2017 NCFADS Winter School: February 19-22nd


February 19-22nd | Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC

The NC Foundation for Alcohol & Drug Studies is pleased to present the 2017 Winter School, February 19th-22nd at the Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC. We are honored to have this year’s faculty filled with nationally known speakers, researchers and leaders in the field.

The Foundation is pleased to present the North Carolina Winter School for Alcohol and Drug Studies.  The school schedule and format feature an emphasis on in-depth study and a setting designed to enhance learning and create a spirit of “community” for all participants.

The winter school is designed to serve the needs of various persons working in the field of chemical dependency as well as public school personnel and health care professionals. Outstanding faculty possessing excellent credentials and expertise will present a variety of study tracks. The Winter School is affiliated with UNC Wilmington for management of certain credit records and other specific services.

NCFADS School Class     NCFADS School Exhibitor     NCFADS School Team
 

Conference Schedule

 

Sunday, February 19, 2017

10am-1:30 PM. — Registration & Check-In

1:30 – 2:00 p.m. — General Session (Doo1A): “General Welcome Session”

2:00 – 3:45 p.m. — Concurrent Mini-Track Sessions

Session B001: Opioid Prevention— Current State Efforts

Session B002: Infectious Disease Risks in Patients in Opiate Treatment Programs

Session B003: Healing the Breach: Ethical Repair of Boundary Violations

Session B004: Prescription Drug Use: Challenges of the Generation Gap

Session B005: Mindfulness Practices for Sustainable Recovery

Session B006: It’s All In the Numbers: Diagnosing & Coding Mental Health & Substance Abuse Disorders for Successful Treatment Placement

Session B007: Supporting the Needs of Transgender Clients

Session B008: Creative Expression and its impact on the Recovery Process

3:45 – 4:00 p.m. — Break

4:00 – 5:45 p.m. — Concurrent Mini-Track Sessions (Continued)

7:30 – 8:30 p.m. —Optional Evening Sessions

C001: AA Meeting (Does NOT Qualify for NBCC Hours)
Facilitator: Sam H.

C002: NA Meeting (Does NOT Qualify for NBCC Hours)
Facilitator: Cameron L.

 

 

Monday, February 20, 2017


7:00 – 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast for Hotel Guests

8:00 – 9:00 a.m. — Late Check-In

9:00 – 10:00 a.m. — Opening Plenary Session (D001): “The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Prevention Programs,” by Robert Ackerman, Ph.D.

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. – Refreshment Break

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Concurrent Plenary Sessions:

Plenary D002:  The Neuroscience of Family System Treatment
Facilitators: Ward Blanchard, MS, CAD-II, LCAS

Plenary D003: Drugs, Sex, & Rock & Roll: Assessing & Treating Substance Abuse with The Baby Boomer Generation
Facilitator(s): Martha Early, Ph.D.

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Plenary (D004): “Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders; A Mindfulness Approach to Contextual Behavioral Therapy.”

Facilitator: Joe Najdzion, LCAS, MAC, LPCA

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions

Session A001: Family Therapy

Session A002: CJ MATRS: Utilizing Criminogenic Risk Assessment to Develop Effective Treatment Plans

Session A003: “Double Trouble: Assessing & Treating Co-Occuring Disorders Using the DSM-5”

Session A004: Pharmacology, Brain, Genetics and Treatment

Session A005: “Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities: Increasing Effective & Essential Gatekeeping Methods”

Session A006: Advanced Creative Group Skills: Drawing upon the Power of Group

Session A007: The Emotional and Behavioral Impact on Children/Adolescents in Dysfunctional Families

3:30 – 3:45 p.m. — Break

3:45 – 5:45 p.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions (Continued)

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Optional Session (C003): Generation Found (Film & Discussion)

Facilitator: Donald McDonald

Tuesday, February 21, 2017


7:00 – 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast for Hotel Guests

8:15 – 10:15 a.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions (Continued)

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. — Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. —  Concurrent Plenary Sessions:

Plenary D005:  Yoga & Meditation into Your Practice
Facilitator: Alanna Brewton

Plenary D006: New Insights on Recovery and What That Implies About Brief Episodes of Treatment
Facilitator: Ken Roy, MD

12:00 – 1:30 p.m. — Lunch & Plenary (D007): “The Opiate Edpidemic in America: How Did We Get Here?”

Speaker: Bob Martin, J.D., CEAP

2:00 – 3:30 p.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions (Continued)

3:30 – 3:45 p.m. — Break

3:45 – 5:45 p.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions (Continued)

7:30 – 9:30 p.m. — Optional Session (C004): “Chasing the Dragon” (Film & Discussion)

Facilitator: Bob Martin, J.D., CEAP

 

Wednesday, February 22, 2017


7:00 – 8:00 a.m. — Breakfast for Hotel Guests

8:15 – 10:15 a.m. — Concurrent Main Track Sessions (Continued)

10:15 – 10:30 a.m. — Refreshment Break

10:30 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. — Plenary Session

Plenary D008: “The Struggle is Real.”
Facilitator: Laura Jackson

Main Tracks

 

A001. Family Therapy (11 hrs.)

Level: Intermediate
Facilitator: Jimmy Thornton, MA

Description: Family therapy programs within substance abuse programs are difficult to implement and sustain.  Recruitment and engagement are logistically challenging, and frequently clinicians are not confident in systems interventions.  This training will begin with education about systems theory, the family’s role in individual substance use pathology, and an introduction to structural and strategic interventions.  However, the bulk of the training will be a hands-on workshop. The emphasis will be on short term counseling interventions.  It will begin with practice in couples work.  This will include interventions for substance abuse, domestic violence, and other significant pathologies.  All participants will have opportunities to practice couples interventions. Whole family demonstrations and practice will focus primarily on adolescent substance abuse and other problem behaviors.  Participants will practice the structural techniques of John Edwards and the problem management strategies of Scott Sells.  Multifamily group interventions will also be demonstrated and practiced.  The instructor will present models for integrating family therapy into evidenced-based practices, as well as introduce evidenced-based family programs.  By the end of the training, participants will develop a family plan for their own programs, from recruitment and engagement to intervening in problem-maintaining dynamics.


A002. CJ MATRS: Utilizing Criminogenic Risk Assessment to Develop Effective Treatment Plans  (11 hrs.)

Level: Intermediate
Facilitator: Mike Torch, MA, LADC

Description: An (11 hr) training which is an adaptation of the evidence-based SAMHSA Blending Product MATRS treatment planning curriculum using criminogenic risk assessment tools, i.e. Ohio Risk Assessment System (ORAS), Level of Service Inventory-Revised (LSI-R), and the Federal Post Conviction Risk Assessment (PCRA), to identify treatment needs of the Substance Use Disordered Criminal Justice population.  This training is intended to aide Substance Use Disorder treatment providers and Criminal Justice Case management personnel with addressing the criminogenic needs and barriers to treatment encountered in providing treatment to offenders and community reentry populations.  Combines evidence-based criminogenic risk assessment with an evidence-based treatment planning curriculum.

Specific Objectives:

  1. How to use criminogenic risk assessment information to make a counselor’s job easier with the criminal justice involved client.
  2. Build an individualized or person-centered treatment plan for the criminal justice involved client.
  3. Identify characteristics of a program-driven treatment plan versus an individualized treatment plan.
  4. Understand how individualized treatment plans that are criminogenically informed improve client retention, lead to better treatment outcomes and reduced criminal behavior.
  5. Practice developing individualized treatment plans for the criminal justice involved client.

(Sponsored by: SEATTC)


A003. Double Trouble: Assessing & Treating Co-Occurring Disorders Using the DSM-5 (11 hrs.) 

Level: Intermediate
Facilitator: Martha Early, Ph.D.

Description: People with mental health disorders are more likely than people without mental health disorders to experience a substance use or other addictive disorder.  Due to a complex array of symptoms it can be difficult to diagnose the co-occurring disorders and in many cases clients receive treatment for one disorder while the other goes untreated.  The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders Fifth Edition (DSM 5) comes with numerous changes to the way in which we recognize and describe mental health and substance abuse disorders.  One of the more distinct areas of change is in the category of the substance-related and addictive disorders.  A thorough and complete bio-psycho-social assessment will allow for more correct diagnosing of mental health and substance abuse disorders.

Upon completion of this workshop participants will:

  • Have a better understanding of the changes in the DSM 5
  • Improve use of the DSM 5 in diagnosing patients with co-occurring disorders
  • Discuss the concept of case formulation and how to move from an assessment to treatment planning with a focus on better outcomes and patient compliance
  • Have a better understanding the new ASAM criteria
  • Explore options for treatment for patients with co-occurring disorders

 


A004. Pharmacology, Brain, Genetics and Treatment  (11 hrs.)

