B05 - Crisis Management for the Behavioral Healthcare Executive: Strategies to Strive and then Thrive
Friday, August 19 | 8:15 am - 9:30 am
This presentation will review, in detail referencing real cases, how to lead an organization from chaos and crisis (financial, operational, personnel, and reputation) to stability and profitability, while building the culture and brand position. Many behavioral healthcare companies have found themselves in undesirable (e this year; whether it was from inadequate leadership, an unforeseen crisis, overdependence upon toxicology revenue, or ownership change. This 90-minute presentation will address, by department, specific strategic and tactical elements to consider and address. A roadmap through rough times to organizational health will be explored and shared.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Evaluate appropriately and efficiently
- Identify weak areas within the company
- Understand how to and create a process to move through the issue(s) while maintaining the employee culture
- Apply examples and process models to their own organizations with mild or severe crisis
E19 - The Missing Peace - Men, Violence, and Trauma, Toward a More Responsive Treatment System
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
Right now, we live in a world where men are viewed as the problem. To solve the true problem we cannot just change what men think, we have to change what we think about men. It does not take much to hear about men's "inherent disposition toward violence". Men are also fathers, husbands, sons, and members of our communities. Many men are wounded. We are taught very early to carry these wounds silently and hide them from ourselves. The link between violence, abuse and trauma is well known. Men's trauma can manifest itself as depression, anger, addiction, mental health issues and violence. Everywhere we hear cries for men's accountability. The challenge is to find the place where compassion and accountability meet. Until that day comes, there will always be the missing peace. This talk helps to build a vision for what it might take for us to get there and what is possible as a result.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify the seven core principles of male trauma-informed care
- Differentiate the man rules from the principles of recovery and why that is critical to effective treatment for men
- Recognize three of the most common characteristics of a man with trauma
Sponsored by: CeDAR
E20 - Designing Treatment Interventions Based upon the Relationship Between Attachment and Emotion Regulation in Substance Users
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
This workshop will provide the framework for understanding the important relationship between attachment and emotion regulation. New empirical research will be introduced linking specific attachment styles to emotion regulation difficulties. The specific pathways of attachment styles, leading to emotion regulation difficulties will be introduced. This session will introduce approaches to designing treatment interventions that will assist clinicians with treating individuals suffering from substance use disorders.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Demonstrate an understanding of the relationship between attachment and emotion regulation in substance users
- Improve their understanding of the empirical research connecting attachment style and emotion regulation in substance users
- Demonstrate an understanding of how to intervene and develop treatment plans based upon attachment style and emotion regulation in substance users
E21 - Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) Solution System: Genetic & Epigenetic Impact on Clinical Outcomes and Recovery
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
In 1996, our laboratory coined the term “Reward Deficiency Syndrome” (RDS) following our seminal discovery of the first gene polymorphism (variant) to associate with severe alcoholism and now all addictive behaviors. The gene association found was the Dopamine D2 Receptor A1 variant and now after over 4,000 studies is indeed a very important “reward gene” amongst many others. The actual variant importantly impacts, relapse, medicalization and even mortality in carriers. The new definition of the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) underscores this concept and as such provides the basis for a “brain disorder”.
To date there are over 14,500 facilities of various types attempting to treat RDS behaviors substance and non-substance alike. Thousands of scientific papers on a global basis indicate that the appropriate net release of dopamine across the reward brain circuitry including the Pre-Frontal Cortex to the Nucleus Accumbens provides the individual with feelings of well-being. This notion is supported by both NIDA and NIAAA directors and important investigators from all corners of the Earth. While it is true that the FDA has improved a number of pharmaceuticals called Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) to assist in the treatment of alcohol, opiate and nicotine dependence there are no such treatments approved for Cannabis and psychostimulant abuse/addiction. Unfortunately, the FDA MAT program favors blocking of reward or dopamine, and while there is reasonable success on the short –term it is not advised in the long-term because of sever mood changes and even mortality and suicide ideation.
We in America are faced with a real opiate/opioid epidemic induced iatrogenically and need some answers. We also know that both genetic antecedents can induce high risk for RDS seeking behaviors. These variations on a number of reward genes found in the brain reward circuitry, are critically influence by an environmental phenomena called epigenetics (changes occurring on chromatin histones either methylation or acetylation) that effects gene expression for at least two generations.
