PROGRAM DESCRIPTION: Opioid addiction and addiction to prescription drugs are an ever growing problem in our society. Medical doctors are prescribing drugs possessing a high addiction potentials at alarming rates, often with little to no discussion of the risks. This program will explore the biochemical issues of drug addiction; the science and psychology of addiction; present the view of addiction as a brain disease; examine the need for “Medically Assisted Recovery”; and outline psychological and family intervention strategies utilized to intervene so as to establish ongoing recovery. Methods for interventions which assist in “inducing-a-therapeutic-crisis” will be covered. Psychotherapeutic interventions aimed at understanding the “addict self vs. the healthy self” will be outlined.  This program is aimed the intermediate skill level.

FACULTY:

Allen Berger, PhD, is a nationally recognized expert on the science of recovery. He is author of 12 Stupid Things that Mess Up Recovery and 12 Smart Things to do When the Drugs and Booze are Gone. Dr. Berger is a licensed psychologist in the State of California, and is the Clinical Director of The Institute for Effective Psychotherapy. Dr. Berger received his doctorate in clinical psychology from UC Davis. He currently divides his time in private practice in Southern California, teaching, clinical staff training, and playing tennis. You can learn more about Dr. Berger and his work at www.abphd.com.

Stuart Finkelstein, MD, has been a leader in treating addiction for over 20 years. His multi-level approach to treatment of addiction addresses each patient’s physical, psychosocial, and spiritual needs. He utilizes many different methods for meeting the needs of the recovering patient. Each method is specifically designed for each individual patient. Dr. Finkelstein recognizes that chemical dependency is a medical illness that requires medical treatment.

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

• describe the neurobiology of addiction and name at least three relevant biochemical factors,

• define “Medical Assisted Recovery”,

• identify three key factors to a successful psychological intervention,

• describe the role of the family in a successful intervention,

• describe the addict vs. healthy self shuttle technique.

AGENDA:

8:00 AM - 8:30 AM            Registration, Sign-In, and Introductions

8:30 AM - 10:30 AM          Introduction to the Science of Addiction - Dr. Berger
                                             Addiction as a Brain Disease - Dr. Finkelstein
                                             The Psychology of Addiction and Addiction as a Family Disease - Dr. Berger

10:30 AM - 10:45 AM        Morning Break

10:45 AM - 12:00 PM        Opioid Dependence and Medically Assisted Recovery - Dr. Finkelstein

12:00 PM - 1:30 PM          Lunch (on your own)

1:30 PM - 2:30 PM            Interventions: Inducing a Therapeutic Crisis - Dr. Berger and Dr. Finkelstein

2:30 PM - 2:45 PM            Afternoon Break

2:45 PM - 4:30 PM           Psychotherapeutic Interventions: Addict Self vs. Healthy Self - Dr. Berger

4:30 PM                             Program Closing and Evaluation

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

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

[ APA ] -- The Southwest Health Professions Education Center, Inc. (SEC) is approved by the American Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists.  As an organization approved by the American Psychological Association, SEC is offering this activity for 6 hours of continuing education credit.  SEC maintains responsibility for the program.

[ ASWB ] -- VA Employee Education System, Provider Number 1040, is approved as a provider for continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards 400 South Ridge Parkway, Suite B, Culpeper, VA 22701. www.aswb.org. ASWB Approval Period: 4/7/07 - 4/1/10. Social workers should contact their regulatory board to determine course approval. Social workers will receive 6 continuing education clock hours in participating in this course.

[ NBCC ] – The VA Employee Education System is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to offer continuing education accreditation for National Certified and Licensed Counselors.  We adhere to NBCC Continuing Education Guidelines.  This program is approved for 6 contact hours.  Provider #5927.

[ CNE ] -- 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.

REGISTRATION FEES: Registration fee is $125.00.  Fee for full-time VA employees is $18.00.  Includes continental breakfast, break refreshments, and course material.  Refunds, minus a $15.00 processing fee, will be made until three days prior to the program.  No refunds will be made after this date. There will a $20.00 processing fee for any returned checks.  Credit card registrations may be faxed to (928) 776-6137. Visa, Mastercard, and American Express accepted. Payments must be received at least 5 days prior to the program to ensure registration availability.
Confirmation letters will not be sent.