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Facilitator: Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD., CATC-V CADC III

Description: Great stigma regarding Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders as well as to those vulnerable for developing this chronic persistent medical disorder persists. This despite breakthroughs in understanding the pharmacology, brain processes, and genetic influences of this condition led to passage of the Addiction Equity Act of 2008 and expansion of medical treatments for Substance Use Disorder. The continued stigma leads to much undue shame and guilt suffered by addicts that can hamper their efforts to engage in and maintain sobriety. Brain imaging and other more recent research tools continue to discover neurobiological variances in neuro-cellular, neuro-chemical, and neuro-functioning that underlie a vulnerability to develop substance-related and addictive disorders. The brain anomalies associated with addictive disorders provide an understanding for why a diverse variety of drugs and behavioral compulsions can develop in specific individuals predisposed to addiction. They also help to explain why some are more likely than others to relapse after treatment for their condition. The rapidly expanding field of Addiction Medicine targets the neurobiological differences in addicts to provide new insights and evidenced-based resources for effective prevention, assessment and treatment of addiction.
This presentation will explore the pharmacology, brain anomalies, and genetic processes that underscore the processes of Addiction and Recovery. It will provide firm validation that addiction is a medical disorder, not a moral dysfunction to dispel the undue stigma associated with this affliction. It will also offer an introduction to new resources in development to more effectively manage Addictive Disorder, promote long-term sobriety (recovery) and help prevent further catastrophic consequences that can result from this chronic persistent medical disorder.

PRESENTATION GOALS:
Participation in this presentation will result in the following:

  • Increased understanding of neuro-chemical, neuro-cellular and neuro-functional mechanisms that underlie addictions and related disorders.
  • Appreciation of the Diathesis Stress Model as the root cause of addiction and related disorders.
  • Familiarity with the brain’s memory process of dendritic spines and their role in triggering cravings that lead to vulnerability for slips and relapses in recovery.
  • Improved understanding of the brain’s memory process and its role in craving and relapse in addiction.
  • Exposure to the expanding science of epigenetic gene expressions and how environmental trauma can influence the vulnerability to addiction.

PRESENTATION OBJECTIVES:
Upon completion of the presentation, participants will be able to:

  • Identify the 2 major circuits of the brain’s addiction pathway and name at least 2 brain structures involved with the “Go” and “Stop” processes of these circuits.
  • Elucidate 3 factors that contribute to the development of the brain anomalies associated with Substance-Related and Addictive Disorders.
  • Describe how neurotransmitters affect compulsivity and cravings and name at least 3 of the most important neurotransmitters involved in these activities.
  • Explain formation of dendritic memory spines and identify the 2 major pathways of memory formation in the brain and their role in addiction.
  • Provide at least 2 ways that gene expression is altered to influence addiction vulnerability.

(Sponsored by Dominion Diagnostics)

 


A005. Supervisor Roles and Responsibilities: Increasing Effective and Essential Gatekeeping Methods (11 hrs.)

Level: Intermediate/Advanced
Facilitator: Jessica Holton, MSW,LCSW,LCAS

Description: It has been stated that clinicians will repeat the mistakes of their supervisors.  Clinical supervision is not a role to take lightly.  Despite busy schedules, large caseloads, and professional pressures, it is essential to provide effective clinical supervision to associate clinicians.  Many trust that medical residents receive thorough guidance from a superior.  This is just as crucial while providing clinical supervision. Jessica Holton, MSW, LCSW, LCAS will discuss the statutory and ethical importance of clinical supervision.  She will also offer methods to provide effective and efficient clinical supervision to assist in ensuring that newer clinicians will repeat the desirable actions of their supervisors.

Bullet Points:

  • Discover how to enhance your supervisory knowledge.
  • Gain awareness about the regulatory obligations (specific to the state of the seminar) of being a clinical supervisor.
  • Learn the importance of a Supervision Agreement, Supervision Agenda, and Supervision Log.
  • Increase dialog about essential topics during supervision.

Course Content:
     Introductions and Discussion about Supervision Successes and Challenges

  • List successes and challenges as supervisees
  • List successes and challenges as supervisors

Examples of Supervision Regulations and Ethics

  • Review the differences between ethical and regulatory expectations
  • Discuss statutory regulations (specific to the state of the seminar) specific to providing supervision

Supervision Liabilities; Subpoenas

  • Explain the direct, indirect and strict liabilities of supervision
  • Describe how to defend records if subpoenaed

Experiential Learning & Evaluation Tools

  • Evaluate how Emotional Intelligence and Personality affects supervision
  • Gain awareness about evaluation tools to assist with self-care
  • Understand the importance of professional boundaries and assertive communication
  • Ensure that supervision does not become therapy and understand when to encourage therapy.
  • Develop experiential learning activities to enhance the supervisory process.

Supervision/Supervisee Documentation: Contracts/Disclosure Statements, Agendas, Supervision logs

  • Discuss the importance of supervision documentation
  • Review the content of a Supervision Contract

Learning Objectives:

  1. List and discuss successes and challenges of clinical supervision.
  2. Increase awareness about the differences between regulations and ethics.
  3. Assess current understanding of the liabilities of clinical supervision.
  4. Evaluate the current application of critical thinking and emotional intelligence.
  5. Demonstrate clinical supervision skills through experiential learning exercises.
  6. Understand the importance of Supervision Agreements and Supervision Agendas.

 

 


A006. Advanced Creative Group Skills: Drawing upon the Power of Group  (11 hrs.)

Level: Advanced
Facilitator: Ruth Anderson, M.A.Ed., L.C.A.S, C.C.S., EAGALA Certified

Description: Groups are the ideal setting for inspiration and creativity. Group therapy is the optimal treatment for SUD clients to increase their insight, develop empathy and build trust. This track will explore various counseling techniques designed to make the most of this extraordinary power of the group. Together we will explore various alternatives to traditional talk therapy. A primary goal of the training is to stimulate ideas for the counselor to increase client participation and refresh their own enthusiasm about group treatment.  Expressive activities will be used to illustrate how clients can find their own meaning rather than accepting others’ interpretations of their needs and strengths. We will practice skills and use experiential activities to enhance participants’ confidence with implementing new methods of group therapy. Prerequisite for attendance is a tendency to want to have more fun while doing your job!

 


A007.  The Emotional and Behavioral Impact on Children/Adolescents Living in Dysfunctional Families(11 hrs.)

Level: Intermediate
Facilitator: Robert J. Ackerman, Ph.D.

Description: Families under stress produce children/adolescents who are under stress.  This is especially true for families that experience alcohol and drug abuse problems, child abuse, spouse abuse, divorce, and other dysfunctional behaviors.  Many of the young people from these families become at risk for a variety of emotional and behavioral problems. This workshop will address the emotional and behavioral impact on youth who become “high risk” or “at risk” for a variety of problems.  A cognitive behavioral model for helping adolescents eliminate self-defeating behaviors will be presented. Additionally, techniques for working with “resistant” children/adolescents will be included.

Objectives:

  • To identify common emotional and behavioral problems for high risk adolescents.
  • To apply systems theory and a developmental model for assessing differences in children/adolescents from high risk families.
  • To define resistance in children/adolescents and related conduct and oppositional defiant behaviors.
  • To explain a cognitive behavioral model for helping children/adolescents eliminate self-defeating behaviors.
  • To discuss effective methods for working with children/adolescents in groups.

(Sponsored by McLeod Addictive Disease Center)

 

 


Mini Tracks

 

B001. Opioid Prevention— Current State Efforts (3.5 hrs.)

Level: N/A
Facilitators: Alan Dellapenna

Description: There is no one magic bullet to prevent and end the scourge of opioid addiction and overdose; this longstanding crisis defies simple solutions. In this presentation, state policy leaders will update attendees on North Carolina’s multifaceted approach to prevent and combat the impact of the opioid problem. This session will include updates on the current status of the problem, current initiatives at the state and local levels, and what’s on the horizon for the coming years.  Topics to be addressed include: Latest rates of use and overdose from opioids in NC, CSRS efforts, CDC Guidelines, Prescriber Education efforts, the state Prescription Drug Strategy and its implementation, community initiatives to prevent and combat nonmedical use of opioids, new laws for curbing overdose, and strategies for how to work with the healthcare community.

