risk behaviors, prevention strategies, and brain-based parenting techniques.

Submitter

I am submitting this proposal as one of the presenter(s)

Location

Verelst

Strand #1

Heart: Social & Emotional Skills

Strand #2

Health: Mental & Physical Health

Relevance

Children and adolescents are struggling with a wider variety of high-risk behavior than in previous generations. This presentation tackles how all risky behavior affect the development brain, the implications of hypofrontality, and the practical application of neuroscience in prevention education.

Brief Program Description

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior describes how a variety of high-risk behavior affects neurodevelopment including drugs, alcohol, vaping, anxiety, depression, technology overuse, and others. School counselors and clinicians will learn how to teach the neuroscience of risky behavior in an easy-to-understand, fun way! Skills building will focus on how to be a brain-savvy counselor, identify executive functioning skills deficits, and apply prevention science principles and activities that get long-term results.

Summary

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior describes how a variety of high-risk behavior affects neurodevelopment including drugs, alcohol, vaping, anxiety, depression, technology overuse, and others. This presentation utilizes a comprehensive, brain-based approach to fostering executive function skills, promoting healthy decision-making, and preventing high-risk behaviors in children and adolescents. The program is designed for integration into school curricula, family routines, and community programs, providing practical resources for educators, parents, and students alike. School counselors and clinicians will learn how to teach the neuroscience of risky behavior in an easy-to-understand, fun way! Skills building will focus on how to be a brain-savvy counselor, identify executive functioning skills deficits, and apply prevention science principles and activities that get long-term results. Participants will receive opportunities to learn how to use a free, online neuroeducation program that includes interactive videos, session and classroom activities, and family friendly resources.

Evidence

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior is based on the work of Dr. Crystal Collier whose comprehensive prevention model, which teaches the neurodevelopmental effects of risky behavior to children, teens, teachers, and parents, received a commendation from the National Council on Alcoholism and Drug Dependence. Sixty-five years of prevention science research were utilized to create this model. Evidence includes:

Collier, C., & Henriksen Jr, R. C. (2012). Teachers' Perceptions of a Multiple High-Risk Behavior Prevention Program and Delivery of Universal Programming. Qualitative Report, 17, 100.

Collier, C., Hilliker, R., & Onwuegbuzie, A. (2014). Alternative peer group: A model for youth recovery. Journal of Groups in Addiction & Recovery, 9(1), 40-53.

Collier, C. (2013). Effects of comprehensive, multiple high-risk behaviors prevention program on high school students. Sam Houston State University.

Collier, C., Davison, J., & Onwuegbuziec, A. J. (2018). Mixed Methods Study of Multiple High-Risk Behavior Prevention Program on High School Students. INTERNATIONAL JOURNAL, 10(1), 589-610.

Collier, C., Onwuegbuzie, A. J., LaChapelle, A., & Davison, J. (2016). Effects of a comprehensive, multiple risky behavior prevention program on high school students. Journal of addiction, 2016(1), 9545847.

Collier, C., Simpson, S., Najera, J., & Weiner, L. (2012). Peer Influence and Recovery. Prevention Researcher, 19.

Karianjahi, M. (2022). Book review: The NeuroWhereabouts guide: A neurodevelopmental guide for parents and families who want to prevent youth high-risk behavior by Crystal Collier.

Nash, A., Collier, C., Engebretson, J., & Cron, S. (2019). Testing the feasibility of measuring recovery in adolescent participants of an alternative peer group: lessons learned and next steps. Journal of Adolescent Research, 34(6), 655-682.

Nash, A. J., Hennessy, E. A., & Collier, C. (2019). Exploring recovery capital among adolescents in an alternative peer group. Drug and Alcohol Dependence, 199, 136-143.

Nash, A., & Collier, C. (2016). The alternative peer group: A developmentally appropriate recovery support model for adolescents. Journal of addictions nursing, 27(2), 109-119.

Learning Objective 1

Participants will be able to teach the neuroscience of high-risk behavior to youth in a fun and interactive way.

Learning Objective 2

Participants will be able to teach how high-risk behavior affects the brain in a simple, easy-to-understand way.

Learning Objective 3

Participants will learn how to apply brain-based counseling and parenting strategies in session, class and at home.

Keyword Descriptors

neuroscience, high-risk, executive functioning, practical

Presentation Year

2026

Start Date

3-3-2026 2:45 PM

End Date

3-3-2026 4:00 PM

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Mar 3rd, 2:45 PM Mar 3rd, 4:00 PM

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior: Implications for Prevention & School Treatment

Verelst

The Neuroscience of High-Risk Behavior describes how a variety of high-risk behavior affects neurodevelopment including drugs, alcohol, vaping, anxiety, depression, technology overuse, and others. School counselors and clinicians will learn how to teach the neuroscience of risky behavior in an easy-to-understand, fun way! Skills building will focus on how to be a brain-savvy counselor, identify executive functioning skills deficits, and apply prevention science principles and activities that get long-term results.