PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: This program will provide an overview of the full continuum of care for the adolescent substance abuse treatment process. It will include topics of: understanding of the type of crisis that brings a particular adolescent to treatment; the need to utilize information from the referral source; what information should be looked for during the assessment process and how this information is utilized to design the treatment plan; the unique modalities of treatment needed for adolescent recovery; and the transition to aftercare treatment.  There will be an examination of ways for improving treatment outcomes, and subsequently, the recovery rate of the adolescent client.  The program will discuss the distinction between adolescent substance use, substance abuse, and addiction; and the importance of the ability to differentiate between each.  Next, the program will discuss the client with “special needs” issues, examining Axis I and II diagnoses, functioning level, age, family dynamic, health concerns, social/peer pressures, stressors, race, religion, and other factors.  Finally, there will be a brief review of the history of adolescent treatment, an examination of today’s treatment modalities, discussing what has worked, what hasn’t worked, and why. From this information, and by utilizing current research data, a vision of best practices and principles will be discussed for a look into the future of adolescent substance abuse treatment.  This program is geared toward the intermediate skill level.

FACULTY: Tom Boscarelli, B.S., I.C.A.D.C., is currently the Dual Diagnosis Specialist for the Santa Barbara County SHIA Grant, supporting severely mentally ill adults, with substance abuse issues, who are living independently, in the community.  He is an internationally certified addiction counselor and has worked in all phases of addiction counseling (detoxification, in-patient, out-patient, residential, extended care, and aftercare) in his twenty years in the field of addictions.  Mr. Boscarelli currently holds an international certification (ICRC), an Arizona certification (ABCAC, and is eligible for licensure), and a California certification (CAADAC).   He has been active, in a supervisory capacity, in the addiction treatment field, in three states.  Mr. Boscarelli was the In-Patient Treatment Coordinator at Charter Hospital in Phoenix, Arizona from 1992 to 1994; the Treatment Coordinator for Kahi Mohala Hospital in Hawaii from 1995 to 1996; and the Director of Treatment Services for the Council on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse in Santa Barbara, California from 2000 to 2001.  During his time in Arizona, Mr. Boscarelli has, at various times, worked for Progress Valley, Valley Hope, Charter Hospital, ADAPT, and the Mohave County Probation Department.  He has been in private practice, specializing in Stage II Recovery Issues and Interventions. 

PROGRAM OBJECTIVES:  At the conclusion of this program, participants will be able to: 

• discuss the unique aspects of the assessment and treatment planning process for the adolescent, based on the substance abuse/addiction symptoms and history,

• identify the “special needs” of clients and how to utilize this information in treatment planning,

• identify the variety of treatment options available for the adolescent client,

• discuss the history of adolescent treatment, as well as current treatment methods,

• discuss the vision of best practices and principles for the future of adolescent substance abuse treatment.

INTENDED AUDIENCE:  Psychologists, mental health therapists, social workers, addiction therapists, psychiatric nurses, chaplains, and other mental health professionals.

 AGENDA:

8:00 AM

Registration and Continental Breakfast

8:30 AM – 10:30 AM

Abuse or Addiction? Detection and Differences

10:30 AM – 10:45 AM

Morning Break

10:45 AM – 12 PM

Doorways to Treatment: Utilizing Referral Information and Gateways

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Lunch (On Your Own)

1:30 PM – 2:30 PM

Addressing Co-Occurring Issues/Disorders

2:30 PM – 2:45 PM

Afternoon Break

2:45 PM – 4:30 PM

Treatment Modalities – Past, Present, and Future

4:30 PM – Program Closure

CONTINUING EDUCATION: The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) certifies this program for 6 contact hours.  A certificate of attendance will be awarded. 

The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. SEC maintains responsibility for the program.  This program provides 6 CE credits.

VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB), (1-800-225-6880) through the Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program.  VA Employee Education System maintains responsibility for the program.  Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is a provider approved by the California Board of Registered Nursing, provider # CEP 11270.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.