 


B002. Infectious Disease Risks in Patients in Opiate Treatment Programs (3.5 hrs.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Beverly Hill, RN

Description: The substance abuser is uniquely more at risk of infectious diseases.  These diseases can interfere with the process of recovery affecting not only the client but others.  The counselor can play a key role in assisting the client in treatment. This track will explore the role of the counselor as well as the reason clients are more at risk and why identification of these diseases is critical to SA treatment.  It will take a look at the common infectious diseases among the substance abusing population, how they are transmitted, why they are more prevalent, explore their treatment as well as its benefits and risks.
(Sponsored by: Dominion Diagnostics)

 


B003. Healing the Breach: Ethical Repair of Boundary Violations (3.5 hrs.) (Sunday; 2:00-5:45 p.m.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Terri Shirley, MA, LCAS, LPC, CCS

Description: This presentation is designed to help counselors in clinical practice address the difficult task of self-identifying boundary violations in the therapeutic relationship, mitigating harm, and repairing harm to the client.  This session will provide a framework of thinking about healing the breach in a manner that preserves the therapeutic relationship and making decisions in the best interest of the client. Information will be presented using an in depth case study to stimulate discussion about gray areas inherent in the therapeutic process.  It is suggested participants come with an open mind and ready to engage in challenging discussion.  This presentation is intended for counselors who are at intermediate to advanced levels of practice.

Goals:

  • To identify boundary violation using an in depth case study
  • To identify and understand healthy versus unhealthy personal and professional boundaries
  • To provide a framework for thinking about repairing ethical breaches in the therapeutic relationship in the best interest of the client
  • To increase ability to navigate areas of the therapeutic relationship not addressed concretely in codes of ethics

 


B004. Prescription Drug Use: Challenges of the Generation Gap (3.5 hrs.) (Sunday; 2:00-5:45 p.m.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD., CATC-V, CADC III

Description: Our communities are experiencing an opioid and prescription drug epidemic with more unintended overdose deaths from these medications each year than those caused by auto accidents or guns! All addictive psychoactive prescription and even some “over the counter” non prescription drugs contribute to this current problem but most deaths occur from prescription opioid pain medications. The U.S. comprises only 4.6% of the world population yet consumes 80% of the world’s opioid medication and almost all of the global hydrocodone supply. Prescription drugs that can be psychoactive as CNS stimulants, depressants or psychedelics are diverted for abused practices. Like illicit street drugs, they are essentially Uppers, Downers, or All Arounders. This presentation will explore the current trends in abuse of prescription drugs to investigate their pharmacology, toxicology, and addiction liability. How prescription drug abuse complicates diagnosis and treatment of addiction and other mental health disorders will also be examined. Special attention will be paid to the evolving science of Pain and Addiction. This comorbidity is finally being recognized as a major challenge in the field of addiction and its treatment.

Goals:   Upon completion of this training, participants will be able to:

  1. Recognize current abuse trends with prescription medications. Participants will be able Identify and describe the most prominent abuse patterns with prescription drugs.
  2. Increase awareness of the pharmacology and toxicology of abused prescription medication. Participants will then be able to describe their overall pharmacology as Uppers, Downers or All Arounders and recognize their impact on brain neurotransmitters that result from the development of addictions.
  3. Improve insight on the current epidemic of prescription drug diversion into abuse and addiction processes which complicates appropriate diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring mental health and addiction disorders. Participants will have a greater understanding of the comorbidity of pain and opioid addiction and be exposed to clinical management of this difficult clinical issue.

Objectives: At the end of this learning activity the learner will be able to:

  1. List at least five prescription and three “over the counter” non prescription medications that are frequently diverted into abuse and addictive use problems.
  2. Identify the three basic classes of abused prescription drugs by their overall pharmacologic effects in the brain. Name at least three natural neurotransmitters that the classes of prescription drugs interact with to bring about their actions on the brain.
  3. Name five major nerve cell adaptations that result from chronic use of opioids for treatment of pain that compromises their use in the management of long-term pain.

 


B005. Mindfulness Practices for Sustainable Recovery (3.5 hrs.) (Sunday; 2:00-5:45 p.m.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Eddie LeShure, CSAC-R, PSS, A Mindful Emergence, LLC


Description: This session will focus on mindfulness meditation, an evidence-based, highly effective practice for recovery from substance and behavioral addiction. For over two decades it has been incorporated into numerous therapies including anxiety, depression, chronic pain, and physical illnesses. It is extremely useful for relapse prevention. Mindfulness and self-compassion practices can be effectively utilized in Acute Care Units, as well as residential and non-residential treatment and aftercare centers, and is applicable for treating those of all ages and backgrounds with co-existing disorders and trauma. Specific practices can be effectively applied for each stage of recovery. These practices are also a valuable tool for caregivers of all kinds in maintaining their own equanimity, health and avoiding compassion fatigue.  This workshop is secular and straightforward, with clear and direct guidance. There will not be a PowerPoint™ presentation, as it will be hands on and experiential.

Learning Objective:

  • Participants will be able to clearly understand why and how mindfulness meditation is so dramatically impactful, including how it affects the brain’s healing.
  • Participants will be able to clearly understand the contexts in which mindfulness meditation can be effectively utilized.
  • Participants will be able to directly experience mindfulness meditation and leave with numerous resources for future practice and application.
  • Participants will be provided specific instructions for addiction disorders and accompanying issues such as anxiety, depression, physical pain and trauma.
  • Participants will learn how to easily do these practices for their own benefit, as well how to integrate them into their own work with clients.

 


B006. It’s All In The Numbers: Diagnosing & Coding Mental Health and Substance Abuse Disorders For Successful Treatment Placement (3.5 Hrs.) (Sunday, 2:00-5:45pm)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Martha Early, Ph.D.

Description: In this age of managed care and the maze of insurance driven treatment it is important for clinicians to understand how to best diagnose and code their work for better treatment placement of the client and for purposes of reimbursement.  This workshop will assist clinicians in the art of diagnosing using the DSM 5 and the ICD-10 codes along with the ASAM criteria for placement in substance abuse programs.

Participants will:

  • Review the major DSM 5 disorders and examine the many specifiers that assist in defining the need for treatment
  • Examine the use of primary disorders for placement
  • Better understand the use of the ICD-10 codes for the purpose of reimbursement
  • Review the ASAM criteria for placement in substance abuse programs
  • Address the ethical issues involved in proper diagnosing and obtaining the most appropriate treatment for clients with substance abuse and/or co-occurring disorders

 


B007. Supporting the Needs of Transgender Clients (3.5 hrs.) (Sunday; 2:00-5:45 p.m.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: LaKisha Ellison, MSW, LCSW

Description: As the visibility and activism of transgender and gender-variant people continue to grow, providers are encouraged to increase their understanding of some basic issues experienced by transgender people. Though mental health and substance abuse providers are increasingly treating transgender patients, they are often unsure about best practices and the basic clinical information needed to effectively meet the needs of this very diverse group of individuals. While still underrepresented in scholarly research, there are standards of care and practice in place to guide providers who are becoming more exposed to transgender issues. This workshop will provide basic information about transgender issues and present strategies, standards of care, and resources for incorporating effective support in the therapeutic relationship. By the end of the presentation, providers in attendance will have a firm grasp of the following learning objectives:

Learning Objectives:               

  • Identify and explore multiple transgender identities
  • Understand basic terminology, language and concepts of gender variant experiences including the gender transition process and the role of mental health provider.
  • Learn current therapeutic standards of care and approaches to support transgender clients and members of their support system.
  • Be able to incorporate basic knowledge of transgender issues, concepts, and concerns into one’s current professional work.
  • Identify resources for clients and continuing education for practitioners.

B008. Creative Expression and its Impact on the Recovery Process (3.5 hrs.) (Sunday; 2:00-5:45 p.m.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Rick Spreitzer, B.S., CSAC and singer-songwriter

Description: This training will explore some of the varied ways in which creative expression can be used in the therapeutic and recovery process.  Drawing from treatment modalities such as Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Seeking Safety, the training will foster healthy and sober fun and honor our own unique abilities.  Participants will engage in small group activities and experiential learning as well as share personal and professional experiences from a strength-based perspective.  Expect some hands-on fun in a relaxed atmosphere that is intended to feed your personal and professional curiosities.

 


Opening/Luncheon/Closing Plenaries + Extra Credit Sessions

 

C001. Sunday Evening Session, 2/19/17 (7:30-8:30pm) Open AA Meeting (1 hr.)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Sam H.

Description: This session will focus on “Understanding Anonymity and Misconceptions”. How does one maintain their own recovery while working in the recovery field and problems they may have encountered? Attendees in recovery share information and learn from each others’ experiences. A primary purpose of the meeting is to share personal experiences as well as up to date and useful information to help those in recovery.

 


C002. Sunday Evening Session, 2/19/17 (7:30-8:30pm) NA Meeting

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Cameron Lane

Description: This session will focus on: What is Narcotics Anonymous? How you can reach us. What we can do to help. A couple of us will give our experience of strength and hope.

