This program begins with an introductory video aimed at knocking down the stigma attached to substance use disorder, spotlighting the current drug epidemic, and setting the stage for a powerful, honest and heartfelt story. During interviews with Stephen’s family, it becomes clear he had a great childhood. “No one saw this coming.”
Through sharing his lived experience, Stephen shows how mental health struggles can lead to addiction, the devastating consequences of substance use, how stigma prevented him from asking for help and contributed to his inability to recover. His storytelling technique allows each individual person to draw conclusions in their own meaningful way as it relates to their own life.
By focusing on the progression of his dependence—beginning to end—attendees will gain a better understanding of how the choices they make today will affect them, and those around them, for the rest of their lives. The trifecta gateway drugs of nicotine, alcohol, and marijuana introduced to Stephen in 8th grade by older peers was just the beginning, eventually leading to self-destructive behaviors, criminal convictions, and a deadly opioid addiction that Stephen directly states, “I would have never made it out alive if fentanyl was as prevalent during my addiction as it is today.”
He takes you through his struggles and extremely difficult times, then slowly transitions into sobriety—emphasizing that recovery is possible. Through practicing gratitude, healthy routines, and changing his mindset to view his challenges as opportunities to inspire others, profound changes began to happen in Stephen’s life—he mindfully built a life worth defending.
Attendees will leave this program better educated on mental health and substance use, with practical tools and coping skills to navigate challenges, and with a deeper understanding of the ripple effect—how our actions influence and impact people around us.
Implemented as a follow-up to the assembly, breakout sessions are held in Health, PE, or other classes throughout the school day. Some schools create customized schedules where Stephen meets with student leaders such as student council, sports captains, and members of a youth coalition.
This is a unique opportunity for students to ask Stephen personal questions, share their takeaways from the assembly, and engage in open discussion in an intimate setting where students feel more comfortable.
Each session is a deeper dive into the most important topics covered in the assembly. Breakout sessions aim to reinforce key messages and important lessons on mental health, substance use prevention, leadership, the ripple effect, and healthy coping skills—ensuring students retain and apply these tools long after the presentation ends.
An interactive program that educates students on laws related to drugs and alcohol, as well as the legal and moral consequences of their actions. This program is especially relevant for seniors as they become 18-years-old and adults under the law.
Stephen begins by qualifying himself through sharing his experience on both sides of the law, both as a defendant during his struggles with substance use and now as a defense attorney in recovery.
Students will learn about basic courtroom terms, criminal laws, civil laws, and the potential penalties and liability that can follow from breaking these laws. Stephen will give students fact patterns with real life scenarios so students can see how these laws play out in situations young people are faced with everyday.
Some of the laws covered are the Good Samaritan Law, DWI/DWAI & Zero Tolerance, Vehicular Homicide, Strict Liability for Drug-Induced Deaths, Social Host Liability, Providing Alcohol to Minors, Fake IDs, Hazing, Affirmative Consent to Sexual Activity, and Defamation of Character. Stephen also covers fentanyl and the misperception of harm due to the legalization of marijuana.
Know the Law, Save a Life program is only offered in New York & New Jersey.
Most parents never believe substance use or addiction will touch their child—until it does, leaving them overwhelmed, fearful, and lost. Stephen’s parents faced the emotional and financial burden of his addiction, compounded by stigmas that made seeking support more challenging.
By sharing his family’s story—the mistakes, pivotal moments of success, and journey to long-term recovery—Stephen offers hope, guidance, and lessons to families to help avoid the hardships his family endured.
Stephen emphasizes the importance of prevention through protection by clearly setting expectations, consistently following through on consequences, but also demonstrating flexibility because young people sometimes make mistakes in the face of negative influence and temptation. It’s crucial that children do not fear their parents more than they fear the real consequences of substance use.
Stephen reminds parents that they are the most influential person in a child’s life and must lead by example. He challenges the often dangerous distinction parents make by viewing alcohol differently than other drugs. Allowing high school-aged children to drink alcohol can normalize risky behavior and blur the boundaries between safe and unsafe choices, increasing the likelihood of future substance use issues.
The potential harm for hosting underage drinking parties is endless—ranging from criminal liability, civil liability, drug overdose, alcohol poisoning, sexual assault, drunk driving, violence, and the onset of substance use disorder. Parents cannot know the health history or substance-related struggles of every minor in their home. Do they have the permission of every kids’ parents?
As one of four brothers raised in a loving, supportive home, with only him struggling with addiction, Stephen illustrates how personality traits, mental health challenges, and adverse childhood experiences can increase vulnerability to substance use disorder.
Stephen’s approach helps parents recognize potential threats and warning signs to look out for. He equips parents with essential tools, practical strategies, and insights to foster resilience, support mental health, and reduce substance use risk in their children.
Transforming school discipline and criminal justice policies from punitive to restorative practices for youth struggling with substance use disorder not only saves lives—it builds lives worth defending.
School administrators and law enforcement face significant challenges to find the most effective response when a young person—anyone under the age of 25—breaks the law or violates a code of conduct for drugs and alcohol.
Stephen Hill brings extensive personal and professional experience on this topic. His unique perspective comes from his work as a criminal defense attorney with a focus on drug and alcohol related offenses, recovery coach, and youth motivational speaker.
His work was inspired by his own adverse childhood experiences—out-of-school suspensions, removal from school sports teams, felony convictions—the labels and stigma that came with it, and the trauma that followed.
We often hear administrators and law enforcement, when faced with an individual who violated the law or code of conduct, must make decisions by balancing the best interests of the individual and the community.
Stephen’s training helps people recognize how the best interests of individual offenders and communities align more than most people think. Through sharing his personal testimony and advocacy work today, Stephen reveals innovative solutions for schools and communities to develop systems to achieve better outcomes for young people facing behavioral and/or criminal justice challenges because of substance use disorder or a co-occurring disorder.
Reach out today to see how we can help you begin your journey to recovery.
Founder of Speak Sobriety, a young person in recovery, bestselling author, recovery coach, and a defense attorney — is a renowned national speaker on substance use prevention & mental health awareness with a truly inspiring comeback story that everyone must hear.
