Non-medical use of opiates has been called an “epidemic” by CDC Director Thomas Frieden and “an urgent public health crisis” by former US Attorney General Holder. Local and national leaders and media headlines echo and highlight this concern. How did we get this way? What drives this “epidemic?” This presentation will be a historically based look at the medical use of opiates, especially in American society. It will focus on the development and use of narcotic medications against the background…

Chemical dependency is often described as a family disease. This program will provide an overview of how addiction impacts each member of a family. The presenter will describe the roles and behaviors that family members often acquire when living with addiction, ways in which each family member is affected by addiction in the family, and options for family members to obtain help to cope with addiction in the family. Distance CE: If you are unable to attend and want MCBAP…

Storytelling has always been an important part of Alcoholics Anonymous (AA).  We examined 24 new personal stories in the 4th edition of the Big Book, and found that these accounts shared certain elements and structures.  Here we propose a model to help us better understand and appreciate these transformative narratives. Handouts Dr. Strobbe's slides Video https://vimeo.com/167181421 Audio  Telling Our Stories Audio Related reading Alcoholics Anonymous: Personal Stories, Relatedness, Attendance and Affiliation by Stephen Strobbe {a dissertation submitted in partial fulfillment…

Spirituality often plays an important role in recovery initiation, recovery maintenance, and quality of life in recovery from chemical dependency. This program will describe a Christian perspective of how spirituality relates to recovery from chemical dependency, explore personal spiritual needs and life choices, and discuss the Twelve Steps as a spiritual program. Handouts:  Christian Spirituality Handouts April 2016 Related reading Suggestions: Serenity: A Companion for 12 Step Recovery by Robert Hemfelt Spirituality and Addiction Recovery: An Interview with Ernie Kurtz,…

Most discussions of abstinent addiction recovery focus strictly on developing spiritual approaches to life’s problems and challenges. But, this virtually ignores the experience of the body. The facts are that the body undergoes serious changes and damage during active addiction, and many recovering people wind up frightened that they have wrecked their neurology permanently. Full recovery asks us to change the ways we relate to our bodies, beginning with the discipline of resisting the mind’s obsession about external “solutions” and…

Despite downward trends in the prevalence of tobacco use in the general population, tobacco use remains a significant problem among people with alcohol/other drug addiction. Research has demonstrated that tobacco cessation has positive effects on recovery and relapse rates, and a smoke-free policy does not adversely affect treatment retention. This program will describe the prevalence of tobacco addiction among people with alcohol and other drug addictions, the relationship between tobacco use and recovery, and information on tobacco cessation techniques targeted…

Addiction is widely recognized as a chronic illness best treated with long-term monitoring and support. Primary health care settings are natural places for this care to be provided, and studies have demonstrated improved outcomes when people in recovery receive regular health care delivered by recovery-proficient providers. However, health care providers are often poorly equipped to meet the needs of this population and iatrogenic relapse is not uncommon. It's been said that the doctor's office is a dangerous place for people…

The course of an individual’s alcohol/other drug addiction may often be influenced by family members, friends, employers and others. The disease of addiction is often poorly understood, and the behaviors of a person with addiction are often bewildering to family and friends. Well intentioned but poorly-informed individuals may inadvertently act in ways that can enable addiction to progress. When all else has failed - what does work when confronted with a loved one’s addiction? What does not work? What can…

The transition to a college environment can pose a significant risk to a recovering student and to students susceptible to alcohol/other drug problems. Many colleges and universities – including the University of Michigan - have developed programs to help recovering students maintain their recovery, excel academically and have a normative college experience apart from the culture of drinking/drug use. Collegiate Recovery Programs provide a supportive community where students in recovery can succeed academically while enjoying a genuine college experience, free…

There is an alarmingly high prevalence of suicide among people with addiction and the period of early recovery from addiction is especially high risk. Family, friends and professionals are often strategically positioned to recognize potential suicidal thinking and intervene to help. This program will raise awareness of the signs of suicidal thinking and describe ways to offer support and obtain help for people who may be contemplating suicide. Participants will learn how to recognize suicidal thinking, reach out and offer…

Alcohol/other drug addiction is often described as a “family condition.” Each member of the family unit is affected by addiction within the family and often family members do not realize how profoundly they have been affected. Family members affected by substance addiction often have challenges in supporting each other and taking care of their own health and well-being. To survive within a framework of chaos, family members often develop roles and defense mechanisms that help them to cope. Family involvement…

There is a strong correlation between domestic violence/sexual assault and alcohol/other drug use – and correlation does not equal cause/effect nor does it define personal responsibility. Intoxication does not explain abuse or assault, excuse a perpetrator’s behaviors, or justify a person being assaulted or abused. Domestic violence/sexual assault offender and survivor alcohol and other drug use will be central to this discussion.  The audience will be provided with a primmer regarding perpetrator tactics, strategies, and core beliefs which hold the…

Mindfulness practices have been found to be effective in supporting sustained recovery from substance use disorders. This presentation will define mindfulness, describe research supporting mindfulness’ benefit, and provide opportunities for the audience to experience and cultivate mindfulness.  Lastly, we will tie these experiences and research to the process of recovery, making explicit the connection.     Handouts: Presentation Slides - 2018 Mindfulness Resources Presentation audio - November 2018 Presentation video - November 2018. About the presenter: Elizabeth A.R. (Libby) Robinson,…

Jeff Jay will share decades of personal and professional recovery experience in an unusual life-and-death story, based on his book, Navigating Grace.  He will describe the unlikely people who helped saved his life. Why do the concepts of service and altruism lie at the heart of Twelve Step Programs? This presentation will take your recovery to the next level.   Related reading suggestions: Navigating Grace: A Solo Voyage of Survival and Redemption by Jeff Jay. Flier       Presentation Audio,…

Current research highlights the relationship between chemical use, addition and trauma. This presentation by an award-winning trauma expert will review events involved with trauma exposure, trauma specific symptomology, the impact trauma has on the brain and on coping and subsequent substance use, and how to aid individuals struggling with trauma and addiction. Presentation Handouts About the presenter: Tana Bridge, PhD, ACSW, LMSW, ACTP Dr. Tana Bridge is a professor of Social Work at Eastern Michigan University. She is an alumna,…

Recent publications claim to define research-supported definitive truths about the root causes of addiction and efficacy of treatment modalities; however conclusions are conflicting and have been subject to divergent interpretations. Feel confused? Dr. Christensen will review the recent criticisms of treatment for addiction including Twelve Step, residential, and medication assisted therapy, the scientific studies that do and do not support their use and other controversial issues. The presentation will include a short demonstration of naloxone resuscitation. Naloxone is a medication used…

Addiction has been identified as an illness that requires long-term management. Relapse is a process that begins before alcohol/other drug use is resumed and is usually preceded by a pattern of progressive warning signs. Understanding the relapse process assists recovering people to develop an effective plan to identify and prevent relapse. This program will discuss the dynamics of relapse, signs that may forewarn of relapse, how to develop a relapse prevention plan and strategies to handle both everyday and high-risk…