* * * THERE IS NO PARTIAL CREDIT * * *
You MUST attend sessions in their entirety. Certificates will be emailed AFTER March 17.
Monday, February 22nd: 8:30-10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Ellen E. Elliot, LCAS, LPC, CCS, CSAT
Description: Addictions counseling has changed drastically over the years as the field has widened to include a merging of theoretical concepts. As the addictions field makes room for a greater, deeper understanding of the addictive phenomenon, continued education changes the way we treat both chemical and behavioral addictions. Understanding the role attachment plays in addictive disorders and the healing power of connection is crucial to the ongoing progress of the ever-evolving addictions field. Ellen will present the concept of how healing attachment deficits through the development of intimate connections creates a path toward more fulfilling lives and healthier relationships.
(Sponsored by: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center)
Monday, February 22nd: 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Presenters: Starleen Scott Robbins, LCSW; Melissa Godwin, LCSW
Description: What does perinatal substance use disorder treatment look like during a pandemic?: This presentation will provide an overview of perinatal substance use including its effect of substance use on the pregnant woman, fetus and newborn; effective EBPs for this population; challenges & barriers to care; strategies to address the barriers and available resources for pregnant and parenting women and their families.
Monday, February 22nd: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Presenter: James Campbell, LPC, LAC, MAC, CACII
Description: Substance Use Disorders are challenging to navigate in even the best of times. When circumstances are changing and uncertain, however, they pose some significant, unique challenges. During this season of monumental shifts and transitions, substance use and substance use disorders have been and will be impacted. This session will briefly explore some of the unique challenges we currently face, how past substance use responses to crisis can inform our current circumstances, and the responses of the prevention, treatment, and recovery communities as we all seek to adjust to the changing times in which we are serving.
(Sponsored By: Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center)
Tuesday, February 23rd: 8:30 – 10:00 a.m.
Presenter: Cheryl Harris, MA, MSW, LCSW, RYT 200
Description: In the United States, chronic pain poses a significant health problem, is difficult to treat, and engages physical, emotional and psychosocial processes within an individual. Understanding neuroscience and the brain reinforces different understanding of pain, how it manifests and how it is connected to increased substance use as a means of managing pain. An increasing body of research includes evidenced-based somatic/cognitive interventions, such as yoga that help individuals to manage pain and the perception of pain which may lead to alternatives to opiate medication, and risk for dependence. In this workshop, participants will be introduced to research that identifies the nervous system responses to pain, and will be introduced to specific strategies that have been identified as successful in reducing/perceiving chronic pain and foster neuroplasticity, which can bring about improvement in outcomes.
Tuesday, February 23rd: 10:15 – 11:45 a.m.
Presenter: Kristen Williams, ERYT-500
Description: Trauma is spreading like wildfire through our communities and we are being called into the action of supporting people on the ground and in addressing the ways that systematic and institutional trauma are creating conditions for community members to stay in dis-ease. This dis-ease shows up time and time again in the form of addiction. Whether it be drugs and alcohol or sex, food, and technology, the disassociation is rampant and results in community members’ reactivity and dysregulation. We see this so often in ‘addicts’ and this session will offer you tools that you can use with that population while also offering those same tools to us as facilitators and support systems so that collectively we can all reimagine wellness and move towards that, together. This session will include a mini yoga session for you to experience the power of the breath and regulating the body, mind and soul. Tools that can be transferred to our students, clients, patients and ourselves.
Tuesday, February 23rd: 12:15 – 1:15 p.m.
Presenter: Captain Michael King, PhD, MSW
Description: Our Service Members, Veterans, and their Families (SMVF) are too often treated as a homogenous group, minimizing the effectiveness and applicability of helping interventions. It is important for providers to understand and identify the unique needs of these individuals and deliver care that is sensitive to SMVF diversity. Since 2008, SAMHSA has partnered with states and territories to strengthen SMVF through its SMVF Technical Assistance Center. SAMHSA leads efforts to ensure substance use and mental health among all Americans, including SMVF, are well understood. This presentation will provide a deeper dive into those who serve, their behavioral health needs, and review ways SAMHSA is working with states to support our Nation’s veterans.
(Sponsored By: SAMHSA)
Wednesday, February 24th: 12:15 – 1:45 p.m.
Presenter: Darryl Inaba, PharmD, CATC-V, CADC III
Description: The science of Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders has now moved “mainstream” in public awareness and that is helping to erode its stigma that persists even though the Addiction Equity Act of 2008 firmly established these conditions to be biological and not a matter of will power or intent. Current Scientific findings in addiction has also inspired innovative new treatment approaches. Genetic, epigenetic, pharmacology, brain imaging, and other research techniques/tools validate addiction and even its recrudescence (relapse) episodes to be due to neuro-cellular, neuro-chemical and neuro-functional anomalies in individuals who are vulnerable to developing the condition of addiction.
This presentation will explore the evolving neuroscience science of addiction and help to explain how it is changing the way we look at and even treat Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders. It will also present the neuroplasticity of brain cells allow addicted brains heal and return to functionality which can be observed during the recovery process with brain imaging studies. Chronic persistent medical disorders like addiction are incurable but can heal to regain functionality with abstinence and management. Tools and processes that help promote long-term recovery will also be examined.
(Sponsored By: Dominion Diagnostics)
Wednesday, February 24th: 2:00 – 3:30 p.m.
Presenter: Clark Gaither, MD
Description: Most everyone in healthcare is familiar with the term “wellness” but what does it really mean? How is this term defined? What does it really mean to be well? This talk is designed to define the salient aspects of wellness and how it can be achieved. This topic is especially important for healthcare providers now in the face of escalating job related-burnout, increasing rates of depression and suicide, and the unique challenges presented by the current COVID-19 crisis. If you want to lead a life of happiness and passion driven purpose, your best life, “wellness” is the key.
(Sponsored By: NC Physicians Health Program)