 


C003. Monday Evening Session, 2/20/17 (7:30-9:30pm)  Generation Found (film & discussion)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Donald McDonald

Description: GENERATION FOUND is a powerful story about one community coming together to ignite a youth addiction recovery revolution in their hometown. Devastated by an epidemic of addiction, Houston faced the reality of burying and locking up its young people at an alarming rate. And so in one of the largest cities in America, visionary counselors, law school dropouts, aspiring rock musicians, retired football players, oil industry executives, and church leaders came together to build the world’s largest peer-driven youth and family recovery community. Independently filmed over the course of two years, GENERATION FOUND takes an unprecedented and intimate look at how a system of treatment centers, sober high schools, alternative peer groups, and collegiate recovery programs can exist in concert to intervene early and provide a real and tested long-term alternative to the “War on Drugs.” It is not only a deeply personal story, but one with real-world utility for communities struggling with addiction worldwide.


C004. Tuesday Evening Session, 2/21/17 (7:30-9:30 p.m.)  Chasing the Dragon (film & discussion)

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Bob Martin, J.D., CEAP

Description: An opioid and prescription drug abuse epidemic is sweeping the country, impacting all segments of society. To help raise awareness of this epidemic and to help educate young people on the dangers of addiction, the FBI and DEA have released the documentary, Chasing the Dragon: The Life of an Opiate Addict, a compilation of heart-wrenching first-person accounts by addicts and family members of addicts about their experiences. (We will discuss the film, how to obtain a copy of Chasing the Dragon for use in their practice or agency and how to use it with families for education and as an intervention tool.)

 


D001. Opening Session (Monday, 2/20/17) (9:00 -10:00 am) The Seven Habits of Highly Successful Prevention Programs

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Robert J. Ackerman, Ph.D.

Description: To keep something from happening in the first place is often the goal of many intervention programs whether in alcohol and drug abuse, domestic violence, teen pregnancy and other family problems.  This workshop will address the evidence-based practices of effective prevention programs.  Ideas to enhance protective factors rather than a reduction of risk factors will be discussed.  Prevention programs that are family, institutional and community based will be included.

(Sponsored by McLeod Addictive Disease Center)

 


D002. Concurrent Session Plenary 1 (Monday, 2/20/17) (10:15-11:45 am) The Neuroscience of Family System Treatment

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Ward Blanchard, MS, CADC-II, LCAS

Description: This presentation will highlight evidence-based information that supports the effectiveness of treating addiction from the family systems approach. Attendees of Ward’s presentation will be provided tools and examples of effective family system interventions, explore the neuroscience that demonstrates why interventions work, and discuss common misconceptions of professionals in the field. The old statement, “they have to hit rock bottom” is not supported by evidence-based treatment and science. Family systemic support and interventions provide the best long-term support for patients to initiate the healing process. Ethical, clinical, and professional interventionists can be vital resources within the behavioral health system.

(Sponsored by: Blanchard Addiction Resources, LLC)

 


D003. Concurrent Session Plenary 2 (Monday, 2/20/17) (10:15-11:45 am) Drugs, Sex, & Rock & Roll: Assessing & Treating Substance Abuse with The Baby Boomer Generation

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Martha Early, Ph.D.

Description: The Baby Boomer generation is beginning to reach middle age and health care providers are being challenged to meet the needs of a group raised in the 60’s and 70’s.  This is a group that grew up in the era of the sexual revolution, women’s liberation, and exposure to a drug using culture.  With this comes an increase in the use of alcohol, illicit drugs, and the misuse of prescription medications.  This presentation will provide information on assessment and treatment planning needs of this unique growing population.

This program will:

  • Discuss the impact of the aging of the boomer generation on healthcare resources
  • Identify the effects of alcohol and drug use on the middle age and aging population
  • Describe the culture of the baby boomers around drug use and increased sexual activity (both male and female) and the implications of this activity for healthcare providers
  • Examine age discrimination and other concerns with access to traditional substance abuse treatment
  • Specify the assessment process and treatment planning for this active new group before embracing their cultural ideology
  • Formulate how to work with co-occurring disorders with this population, with special consideration given to prescribed medications and drug interactions

D004. Luncheon Plenary 3 (Monday, 2/20/17) (12-1:30 pm) Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) for Substance Use and Co-Occurring Disorders; A mindfulness approach to Contextual Behavioral Therapy

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Joe Najdzion, LCAS, MAC, LPCA

Description: A NAADAC-approved training to educate the participant in the theoretical model of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) and to apply it to treatment of addictions and co-occurring disorders. The participant will understand the general clinical approach and recognize the six processes of psychopathology that lead to the psychological inflexibility found in clients with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and other co-occurring disorders. The participant will then be educated on the six core processes of ACT that lead to psychological flexibility. The participant will learn how to apply techniques found in each of the ACT six core processes and gain skills in applying them with their clients. In conclusion, this training will assist the participant to apply ACT techniques to clients with SUD and co-occurring disorders commonly found with SUDs.

(Sponsored by: Pavillon)

 

 


D005. Concurrent Session Plenary 4 (Tuesday, 2/21/17) (10:30 am- 12 pm) Yoga & Meditation into Your Practice

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Alanna Brewton

Description: This workshop is designed to help you learn and practice simple breathing techniques and yoga poses to reduce stress and increase mindfulness. Though we tell and teach our clients relaxing breathing techniques, clinicians are infamous for holding our breath. We hold our breath as we listen to clients’ stories, we wait to exhale when we are uncertain, and our sighs and yawns are audible enough to be heard by others. Mindfulness can be a powerful tool to increase our tolerance for painful emotions, enhancing our ability to remain attentive while sitting with suffering. This is important for a therapeutic alliance; because our clients usually express only those feelings they believe we can tolerate hearing. On the other hand, if we’re able to be with a fuller range of experience, this will help our clients do the same.


D006. Concurrent Session Plenary 5 (Tuesday, 2/21/17) (10:30 am- 12 pm) New Insights on Recovery and What That Implies About Brief Episodes of Treatment

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Ken Roy, MD

Description: Insurers and third party payers have traditionally compensated providers for the treatment of neuroadaptation to abused drugs and treatment for the consequences of behavior while abusing those drugs.  The efforts of the professionals who treat addiction have been guided, for the most part, by definitions, such as that in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of the American Psychiatric Association (DSM IV, DSM V), that are based on behavior as distinct from biology.

A review of the Elements That Define Recovery (Kaskutas, 2014), an empiric description of recovery, and the ASAM Definition of Recovery and a comparison of those to the DSM definition may well help expose the need for a more comprehensive focus on the part of professionals working to treat patients for addiction.  A review of the Kaskutas Elements and the development of addiction over the life cycle as well as the ASAM Definition of Recovery will also suggest a different focus on the part of payers, who have historically only paid for the treatment of neuroadaptation to drug use, or for behaviors while abusing substances.  It is predictable that it would be more cost effective and more effective to help patients move toward achieving Recovery, as defined in the Kaskutas Elements and the ASAM Definition of Recovery.
(Sponsored by: Dominion Diagnostics)


D007. Luncheon Plenary 6 (Tuesday, 2/21/17) (Noon – 1:30 pm) The Opiate Epidemic in America: How Did We Get Here?

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Bob Martin, J.D., CEAP

Description: This presentation will include a history of the medical journal articles that led to the Veterans Administration and Joint Commission adding pain as a vital sign and how marketing encouraged over-prescribing and the beginning of pill mills. It will also include a synopsis of the Mexican model of heroin distribution. Finally, the session will include a discussion of why changes in treatment and collaboration are needed to effectively bring about change.

(Sponsored by: Blanchard Addiction Resources, LLC)


D008. Closing Plenary 7 (Wednesday, 2/22/17) (10:30 am – 12 pm) “The Struggle is Real”

Level: N/A
Facilitator: Laura Jackson

Description: Ms. Jackson will present her life story of living with abuse; turning to addiction; then finding a path for healing. Her story is compelling, sensitive, factual and real!

— Meet Our Keynote Speakers —

This year, we are honored to welcome editor and author, Dr. Robert J. Ackerman
to our nationally recognized faculty line-up.

2016 NCFADS Winter School Speaker, Robert Ackerman, Ph.D.
Robert Ackerman
Ph.D.

Sponsored By
McLeod Addictive Disease Center

2017 NCFADS Winter School Speaker, Ward Blanchard
Ward Blanchard
MS, CADC-II, LCAS

Sponsored By
Blanchard Addiction Resources

2017 NCFADS Winter School Speaker, Martha Early
Martha Early
Ph.D.

joepix
Joe Najdzion
LCAS, MAC, LPCA

Sponsored By
Pavillon

2017 NCFADS Winter School Speaker, Alana Brewton
Alanna Brewton

2017 NCFADS Winter School Speaker
Ken Roy
M.D.

2017 NCFADS Winter School Speaker, Bob Martin
Bob Martin
J.D., CEAP

Sponsored By
Blanchard Addiction Resources

photo-20160410045559
Laura Jackson
CSAC

 

— Speaker Bios —

 


Robert Ackerman, Ph.D.

