2009 Main Study Tracks (16.25 hours credit)

 

AA010. Basic Counseling: Competencies for the Addictions Professional

Level: Basic

Instructor: Jim Mallinson, MA, LCAS, CCS

Description: This workshop covers the basic competencies expected of an addictions specialist, including the 12 Core Functions and those addressed in the “Addiction Counseling Competencies” (TAP-21, SAMHSA Center for Substance Abuse).  Participants receive basic information about addictive disorders and examine current research in best practice.  Client histories will be reviewed, allowing participants the opportunity to identify strengths and weaknesses in chart documentation, note writing, and determining treatment plans and goals.  Ethical questions are a focus throughout.  A self-assessment for professional growth along with an action plan will be identified by each participant.  The workshop offers participants the opportunity to enhance personal and professional skills in both written and case presentations; it should not be considered a comprehensive preparation course for the North Carolina Licensing Board’s LCAS/CSAC test. 

 

AA020. Neurobiology of Addiction and Recovery: From Science to Spirituality Understanding Brain Biology and Pharmacology Through AA Sayings

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Instructors: John Femino, MD; Art Rodrigues, R.PH

Description: The workshop will review the pharmacological effects of alcohol, drugs and medications on brain reward and control circuitry. Common 12 Step sayings and slogans will illustrate the functional neuropathology of addictive illness and its implications on patient education, treatment acceptance and pharmacological management. The emphasis will be on the major drugs of abuse (particularly alcohol and other depressants, cocaine, amphetamine and amphetamine-like stimulants, and opiates). Current perspectives on prescribing medications to patients who are trying to stop abusing medications will be discussed.  The clinical aspects of choice of medication and the role of the substance abuse therapist in relation to the prescribing physician and the goals of recovery will be highlighted.
Topics include: Drugs used for detoxification, use of antidepressants and anxiolytics, mood stabilizers for addiction and dual diagnoses, anticraving and relapse prevention medications, novel antipsychotics, mixed agonist/antagonists and novel drug delivery devices.

 

The course is designed as a review of basics as well as an update on new methods and discoveries in psychopharmacology which bear on the causes and treatment of addictive behaviors. Participants should have some experience in the field of substance abuse with some knowledge of, and interest in, medical and psychological aspects of etiology and treatment of substance abuse problems.

(Sponsored by Dominion Diagnostics)

 

AA030. Clinical Supervision

Level: Basic/Intermediate

Instructors: Joseph Jordan, Ph.D. & Keith Mobley, Ph.D.

Description: Participants will learn about the various models of clinical supervision available for them as practicing or aspiring supervisors. The paramount goal of this session is for participants to leave with an understanding of themselves as a supervisor and their strengths and areas of improvement to intentionally impact their supervisee’s development as a substance abuse counselor. Specific sessions will focus on: Models, Roles, Modalities of Clinical Supervision ; Supervisory Alliance and Critical Thinking - Part I Supervisory Alliance; Part II Critical Thinking ; Counselor Development; Intervention Planning; Role plays/Vignettes/Practice ; Group Feedback

 

AA040. Advanced Group Counseling

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Instructor: Geri Miller, Ph.D.

Description: This course is designed to provide participants with both theoretical and practical information about group development as it applies to addiction counseling.  The course will be equally divided into two sections: knowledge of group development and experiential activities.  By the end of the training the counselor should be able to conceptualize group development, identify group stages by member behaviors, and facilitate the development of groups through the use of specific therapy techniques.

 

AA050. Prevention Data…Friend or Foe?

Level: Basic

Instructors: Susan Johnson, MPH; Mina Cook, CSAPC

Description: For many Prevention Practitioners, the collection and use of data can be a terrifying prospect. This track, using an interactive approach, will explore ways to approach the subject that will increase your comfort level and leave you feeling excited about the prospect of data collection and evaluation. Participants will come away with new ideas for how to use data to benefit and shape your prevention efforts. Common challenges and pitfalls, as well as examples of success, will be shared. (Sponsored by West and North Central CPRs and the NC Office of Prevention, Division of MH/DD/SAS-DHHS)

 

AA060. Substance Abuse Prevention Specialist Training

Level: Basic

Facilitators: Susan Del Sesto, M.Ed.,CPSS; Janice Petersen, Ph.D.