With this background we intend to provide the audience with a novel clear approach we term “Reward Deficiency Syndrome Solution System”. This system consists of 1) Pre-diagnostic genetic testing for risk stratification including pharmacogenetics™ for medication clinical monitoring (GARS™); 2) Drug urine testing for both prescription compliance and abstinence from un-prescribed licit and licit drugs (CARD™); 3) Dopamine agonistic therapy (KB220z™) and 4) Pre and post mRNA gene expression profiling. Dr. Blum will carefully provide important data and statistics to support paradigm shift in approaching the entire addiction recovery process including the molecular underpinnings of spirituality and the 12 steps. Utilization of these principles will induce “Dopamine Homeostasis” and indeed change the current landscape and bring us to the Promised Land!
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Name the ten genes utilized in the Genetic Addiction Risk Score (GARS)
- Describe the differences between Methylation and Acetylation in terms of gene expression utilizing role of the dopamine d2 receptor gene and gambling behavior
- Illustrate the benefits of utilizing the GARS and Pharmacogenetic testing in terms of patient compliance to Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT) as well as clinical outcome and quality of life in recovery
E22 - Helping Couples Survive the Impact of Sexual Addiction
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
This presentation focuses on the impact of sex addiction on the partner and the coupleship relationship. Facilitated disclosure of infidelity secrets will be addressed as well common reactions to the trauma of betrayal in a relationship where one partner has been sexually addicted. Therapeutic techniques for assisting partners and couples with the trauma of this illness will be discussed.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Recognize a partner’s common responses to discovery of sexual addiction in their relationship
- Explain the process of facilitating disclosure of infidelity secrets
- Name some therapeutic strategies for assisting couples that have been traumatized by sexual addiction
E23 - Integrative Care: Treating the Person Not the Diagnosis
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
This session will address the importance of integrated healthcare. It will provide information related to combining the medical, mental health and substance abuse needs of the individual in a comprehensive treatment setting.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Learn to assess the complex needs of patients that have comorbid medical, mental health and substance abuse diagnosis
- Develop a comprehensive treatment plan integrating medical, mental health and substance abuse treatment modalities
- Learn to incorporate integrative medicine modalities in a comprehensive treatment plan that takes care of the whole person including their medical, mental health and substance abuse needs
Sponsored by: WestBridge Community Services
B06 – Utilization Management: Check Yourself Before You Wreck Yourself
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
All behavioral health professionals know that utilization review is a necessity. Good utilization review is key to quality outcomes and business success. This session will discuss recent industry changes in utilization review policies and how those changes impact both business and care. It will offer advice on how behavioral healthcare executives can manage to create synergy between their operations and clinical teams. In addition, this session will emphasize specific documentation needs and how to establish internal protocols to ensure documentation that leads to increased length of stay and better outcomes.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Perform a self-assessment on existing utilization management practices currently in place
- Identify utilization review strategies that will increase revenue and improve clinical outcomes
- Design policies that will enhance documentation
- Explain how effective utilization review practices can lead to increased length of stay
Sponsored by PRRS, Inc.
MK2 - Google Is No Longer a Given... Relevant Content is King!