Dr. Robert J. Ackerman is Professor Emeritus from Indiana University of Pennsylvania and the previous Director of the Mid-Atlantic Addiction Research and Training Institute. He is co-founder of the National Association for Children of Alcoholics. Currently, he is the Editor of Counselor: The Magazine for Addiction and Behavioral Health Professionals.

As an author he has published numerous articles and research findings and is best known for writing the first book in the United States on children of alcoholics. Twelve books later, many television appearances, and countless speaking engagements, he has become internationally known for his work with families and children of all ages. His books have been translated into thirteen languages.

He has served on many advisory boards and has worked with the National Institute of Mental Health, National Institute on Alcoholism and Alcohol Abuse, and the U.S. Department of Education. He served on the White House Task Force on Resiliency and At-Risk-Youth.

He is the recipient of many awards including the Distinguished Alumni Awards from Western Michigan University, the University of Northern Colorado, and Louisiana State University, the 2006 Special Recognition Award from the U.S. Journal of Alcohol & Drug Dependence, the 2008 Father Martin Appreciation Award and the 2014 Professor of the Year from the University of South Carolina, Beaufort. He is a veteran of numerous TV appearances and his work has been featured on CNN Headline News, The New York Times, The Today Show, USA Today newspaper, Newsweek Magazine, Oprah, and other social media.


A. Kenison Roy, III, M.D.

A. Kenison Roy, III, M.D. is medical director of the Dual Diagnosis Unit at River Oaks Hospital in Harahan, LA and he is Founder and Medical Director of Addiction Recovery Resources, Inc., a full spectrum addiction treatment system in the private sector, in Metairie, LA and is Chairman of the Division of Addiction Medicine at East Jefferson General Hospital. He has had a successful adult addiction and psychiatric private practice for over 20 years. Dr. Roy is Clinical Associate Professor of Psychiatry at Tulane and LSU Schools of Medicine, a Distinguished Life Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, a Distinguished Fellow of the American Society of Addiction Medicine and is certified by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine.


Ward Blanchard, MS, CADC-II, LCAS

Nearly ten years ago, Ward Blanchard discovered his life’s passion and work in working in the field of mental health and addiction. Growing up in a small coastal town on the Outer Banks of North Carolina, Ward’s desire for helping others was cultivated through the “small town” values of neighbor helping neighbor, service work, hard work, and volunteering. Ward’s professional career began in a family business as he represented the third generation to work at Kellogg Supply Company, a building supply and lumber chain founded by his grandfather. Working in an established family company provided Ward with the opportunity to understand the value of relationships, communication, and integrity.

Although Ward thoroughly enjoyed working in business and with his family’s company—the field of Psychology and the “helping profession” were careers always close to his heart. Coachella Valley in Southern California provided Ward an environment where he could continue furthering his education while also working alongside some of the world’s most well-known addiction and mental health treatment centers like, The Betty Ford Center, Michael’s House Dual Diagnosis Center, and Foundations Recovery Network. Ward moved to Palm Desert, California and went back to school in 2008 to receive his Masters Degree in Psychology, Marriage and Family Therapy. Specializing in addiction, Ward obtained his advanced addiction counseling education and credential through California Association of Alcohol and Drug Counselors (CADC-II) which required a minimum of 8,000 hours of supervised counseling experience. Ward is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist (LCAS). Ward has worked in all facets of addiction treatment: interventions, admissions, business development, therapist, continuing-care, and operations. He has presented at national conferences, hospitals, continuing educational events, and treatment centers. Ward has an altruistic passion around educating the professional community about addiction and co-occurring disorders.

Since moving to Charlotte in 2014, Ward Blanchard and his company, Blanchard Addiction Resources, LLC has become one of the most prominent addiction and mental health professionals on the east coast. Recently, Ward and his wife Cristina founded The Blanchard Institute, LLC—an Intensive Outpatient Center that treats co-occurring disorders in adults and adolescents. Ward and his staff at Blanchard Addiction Resources approach addiction through a family systems model; helping entire family’s down a path of happy, healthy family recovery.


Alanna Brewton, LCAS

Alanna Brewton is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist, Registered Yoga Instructor and Certified Heartmath Trainer. Alanna has over 15 years of experience working in the addictions field. She spent 12 years working for Carolinas Healthcare in their medical detoxification program, and then transitioned to the Intensive Outpatient program. Alanna takes a holistic approach when working with clients combining the mind, body and spirit in counseling. She works with adults around a wide assortment of issues and concerns including grief and loss, codependency, self-esteem, depression, anxiety, trauma, addiction and other life challenges.


Laura Jackson, CSAC

Ms. Jackson is a compilation of many women. She is me; she is friends and relatives; she is even strangers. Ms. Jackson is a survivor of over 24 years of abuse trauma, and addictions. Sexual, physical, and psychological abuse by her mother’s best friends husband family members and boyfriends began at a tender age of 5. She was a sex slave for many years. By the age of 16 she had a child, was smoking cigarettes, weed, drinking and using sunshine (speed) as well as being beaten by her mother with belts and an extension cord as her youngest brother used her for a punching bag.

A widow, mother of 4, grandmother of 10 and one on the way, an author, caregiver, substitute teacher, bus owner/entrepreneur and a believer in Christ Jesus. Ms. Jackson has no problem with wearing many hats to survive. Although she participates in community outreach and service within her church, this is Ms. Jackson’s second opportunity to share her story with those who provide the care.


LaKeisha Ellison, MSW, LCSW

Mrs. Ellison is a licensed clinical social worker and received her Masters of Social Work from Fayetteville State University.  She is currently employed as a clinical counselor and case manager at North Carolina A&T State University in the office of counseling services. Kisha has been in the field of social work for 10 years. Areas of interest include trauma, work with the LGBT population and grassroots social work.  Kisha has enjoyed working as a case manager, therapist, adjunct instructor and hospital liaison. She has presented on a number of topics such as LGBT awareness and needs, Safe Zone, supporting transgender transitions, trauma informed care, sexual assault and holistic intervention. For the past three years Kisha has been providing community outreach and awareness to LGBT persons. Her research interests include LGBT care and sexual assault. Kisha is a member of the National Association of Social Workers and is Safe Zone trained.


Sarah Potter

Sarah Potter is the Chief of Community Wellness, Prevention, and Health Integration at the North Carolina Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. She previously served as the Director of Health Policy and Program Development for the Illinois Alcoholism and Drug Dependence Association where she led statewide behavioral health and health policy efforts. In that role, she also directed a state wide substance abuse prevention and leadership development program for high school and middle school youth. Her career reflects an ongoing commitment to helping people live healthy, productive lives and building behavioral health system capacity. Ms. Potter has specialized experience in developing, implementing, evaluating, and improving human service programs. Ms. Potter was the President of Creative Alliance LLC, a consulting group serving non-profit organizations, government agencies, and universities. In addition, she spent several years at Prevention First where she provided training, technical assistance, and contract oversight for state funded prevention agencies. She served the Illinois Attorney General on policy and community relations, where she led multiple statewide efforts, including gang crime prevention, youth and drug courts, violence prevention, and drug policy. In this role, she developed effective statewide strategies to reduce drug use and built public support for better drug policies. She also provided leadership to communities in the areas of truancy and delinquency prevention, court diversion programs, and balanced and restorative justice. Early in her career, she served a workforce development board in California, crafting competitive bidding opportunities. Sarah holds Bachelor of Social Work and Master of Public Administration degrees from Southern Illinois University.


Alex Asbun

Alex is the Drug Control Unit Manager for the state of North Carolina. He oversees the North Carolina Prescription Drug Monitoring Program (Controlled Substances Reporting System), North Carolina Controlled Substances Act Program and the Epilepsy Alternative Treatment Act Program. Prior to taking on the position of Drug Control Unit Manager in 2014, he was Director of Healthcare Programs for Vidant Duplin Hospital for ten years. One of the many programs he developed focused on addressing mental health and substance abuse in the emergency department setting. He is currently actively involved in several initiatives throughout the state dedicated to addressing prescription drug misuse such as, the North Carolina State Advisory Council Overdose Team, Community Care of North Carolina Chronic Pain Initiative and CSRS advisory council. Mr. Asbun holds a Master of Business Administration from the University of Banking and Business School.