Description: The overall goal of this training is to assist prevention professionals with an orientation to the operational procedures used in substance abuse prevention in North Carolina. Prevention professionals will gain a better understanding of evidence-based programs, practices and policies; as well as the history and foundations of substance abuse prevention. The track is designed for individuals with little or no training in science-based prevention, as well as those who provide direct services and have been in the field. As a result of the training, participants will be better able to:

(Sponsored by the NC Office of Prevention, Division of MH/DD/SAS-DHHS; and The National CAPT)

 

 

AA070. Working with Adolescents with Substance Abuse and their Families: An Overview of Evidenced-based and Promising Practices

Level: Basic

Instructors: Gail Cormier; Terri Shelton, PhD; Claretta Witherspoon, MS; Steve Hornberger, MSW; Lauren Durant, Ph.D.

Description: This track will provide an overview of evidence-based treatments for adolescents with substance abuse that specifically addresses working with their families and informal supports.

Objectives:

At the end of the workshop, participants will have an understanding of:

1)             1)      Empirically validated treatments for adolescent substance abuse
        2)
      Two such treatments: ACRA and Celebrating Families
        3)
      What is required to deliver those treatments; and
        4)
      How to deliver these treatments within a family-driven system of care including specific attention to barriers and successful practices in building respectful relationships with families and youth

(Sponsored by the NC Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Grant)

 
 

AA080. DWI Issues

Level: Intermediate/Advanced

Instructors: Richard Ogle, Ph.D., Frank Fornari, Ph.D., Mary Hauser, MA, Lynn B. Jones, LCAS-DWI Services Staff

Description: The main focus of the DWI Services track is to promote advanced clinical methods for the effective treatment of people with substance use disorders and DWI offenses.  Sessions will include a full day with one of our favorite returning presenters, Dr. Richard Ogle, Associate Professor and Clinical Training Coordinator for the Substance Abuse Treatment Psychology Program in the Department of Psychology at UNCW.  Motivational techniques and strategies for thorough and accurate screening, assessment and clinical interviewing will be discussed and modeled.  Day two includes an intriguing morning session with Dr. Frank Fornari and Mary Hauser, MA, of Dominion Diagnostics. Melding clinical and scientific perspectives, Dr Fornari will present an overview of laboratory science as a diagnostic tool in the treatment of addiction, and review current and new breakthroughs in laboratory science.  Ms. Hauser will present the clinical application of tests and how to practically integrate these tests into practice.

 

 Lynn Jones, LPC, LCAS, Program Manager of the DWI Services Office of the NCDHHS and staff will review administrative rules, policies and state laws related to DWI Services including updates, e508 management, ADETS changes, Hispanic/Latino services, website development and the program review process.  (Sponsored by: State Office of DWI Services)



2009 Mini-Tracks (3.75-hrs.)( Tuesday afternoon)

(Enrollment in one of the following topics is optional but will add to your credits earned)

 

BB100. Ethical Issues in Working With Adolescent Clients

Level: Basic

Instructor: Jim Mallinson, MA, LCAS, CCS

Description: This clinical workshop explores the special ethical dilemmas that arise when working with adolescents.  It specifically examines conflicts in dealing with confidentiality issues between the teen and his/her parents, schools, courts, social services, and law enforcement.  It also addresses the development of a clinical relationship with minors so as to allow as much autonomy and self-determination as possible.   