Friday, August 19 | 10:15 am - 11:45 am
The future of addiction treatment marketing revolves around the creation of, and tactical distribution of, quality unique content around the web and adhering to guidelines set by multiple search engines and platforms, not just Google. Google is still the biggest kid on the block though and is working to regain its absolute dominance. This will define the path of successful treatment center advertising online for the next several years. As paid search can be cost prohibitive as a media outlet for many addiction treatment centers due to auction pricing that drives drastic increases, the mobile internet and digital assistants like "Siri" and Google Now explode, and the proliferation of social media channels expands beyond anything we've ever seen, the path forward for online marketing is clear... except that it's not at all.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify key market challenges related to Google's massive influence on over 70% of all admissions and related changes
- Identify key market opportunities online to become a content marketer and thought leader that will directly yield admissions
- Learn to navigate the digital marketing landscape for strategic planning to stay effective and relevant for the next 1-3 years
E25 - Chemsex in the City: The Intersection of Drugs, Sex, Technology and HIV/AIDS
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
The LGBT community has been impacted by HIV/AIDS for many years and nowhere has this been felt more than with our clients, who are addicted to multiple substances and behaviors, develop sexual compulsivity issues potentially addictive in nature and have deep layers of trauma. Addiction, while always present in the LGBT community even prior to the advent of HIV/AIDS, has been steadily on the rise for many years particularly in younger persons of color. What is becoming more evident with addiction is that it’s not only substances or alcohol but process addictions such as sexual compulsivity, which are acting in tandem with each other. Trauma and co-occurring mental health issues, if left unchecked, will only serve to exacerbate the complications that arise from addiction and sexual compulsivity. This fusion of sex and drug known as chemsex, along with treatment protocols such as PrEP, are resulting in an uptick of the occurrence of HIV/AIDS. This presentation will look at the interplay of sex, drugs and HIV/AIDS as well as examine best treatment protocols to address best success with our clients.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Speak to the triangle diagram of addiction particularly to stimulants, sexual compulsivity/addiction and GPS enabled hook up apps which make drugs/sex more readily available than ever before and recite those stimulants
- Formulate ideas on what healthy sexuality looks like in the LGBT community and how to develop these skills with their clients while in recovery. Develop a clearer understanding of HIV/AIDS - as well as other STD's and STI's - and how they are obtained as a result of unsafe sex practices while under the influence.
Sponsored by: CeDAR, Presented by: NALGAP
E26 - Bridging the Gap- Integrating Family Therapy and Addictions Counseling,
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
This workshop will emphasize the “both...and” philosophy by combining the wisdom of the couples and family therapy field and the addictions counseling field to strengthen recovery for all. Participants will learn/review some of the couples and family therapy concepts from the attachment, family systems, strategic, solution-focused, and narrative theories, and practice these theories' counseling strategies in role plays. Addictions counseling strategies, such as motivational interviewing, psycho-education, mindfulness, and the 12 step model will also be reviewed and practiced through role plays. Filmed clips of sessions will be shown as examples of how to put these methods into practice. This is an experiential workshop in which participants will be practicing all of the techniques learned in a very supportive environment
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
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Describe how to implement one couples and family therapy model within the context of addictions counseling or how to implement one addictions counseling model within the context of couples and family therapy.
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Explain how to help couples and families reconnect with each other and their true self in order to disconnect from their addictive behaviors substance use and co-dependency.
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Explain the value of collaboration among the addictions counseling and couples and family therapy fields, and how to work with a client's entire system in order to support all family members in their recovery process.
E27 – Marijuana - How the History Has Led Us to Where We Are Today
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
This session provides a detailed history of US drug laws, especially as they pertain to marijuana. We will cover the mid-17th century to the present. A strong focus on state laws will be provided from the 1990s to the present, with a particular examination of California, Massachusetts, Colorado and Washington. The push and pull between the federal government and the states will also be discussed. While the main thrust of this session is on history and policy, interventions at the individual and group level with clients will be discussed.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Describe the history of marijuana laws, including federal and state policy and how they affected rates of use, arrests and treatment
- Describe how marijuana affects the body and the brain. Be able to list a few scientific studies to back up those facts
- Describe and discuss how current federal and state marijuana policy is affecting treatment in America