Melinda Pankratz Ph.D

Melinda has nearly 20 years experience in substance abuse prevention. She currently serves as the Substance Abuse Prevention Block Grant Manager at the North Carolina Department of health and Human Services, Division of Mental Health, Developmental Disabilities, and Substance Abuse Services. She previously served as the North Carolina Partnership for Success Program Manager. In both roles she provides guidance in prevention provider training and system level enhancements, and also oversees prevention provider compliance monitoring and reporting, including enhanced reporting guidance and tools. For both she also selects, develops, and recommends evaluation instruments, communication campaigns, systemic planning tools.
She is a owner/evaluator for Implementation Sciences Consulting, where she manages implementation science projects from conceptualization to close out, with a content focus on community-based substance use prevention initiatives and social emotional development curricula. Prior to this she had an extensive history of developing and testing the effectiveness of substance use prevention training programs for both school and community-based prevention providers. This work was supported by federal and state grants she was awarded, with peer reviewed publications resulting. Melinda holds a doctorate in Health Behavior and Health Education from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, School of Public Health.


Jim Thornton, MA

Jimmy received his BA from UNC Wilmington in 1970, majoring in English and minoring in philosophy. He graduated Summa Cum Laude. He received his MA in counseling at Appalachian State University in 1989. He has developed and coordinated adolescent, adult, and family-oriented substance abuse treatment programs for over 20 years. He is an MI trainer in the Motivational Interviewing Network of Trainers (MINT), a certified ACRA clinician and supervisor (Adolescent Community Reinforcement Approach), and he was an adjunct instructor in the graduate faculty at Appalachian State for 14 years. He is currently working for Insight Human Services in Winston Salem as an SBIRT counselor, clinical supervisor, and family therapist.


Kara Endsley

Kara Endsley is a graduate of DePauw University (Greencastle, IN), where she received a BA in political science. In addition, she earned a Master of Science degree in organizational leadership from Oakland City University (Oakland City, IN). With a proven track record in the areas of fundraising, program management, and training & development, Kara has worked with organizations throughout the country to provide her unique brand of expertise and insight. Kara manages the Strategic Prevention Framework- Partnership for Success Program in NC, which focuses on prevention of nonmedical use of prescription drugs.


Beverly Hill, RN

Beverly is a registered nurse passionate in the care of persons who suffer from addiction. She has specialized for over thirty years in the field of treatment of those addicted to opiates as well as public health. Beverly is the past co-owner and director of two opiate addiction treatment centers and former public health nurse who believes that recovery encompasses caring for the body as well as emotional and spiritual.


Martha Early, Ph.D., LCSW, LCAS

Dr. Early is Assistant Professor in the Department of Family & Community Medicine at Eastern Virginia Medical School in Norfolk, VA where she is the Director of the Behavioral Medicine Division. She is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist with over 20 years in the field of mental health and substance abuse treatment and has worked in inpatient, outpatient and intensive outpatient settings. She received her Master of Social Work degree from East Carolina University, Greenville, NC, and her PhD in Higher Education from Old Dominion University, in Norfolk, VA. Dr. Early is adjunct faculty in the School of Social Work at East Carolina University and in the Departments of Health Sciences and Counseling and Human Services at Old Dominion University.


Darryl S. Inaba, PharmD, CATC-V, CADC III

Dr. Darryl S. Inaba is the Director of Clinical and Behavioral Health Services for the Addictions Recovery Center and Director of Research and Education of CNS Productions in Medford, Oregon. He is an Associate Clinical Professor at the University of California in San Francisco, CA., Special Consultant, Instructor, at the University of Utah School on Alcohol and Other Drug Dependencies in Salt Lake City, UT and a Lifetime Fellow at Haight Ashbury Free Clinics, Inc., in San Francisco, CA. Dr. Inaba has authored several papers, award winning educational films and is co-author of Uppers, Downers, All Arounder a text on addiction and related disorders that is used in more than 400 colleges and universities. He has been honored with over 90 individual awards for his work in the areas of prevention and treatment of substance abuse problems. For more information, visit: http://www.cnsproductions.com/46.html


Michael Torch, MA, LADC

Michael Torch, MA, LADC, is a Criminologist and addiction treatment provider with over 35 years of experience. He is a Senior Technology Transfer Specialist with Brown University/New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center in its efforts to disseminate Evidence-Based Practices. Was recognized by the New Hampshire Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselor’s Association in 2002 with its “ Lifetime Achievement Award”. Currently working in Outpatient Practice and Behavioral Health consultation. Michael has been a trainer of alcohol and drug counselors for over 30 years and currently serves on the faculty of Brown University/New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center and the New England School of Addiction Studies. He has extensive experience treating chemically dependent adolescents and trauma victims. His professional experience includes practice in public schools, correctional environments, treating law enforcement personnel, inpatient chemical dependency programs, outpatient practice and as a consultant to a First Nation Healing Program. He currently serves as a member of the US Probation Service’s New England Critical Incident Stress Management Team. Is a Certified Trainer with The International Critical Incident Stress Foundation, Inc. and provided Critical Incident Stress Debriefing to the Boston Police Department subsequent to the marathon bombing.


Joseph Najdzion, LCAS, MAC, LPCA

Joe has been a counselor on the men’s team at Pavillon for 10 years. He provides addiction/substance use disorder/dual disorder/trauma assessment, education, case management, and individual /group and family psychotherapy for impaired professionals in residential extended care services in individual and group setting. He supervised the young adults program and assists with assessments, service plans, group counseling and discussion on post treatment options and relapse prevention. Joe was previously employed with the Residential Treatment Services of Alamance in Burlington, NC as a substance abuse counselor where he provided screening and assistance in intake and orientation of clients for admission into the detox/crisis unit.


Ruth Anderson, M.A.Ed., LCAS, CCS

Ruth has many years experience in individual, family and group counseling. She has worked as a counselor, clinical coordinator and program director with a variety of client populations. Currently, she works in private practice, providing counseling, clinical supervision and professional presentations. Ruth has provided professional training for NCFADS Summer and Winter schools, the Northwest and Southern AHECs, Forsyth Medical Center, Wake Forest University Counseling Department, NC Addictions Fellows of Forsyth County, and Addiction Professionals of NC Conferences. Ruth earned her undergraduate degree in Psychology and Women’s Studies from Salem College, and her Masters of Arts in Counseling from Wake Forest University. She is also an alumna of the North Carolina Addiction Fellows Program. Ruth has additional training in the areas of expressive arts, family and group therapy, and equine assisted psychotherapy. She has served as a board member for the Addictions Professionals of North Carolina (APNC) and an evaluator for the NC Substance Abuse Professional Practice Board (NCSAPPB) licensure exams.


Rick Spreitzer, B.S., CSAC and Singer-Songwriter

Mr. Spreitzer is a CertifiedSsubstance Abuse Counselor in the SACOT program at Anuvia Prevention, a recovery center. He has been working in the mental health and addiction fields for 24 years with a clinical focus on SPMI (severe and persistent mental illness), co-occurring disorders, addiction, DBT, crisis intervention and expressive arts. He is also an award winning singer-songwriter with 4 recordings of original music to his credit. You can learn more about his music and band, Rick Spreitzer and the Antique Babies, listen to audio samples, sample lyrics and prose via Facebook™ and his website, www.rickspreitzer.com.
He currently lives in Fort Mill, SC with his beloved cat, Leo, a small trove of acoustic guitars and an awful lot of gratitude.


Kendall Wood

Kendall Wood earned a Bachelor’s degree in Community Health from the University of Maryland, College park in fall 2013. After graduating she started working at MedStar St. Mary’s Hospital as a Community Health Educator for several months then was offered the position as Program Coordinator for the Strategic Prevention Framework grant on alcohol prevention. She worked on underage and binge drinking initiatives in St. Mary’s County, MD for 2 years. During this time she gained experience in coalition work, building community capacity, and mobilizing her community to combat substance use. Also, during those 2 years she started working on the Opioid Misuse Prevention Program grant to help reduce the misuse and abuse of prescription drugs and reduce overdose related deaths in St. Mary’s County. She also worked on helping prevent overdose deaths related to heroin by educating and training law enforcement and community members on the proper use of naloxone.

In April 2016, she moved to North Carolina where she then became the NC Partnership for Success Outreach Specialist within the division of MH/DD/SAS, Community Wellness Prevention and Health Integration Team at N.C. Department of Health and Human Services. Kendall is now assisting the state PFS Team in planning, implementing, and evaluating training and technical assistance efforts for NC SPF-PFS grant funded communities.