 

BB200. Beyond Words: Using Expressive Arts in Therapy

Instructor: Ruth F. Anderson, MAEd., LCAS, CCS

Level: Basic

Description: Creative expression has an impact on clients that reaches beyond verbal exchange. The application of creative arts to therapy provides an innovative and effective approach to reach beyond denial, transcend culture, facilitate a sense of self-efficacy, and to practice the relationship and problem solving skills that are essential to recovery. This training will touch on the theoretical foundation for creative arts in therapy, with the emphasis on providing clinicians with ideas about how clients can use drawing, music, poetry, play and movement to gain a deeper understanding of themselves and their relationships. Participants of this experiential workshop will enliven their own creativity and have some fun!

 

BB300. Acupuncture in the Treatment of Substance Abuse

Level: Basic

Instructor: Chris Helmstetter, Lac

Description: Chris Helmstetter, is co-owner of Triangle Acupuncture Clinic, is nationally licensed and board certified in Acupuncture and Chinese Herbal Medicine by the National Certification Commission for Acupuncture and Oriental Medicine. This training will provide an overview of the history of acupuncture, its current use, and outcome rates in the treatment of substance abuse in the United States.  The training segment will end with an experiential opportunity for all participants. (Sponsored by: State Office of DWI Services)

 

BB400. The Pain Doctor - Drug Pusher, Chief Enabler, or Compassionate Healer?

Ethical Issues in Prescribing Opioids to the Patient with Pain and Addiction

Level: Intermediate

Instructors: John Femino, MD; Art Rodrigues, R.PH

Description: Addiction professionals are frequently treating the addicted patient with chronic pain, whose medical care falls on the spectrum of under treatment and “opioiphobia” to over treatment by “duped doctors” who continue to prescribe medications despite obvious signs of problematic behavior. This course will review the clinical and ethical issues involved in the use of opioids in the evaluation and treatment of pain, and the role of the addiction professional in assisting the pain provider in co-management of both conditions.  Appropriate use of opioids to patients who are at risk for or who suffer from addiction will be discussed, with emphasis on the ethical conflicts of balancing compassionate treatment against the risk of causing or contributing to the addictive disorder. Risk stratification and clinical protocols will be introduced to distinguish legitimate requests for opioids from drug seeking behavior. Participants will review the ethical aspects of pain management involving prescribing opioids to addicted patients including: under diagnosis of pain, access to care, patient rights, patient abandonment, and the medical legal consequences of overprescribing.  The principles of autonomy, beneficence, non-maleficence, justice and duty will be applied to case examples to illustrate how ethical analysis will improve clinical management of pain and increase patient compliance, satisfaction and outcome. (Sponsored by Dominion Diagnostics)

 

BB500. Spirituality

Level: Basic

Instructor: Geri Miller, Ph.D.

Description: This mini-track will provide an overview of integrating spirituality in the recovery process for addiction clients.  Major counseling areas discussed will be:  barriers and bridges, ethical issues, development of a spiritual identity, counseling techniques, and self-care of the counselor.  Lecture and experiential exercises will be used.

 

BB600. Prevention Ethics

Level: Basic

Instructor: Angela Maxwell, MS, CSAPC

Description: Training designed to equip prevention professionals with a systematic way of thinking about ethics and the practical application of a model. Participants will learn that basic beliefs, plus value systems and an understanding of Ages of Development shape our concepts of ethics. They will also be able to set standards and goals of ethical conduct for prevention professionals. Participants will be guided through an ethical decision-making model that includes:

Clarifying the Issues; Getting Facts; Developing Options; Assessing the Options; Making and testing the Decision; Developing an Implementation Plan; Implementation; and Evaluation.

 

BB700. Global Assessment of Individual Needs (GAIN) Short Screener

Level: Basic

Instructors: TBA

Description: At the conclusion of this session, participants will be able to:

n      Administer the GAIN Short-Screener to participants

n      Score and interpret the SS for individuals; as a measure of change; and for program planning

n      Utilize the web version of the SS

 (Sponsored by The NC Adolescent Substance Abuse Treatment Grant)