Kratom and ketamine sit in a gray zone where legality, medical use, and misuse overlap, so this session explains the laws governing each, how they affect the brain and body, and where the line falls between legitimate treatment and abuse. Because the devil is in the dosage, collegiate recovery professionals will leave better prepared to recognize risk, talk with students, and stay informed as these and other emerging substances show up on campus.
Jana Wu, LCSW, LADC, ICADC, is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker with a master’s degree in social work from Smith College who specializes in treating trauma, anxiety, depression, and co-occurring disorders. With experience across Mountainside’s full continuum of care, she is particularly skilled at supporting adolescents, families, veterans, and healthcare professionals navigating substance use challenges. Jana draws from evidence-based approaches including Acceptance Commitment Therapy, EMDR, and somatic therapies, and serves as co-chair of the Addictions Committee for the National Association of Social Workers of Connecticut.
Daniel Sexton, CASAC-Master, LMHC, ICADC, EMDRIA, M.S., is Program Manager of Outpatient Services at Mountainside. He holds a Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling and specializes in co-occurring disorders, with training in approaches like CBT and Motivational Interviewing. His background includes building individualized treatment plans for clients from diverse ethnic, socioeconomic, and clinical backgrounds, and he takes a person-centered approach to helping clients through early recovery.