Donald McDonald, MSW

Donald is a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist and has been working in the addiction treatment and recovery field since 2010. Mr. McDonald served in The United States Navy from 1986 to 1992. He graduated from NC State in 1997 with a Bachelor of Arts in English Teacher Education. Mr. McDonald graduated with a Master of Social Work from UNC Chapel Hill. His concentration was community, management, and policy practice in the addictions certification track.
He was a site monitor with SouthLight’s opioid treatment program from 2010 to 2012, while he studied addiction counseling at Wake Technical Community College. Mr. McDonald was an intern from 2011 to 2012 with Healing Transitions, Inc. (formerly The Healing Place of Wake County) and was employed in case management with them until his graduation this year. Healing Transitions is a homeless shelter for men and women seeking recovery from substance use disorders. Mr. McDonald is now the Director of Advocacy and Education with Recovery Communities of North Carolina (RCNC). RCNC is a 501(C)(3) not for profit whose mission is to promote addiction recovery, wellness, and citizenship through advocacy, education and support.
Donald McDonald is a man in long-term recovery from mental health and substance use disorder since October 12, 2004.


Cameron Lane

I am 28 years old and have been clean from alcohol and other drugs since 12/29/12. I grew up in Virginia and found myself in a heap of trouble from the use of drugs. Wanting a way out I enrolled in a treatment center here in Greensboro. I then made the move here to begin a new life. I have a 8 year old son and am due to be married October 1st 2016


Robert Martin, J.D., CEAP

Robert E Martin, J.D., CEAP, works for Blanchard Addiction Resources as a family consultant and interventionist. He is currently in the process of designing, planning, licensing and opening a free standing medical detox. Blanchard Addiction Resources provides intervention services to get loved ones into treatment and education and case management for families. Robert is speaking on what EAP’s can do to address the opiate epidemic at the International Employee Assistance Professional’s Conference in Chicago, Illinois this October.

Robert Martin was the President of R E Martin and Associates. He formed this group in 2013. He and his associates provide intervention services, professional consultation and professional education and sober transportation.
He was the Director of Substance Abuse Services for Carolinas Medical Center Mercy from March 1998 until September 2016. He was the director of a busy hospital based medical detox and an intensive outpatient program that offers specific treatment tracks for men, women, substance abusing chronic pain patients, dual diagnosis enhanced and traditional intensive outpatient therapy. He was credited by Sam Quinones in his book Dreamland: A True Tale of America’s Opiate Epidemic with identifying the change in patient demographics in the increase usage of black tar heroin.

Robert is very passionate about the treatment of Substance Use Disorder patients. His varied professional background as an employee assistance counselor, attorney and police sergeant give him a unique objective approach to the field. He has presented to the international Employee Assistance Professional Association, the National RX Drug Summit (2014), North Carolina Employee Assistance Professional conferences, North Carolina American Case Management Association conference and numerous other professional training venues. He has appeared in USA Today and on NBC, ABC, CBS and FOX television as an expert in heroin, opioid abuse and other addiction topics. He served as a professional advisor to Damian Lewis and the writers of Homeland for background on heroin withdrawal in the character Lewis played, Sergeant Brody.

A six year cancer survivor he enjoys his Brittany Hope, who as a puppy was his cancer buddy and his new rescue Brittany Abby. He is an enthusiastic fly fisher and tyer. Originally from upstate New York he resides in Rock Hill, SC with his wife of 39 years. They have three grown sons.


Tereia S. Cook, MA, LCAS, LPC, CCS

Terri has been an addiction professional since 1987.  She has worked in both public and private practice in clinical and administrative capacities.  She is currently with Wake Forest Baptist Health Department of Psychiatry working with Medication Assisted Treatment for Opioid Dependence and Intensive Outpatient Program services.


Eddie LeShure, CSAC-R, PSS

Eddie LeShure (amindfulemergence.com) is a Meditation Teacher, Registered Substance Abuse Counselor, Certified Peer Support Specialist, plus NAMI Family Support Group Facilitator and Board Member. His primary passion is bringing evidence-based mindfulness practices into the realms of addiction recovery, trauma relief, and self-care, and he facilitates IOP groups in numerous treatment and aftercare facilities in Western North Carolina. In addition, he leads and co-leads trainings for CEU credit to clinicians and other health care professionals, plus teaches in various series classes, workshops, webinars and retreats. Eddie is currently co-authoring a manual linking specific meditation and self-compassion practices to stages of addiction recovery for treatment and aftercare facilities. He also co-hosts a weekly radio program focusing on addiction recovery and personal transformation (http://wpvmfm.org/show/a-mindful-emergence-2/).


Jessica Holton, MSW, LCSW, LCAS

Jessica has nearly two decades of experience and is a private practitioner specializing in treating Trauma & Stress Related Disorders, Anxiety Disorders, and Addictions. She earned her Master of Social Work and became certified in Social Work Practice with the Deaf and Hard of Hearing from East Carolina University. Jessica is active in leadership roles with the National Association of Social Workers (NASW) at the local, state, and national levels: Co-Chair of NASW-NC’s Greenville’s Local Program Unit from 2005 to 2012; Elected as NASW-NC’s President Elect from 2011 to 2012; NASW-NC’s President from 2012 to 2014; Jessica is has been a Delegate for NASW-NC since 2011. She was appointed to NASW’s Alcohol, Tobacco and Other Drug (ATOD) Specialty Section Committee as a committee member in 2008, and then appointed as the Chair in 2010 to 2016, in which she is currently a committee member (2016-2018). Jessica is involved with Addiction Professionals of North Carolina, as well. Jessica has written many professional newsletter articles, compiled a four-hour continuing education curriculum (pending approval) and has presented nationwide at numerous conferences. She also received the East Carolina University School of Social Work Rising Star Alumni Award and the 2005 Community Service Award from the Wilson Resource Center for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing.


Nidhi Sachdeva MPH

Ms. Sachdeva is an Injury Prevention Consultant with the Injury and Violence Prevention Branch (IVPB) at the North Carolina Division of Public Health (DPH), Department of Health and Human Services, where she leads strategic planning, partnership development, capacity building, and community interventions for CORE injury and violence and prescription drug overdose prevention efforts around the state. CORE focus areas include suicide, poisoning, sexual violence, traumatic brain injury, falls, and motor vehicle crashes. Prior to joining DPH, Nidhi was the Project Manager for multiple poisoning and overdose prevention policy and program evaluation studies at the UNC Injury Prevention Research Center. Nidhi also served as a Senior Public Health Educator and Healthy Carolinians Coordinator with the Orange County Health Department. Nidhi is a volunteer with the NC Harm Reduction Coalition. She has worked in public health in various capacities and levels for the past 13 years; and, graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill’s Gillings School of Global Public Health and the University of Virginia. Name Pronunciation: Ni-dee Such-DAY-vuh

Registration Options and Fees

Full-School Option (FSO)
$569.00

Includes: Training & materials for the entire school including one Main Track, one Mini Track and all Plenary Sessions as well as refreshments and lunches on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. If staying at Embassy Suites, breakfast is included in hotel costs.  (Fee does not include housing or evening meals.)

Track/Plenary Only Option (TPO)
$495
.00
Includes: Training & materials for Opening Session, Main Track & Plenary Sessions as well as refreshments and lunches on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday. If staying at Embassy Suites, breakfast is included in hotel costs.  (Fee does not include housing, evening meals or Mini Track.)

Mini-Track Only Option (MTO)
$115.00
Includes: Training, materials & refreshments for Sunday afternoon Mini-Track training only!
(Does not include housing, meals, Main Track or Plenary Sessions.)

IMPORTANT Registration Information

PLEASE READ THIS CAREFULLY: YOU MUST MAKE YOUR OWN HOTEL ARRANGEMENTS SEPARATE FROM THE SCHOOL REGISTRATION. TO GET THE SPECIAL “RATE OF $109.00 + TAXES (King/Non-Smoking) or $179 + TAXES (2 Double Beds/Non-Smoking),” YOU MUST CALL THE EMBASSY SUITES DIRECTLY: (336)668-4535. HOUSING DEADLINE IS JANUARY 21, 2017.

NCFADS School Registration Information

First, use the online registration form to complete the registration process and submit to NCFADS by 11:59 p.m., February 14, 2017.

 
Second, all Full-time Students or Mini-Track only Students , must validate the registration process at check-in between 10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. on Sunday, February 19, 2017, at the Embassy Suites, Greensboro, NC. Track/Plenary Student enrollees may check-in from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m. on Monday, February 20, 2017. Early enrollment is suggested since space is limited and courses are assigned on a first-come, first-served basis. (Online registration is preferred and may expedite the process.)

For multiple registrations, a registration form for each participant must be completed and accompanied by payment and/or official authorizations. Photocopies of the registration form will be accepted. If you are registering for someone else, make certain all pertinent information is forwarded to him or her.