E28 - When Duty Calls: How Military Culture Impacts the Effective Treatment of Substance Use Disorders in the Veteran Population
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
Every year sees an increase in the number of veterans dealing with the effects of substance use disorders. Very specific military cultural influences, the stresses associated with multiple deployments, and the continued use of prescriptive pain relievers negatively impact the effective treatment of these disorders in this critical population. Awareness of military culture and a conscious effort by therapists to examine their own biases regarding military service, both positive and negative, are imperative when forming therapeutic alliances with veterans.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand a more thorough understanding of military culture and its impact of substance use in the veteran population
- Understand increased insight into the role prescriptive medications play in veteran substance abuse
- Gain immediate improvement in the formation of counseling goals based upon awareness of military culture and self-reflection
E29 - Integrated Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
This workshop will be a discussion of the Evidence-Based Practice, Integrated Treatment for Dual Disorders. It will describe the principles of the practice, and examine the need for screening and assessment for both disorders. Motivational Interviewing will be presented as a model for working with people from a stage-wise perspective. Individual, group and family interventions will be described.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- List at least 3 principles of integrated treatment for COD
- Name two standardized screening instruments for substance use or mental health
- List the stages of change and one intervention applicable to the stage for someone with a COD
Sponsored by: WestBridge Community Service
B07 - Building a Strong Culture at a Behavioral Healthcare Organization
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
While working in the behavioral health field, staff frequently experience disappointment, burnout, and compassion fatigue when Clients relapse or, sadly, pass away. Building a strong culture by design helps combat this and retain staff. Drawing inspiration from our experiences and the companies we emulated, we will walk through examples of how to create a company community in which staff understand their value, feel appreciated, care for each other, and know they are an integral parts of the team.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the concept of culture by design
- Understand the role of training, appreciation, and competence in staff retention and morale
- Understand how to build teams that create a “family like”, open, and accountable atmosphere
MK3 - Authenticity Through Social Media for Treatment Centers
Friday, August 19 | 1:30 pm - 3:00 pm
For a moment, let’s go back to what it feels like to be on the other end of our sales process. Families and individuals are in major emotional turmoil trying to make a huge life decision– where to go for treatment for addiction. They look at website after website. Often these sites say the same things and some even have the same stock photos. This can be dizzying and overwhelming. Who do I trust? Do they really do what they say they do? Where do I turn? They need professionals but they also want to feel as though they truly know us. Social media allows the opportunity for them to see behind the pretty pictures and industry jargon to experience the essence of a program – feel the human side of our work. Through pictures and messages we move beyond talking about our values, we show them. This allows a relationship to unfold between our programs and the desperate people on the other side.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and define personal and professional brand voice
- Apply an authentic brand identity through social media
- Utilize the concepts of an authentic social media campaign in all aspects of the treatment center
E31 - Trauma Informed Supervision
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
This presentation will focus on the 5 core values of trauma informed care and how to apply them to clinical supervision in an addiction/co-occurring disorders treatment setting. Specifically we will explore the 3 functions of supervision-administration, education, support- and examine them through a trauma informed lens. This session will then focus on counselor competencies in a trauma informed setting and the parallel process of supervising clinicians with the potential for experiencing their own trauma triggers or compassion fatigue.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify and incorporate the 5 core values of trauma informed care in their clinical practice
- Identify counselor core competencies specific to trauma informed care and discuss strategies for incorporating the competencies into their clinical practice
- Identify common trauma triggers and transference/countertransference patterns experienced by clinicians and describe techniques for responding in a supervision setting
Sponsored by: CeDAR
E32 - Where’s the Chronic-Care Approach to this Chronic Disease?
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
The purpose of this presentation is to bring about consistency between how we describe addictive diseases (“chronic”) and how we treat them (“acute care”). In order to evolve toward a chronic care model, we need to: identify differences between acute care models from chronic care models; create lifespan plans for recovery that would include quarterly, semi-annual, & annual Recovery Check-Ups; create protocols for Recovery Check-ups; eliminate any indication that treatment has been completed e.g. coin-outs; and stop looking at each admission as an acute episode. Recovery is continuous, assure that an ABAM certified physician is involved in the ongoing medical care of the patient and take changes in how we perceive recovery and the language we use.