Check-In & Check-Out Process

All mini-tracks will meet from 2:00 p.m. – 5:45 p.m. on Sunday afternoon, February 19, 2017. Main tracks and plenary sessions begin on Monday morning, February 20, 2017, and continue until 12:00 p.m., Wednesday, February 22, 2017. You will only attend one track and one mini-track during the school. All Full-time Students (FTO) will be automatically registered for the opening session, plenary sessions and closing luncheon. The registration system will inform you of the availability of your track/mini-track topic selections as you register. Early registration is encouraged. Use of our online registration process is encouraged to expedite your registration. Your confirmation email indicating topic assignments (based upon space availability at the time of registration) will be sent to you immediately after your pre-registration. All Full-time Student participants (as well as Mini-Track Students) are expected to check in between 10:00 a.m. and noon (12:00 p.m.) on Sunday, February 19, 2017, and attend the General Session and mini-track topic sessions beginning at 1:30 p.m.

Those who register only for Track/Plenary Only Sessions may check in on Monday morning, February 20th from 8:00 – 9:00 a.m.; then attend an opening session followed by the first track session. Embassy Suites Housing should be available by 3:45 p.m. (break time) for those staying on site. No dinner meals have been scheduled. If you need assistance concerning registration, please call the NCFADS office at 910-799-6594.

Helpful Tips

Since early registration is necessary to improve your chances of getting your top track choices, the following suggestions are offered:
If you plan to stay at the Embassy Suites, you must call directly to the hotel to get the negotiated rate. Identify yourself as a participant in the NCFADS Winter School.

At the earliest possible date after receiving word the registration process is open, complete the online registration form. Online registration for all classes is preferred.

Do not assume that your registration form will be processed by your accounting office or an administrative official before the deadline date. To avoid delays, submit your form online to the Foundation office and fax or email a short, written approval statement from your supervisor while the agency is processing payment. In most cases, this can save you 3 to 4 weeks in getting registered. Fax#910-799-9550; mailing address NCFADS, PO Box 722, Clayton, NC, 27528.; email: ncfads@outlook.com

Review your completed registration form to assure the following:

Your track & mini-track choices have been indicated.
All credit option choices have been selected.
All demographic information is clearly printed or typed. A correct email address is necessary for receiving your credit letters following the school.
Payment or an authorization statement by an agency official or an approved purchase order or scholarship authorization must accompany each completed registration form.
Participants seeking special accommodations due to a disability must contact the registration office by January 1, 2017.

Student Responsibilities

As a student of the school sponsored by the North Carolina Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies, you are requested to read and abide by the following statements:
You should act as a professional when dealing with staff or others who are registered for the school.

The use of alcohol and/or illicit drugs or the abuse of non-prescription drugs while at the school will not be tolerated. If such conduct is observed, NCFADS officials will ask for assistance from local law enforcement personnel. If the student is charged with a violation or continues to demonstrate behaviors detrimental to others or is considered disruptive to the mission of the school, NCFADS will immediately ask the student to leave the school; and will report the incident to the students’ employer.

The use of physical means to settle a dispute will not be tolerated. If such conduct is used by a student(s), the NCFADS staff will ask for assistance by local law enforcement personnel. If the student is charged with a violation or continues to demonstrate behaviors detrimental to others or is considered disruptive to the mission of the school, NCFADS will immediately ask the student to leave the school; and will report the incident to the student’s employer.

At the time of pre-registration, you should reveal to the NCFADS staff any serious medical condition which might cause problems while at the school. This will ensure that, in the event of an emergency, you may be treated with appropriate care by EMT or other medical professionals.

Students, who, for what ever reason are taken to a local hospital or medical clinic for treatment, must arrange for any needed transportation.

At the time of pre-registration, you will be asked to furnish the name of a family member or another designee as a contact person in case of an emergency.

At the time of pre-registration, you will be asked for a current email and mailing address. The accuracy of these addresses is necessary for receiving your credit letter after the school.

Curriculum Credit Information

The Winter School has been designed to serve the needs of many professional groups. All types of school credit are included in the school cost. All choice(s) of credit must be indicated on the registration form during the pre-registration period.

Substance Abuse Professional Credit (SAC)

Application for approval has been made to the North Carolina Substance Abuse Professional Certification Board for up to 27 hours of certification/re-certification credit for each eligible participant.

Public School Personnel Credit (PSP)

Individual schedules must be designed for 27 contact hours to be awarded 2.7 units of teacher renewal credit (PSP). To receive maximum PSP credits, participants must attend all classes and special events, totaling 27 hours, in which they are officially registered. SCHOOL PERSONNEL PLEASE NOTE that you must get prior approval of this event from your school system before registering.

Continuing Education Units (CEU’S)

Individual schedules must be designed for a maximum of 27 contact hours for participants to be eligible for 2.7 CEU’s. To receive maximum CEU credit, participants must attend all classes and events, totaling 27 hours, in which they are officially registered.

National Board Certified Counselors (NBCC)

The N.C. Foundation for Alcohol and Drug Studies is an approved NBCC Provider (ACEP) and may offer NBCC approved clock hours for events or programs that meet NBCC requirements. Programs for which NBCC clock hours will be awarded are identified within the NCFADS Winter School catalog. The ACEP is solely responsible for all aspects of this school offering. NBCC (provider number 5673). We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education guidelines. As a minimum, each individual schedule must be comprised of a curriculum track representing 11 hours. Participants must attend all track classes to receive the 11 hour track maximum. NBCC is also appropriate for those seeking LPC credits.

Appropriate credit for the Winter School will be awarded after eligibility has been determined from attendance records and in conjunction with the above stated attendance requirements.

Embassy Suites, Greensboro, NCThe NCFADS Board chose the Embassy Suites as its 2017 Winter School site because it offers such great meeting rooms as well as excellent accommodations for those who need housing. The number of available rooms will meet our enrollment needs quite well and the negotiated price for participant housing is outstanding.

The Embassy Suites is located in the center of the Triad, just 6 miles from the Piedmont Triad International Airport at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 68. They are the premier center for hospitality in the area, with a full range of services to meet every traveler’s needs. The 219, all-suite property has an elegant 7-story atrium where the fresh scent of lush greenery fills the senses. Water cascades from a luxurious fountain and sunlight radiates through the skylights overhead.

Each suite is beautifully decorated with a private bedroom and spacious living room. All of the suites have a refrigerator, microwave oven, individual cup coffee maker, two flat screen televisions, two telephones, high speed Internet and a very functional dining/work table with ergonomic chair. Choose a suite with 2 double beds or 1 king bed; in addition each suite is equipped with a queen size sleeper sofa for extra guests.

Since the NCFADS fee does NOT include housing, special daily rates of $109.00 + tax (single room, King, Non-Smoking), and $179 + tax (Two Double Beds, Non-Smoking), have been negotiated with the Embassy Suites. This room rate includes breakfast on Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday mornings, plus a complimentary reception Sunday, Monday & Tuesday evenings.

All lodging/housing arrangements must be made directly with the Embassy Suites.

Please call 336-668-4535 to make your hotel reservation.

NOTE:  The Embassy Suites is full. Additional rooms are available at the Homewood Suites next door.  Please contact Homewood Suites to make your reservation.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Greensboro-Airport
201 Centreport Drive Greensboro, NC 27409
Phone: 336-393-0088  |  Fax: 336-393-0070

Group Name: NCFADS Winter School
Group CODE: NCF
Reservation Link: http://homewoodsuites.hilton.com/en/hw/groups/personalized/G/GSOHWHW-NCF-20170218/index.jhtml?WT.mc_id=POG

Housing deadline for the Homewood Suites special rate is February 3, 2017.

Special Thanks to our 2017 NCFADS Winter School Sponsors

Dominion Diagnostics

McLeod Addictive Disease Center

ATTC

Fellowship Hall

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Blanchard Addiction Resources

Mallinckrodt

Special Thanks to our 2017 NCFADS Winter School Exhibitors

  • Dominion Diagnostics
  • McLeod Addictive Disease Center
  • SEATTC
  • Fellowship Hall
  • Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals
  • Lauris Technologies, LLC
  • NC Fetal Alcohol Prevention Program
  • Mount Regis Center
  • Recovery Ventures Corporation
  • Addiction Recovery Care Associaton
  • October Road, Inc.
  • Alkermes Phramaceuticals
  • Blanchard Addiction Resources
  • Pavillon
  • Smart Start, Inc
  • Dilworth Center
  • Four Directions Counseling & Recovery Center
  • Holly Hill Hospital
  • Addiction Professionals of North Carolina
  • Legacy Freedom Treatment Center
  • Monitech, Inc.
  • Crest View Recovery Center
  • Alcoholics Anonymous
  • First Health
  • October Road, Inc
  • Problem Gambling Program

Support NCFADS by Sponsoring the 2017 Winter School

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Info About Sponsoring the 2017 NCFADS Winter School