If we eliminate graduations, we need a new name for “Alumni.” There is no “primary care” or “aftercare.” There is just “care”. There are no “outcomes.” People progress over time. Chronic Diseases are either “stable” or “unstable". There are no failures. Stop asking patients, “How many times have you been in treatment.” It’s an acute care question and it connotes failure. Use “sustained action in the consistent pursuit of abstinence" as a measure of treatment effectiveness.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Cite evidence based research regarding the effectiveness of treatment when chronic care models are used
- Identify three steps that can be taken to help an acute care system evolve into a chronic care system
- Incorporate physicians certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine into patient’s lifespan plans for recovery
E33 - Ethical Challenges in High Risk Clinical Situations with Clients Experiencing Co-Occurring Mental Health and Substance Use Disorders
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
This workshop will review and discuss the ethical challenges in providing treatment services to people who have diagnosed co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders and are using substances or refusing medications. By applying the principles of both the NAADAC and NASW Codes of Ethics to case studies and defining the challenges and possible solutions for best practice.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Understand the role of Anosognosia and how it relates to the concept of denial
- Apply the NAADAC Code of Ethics statement "I understand and support all that will assist clients to a better quality of life, greater freedom, and true independence to 2 practice situations
- Cite 3 challenges in applying the Principle of "fundamental right of all individuals to self-determination and to make decisions" while actively using substances and/or experiences symptoms of mental illness
E34 - Ethical Dilemmas Clinical Supervisors Face with the Use of Technology
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
The goal of this training is to familiarize clinical supervisors with technology based clinical supervision (TBCS) research, demonstrate its utility, and provide opportunities to observe and practice delivery of clinical supervision services using different types of technology. Today workforce issues contribute to diminished access to quality clinical supervision. This training will help problem solve and discuss ways to overcome some barriers to accessing quality clinical supervision.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define substance use disorders health disparities
- Explain three barriers to accessing quality clinical supervision
- Discuss 6 key benefits of using technology to extend the reach of clinical supervision
E35 - Resiliency and Recovery in Co-Occurring Disorders
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
Overcoming the challenges of living with a co-occurring severe and persistent mental illness and substance use disorder can be overwhelming and discouraging. This presentation will focus on how utilizing a person’s resilience can create a platform for recovery and change. This requires treatment providers to think beyond billable codes and illness defined treatment.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Define 4 conditions that help create resilience
- Learn 3 resiliency building interventions
- List 4 recovery outcomes
Sponsored by: Westbridge Community Services
B08 - NIMBY and New Land-Use Restrictions: What Are the Implications for Treatment Centers, and How Can They Fight Back?
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
For over 25 years, the federal Fair Housing Act and Americans with Disabilities Act have protected small at least six or fewer resident’s residential addiction treatment programs and sober living facilities housing clients in outpatient programs from local land use oversight. These legal protections have been recognized by federal and state governments and courts as essential to preventing NIMBY-based discrimination against recovering addicts and providing needed access to care. Yet in recent years, there has been an increasingly serious backlash, advocating that addiction treatment programs have proliferated and become a nuisance requiring greater state regulation, the empowerment of local zoning authorities, and more limitation on multisite operators. The “pendulum swing” is highly concerning to many in the industry based on the anticipated constraints and restrictions on growth in a time of insufficient access to meet the need for addiction treatment. It is also destabilizing to operators, investors, and prospective acquirers uncertain about how industry land use regulation is likely to evolve. In this session attendees will learn what regulatory and legal efforts to restrict programs are on the horizon or, in some places, already here. Attendees will examine the prospects for constitutional and legal challenges to these new laws, as well as the implications for owners, operators, and investors.
Upon completion of this session, attendees will be able to:
- Understand recent legislative trends and legal protections for small residential treatment, sober living, and transitional living facilities
- Review the constitutionality and legal challenges of legislative land use restrictions including precedents and recent legal battles
- Assess the implications of these trends for field owners, operators, and investors
MK4 – How to Enhance Your Referrals the Right Way - Panel
Friday, August 19 | 3:45 pm - 5:15 pm
Moderator:
Julie Miller Editor-in-Chief, Addiction Professional and Behavioral Healthcare
Panel:
Referrals are built on trust. You must demonstrate not only the clinical quality of your treatment program but your commitment to doing right by the patients and families that seek your help. With growing scrutiny of marketing practices, the temptation to pay for referrals, and the tension of new competition, leaders must make ethical choices. This panel will discuss the advantages of promoting your ethical standards as a differentiator, how to do well by doing good, and new opportunities to connect through appropriate referral processes.
Upon completion of this course, participants will be able to:
- Identify ethical standards for referral processes
- Understand the benefit of referring potential patients to other treatment centers
- Understand how to differentiate your program within the healthcare community
