Get ready to tee off with your fellow addiction treatment and behavioral health professionals at the highly anticipated return of our golf tournament in 2025! Join us on the lush greens of the prestigious Mountain Course for a day of networking and friendly competition.

Enjoy dedicated networking events and engaging activities that encourage meaningful conversations while enjoying the company of like-minded peers who are passionate about fostering a supportive community for healing and growth. Seize the opportunity to broaden your network and fully explore the array of opportunities we have in store for you!

Enhance your experience and get firsthand insights into the latest products and services in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Explore our buzzing Exhibit Hall to establish long-lasting relationships, explore innovative solutions, and discover exciting opportunities that can transform your professional and personal development.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: This presentation will explore the principles and practical applications of Measurement Based Care (MBC) in addiction treatment, with a focus on defining success, clinical implementation, and establishing national norms. We will begin by defining MBC and its importance (1). The first segment will address success metrics, which includes AMA rates, total patient improvement, and post-discharge relapse rates. The second segment will delve into the clinical application, highlighting the significance of therapists reviewing assessments (2, 3), sharing data with patients to enhance treatment motivation, and identifying common patterns and their clinical profiles. Additionally, trend analysis of symptoms for causal relationships and tailored aftercare planning will be discussed. The final segment will cover national norms, presenting estimates for AMA rates (4), cut-scores for abnormalities, and relapse rates across different demographics, ultimately providing a comprehensive framework for optimizing MBC in addiction treatment.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Developmental trauma refers to adverse childhood experiences that can have long-lasting effects on emotional, psychological, and physical development. When untreated, these traumas can contribute to the development of Substance Use Disorders (SUDs) later in life, particularly during adolescence when individuals may turn to substances as a coping mechanism. This workshop aims to explore how understanding and addressing developmental trauma within the context of family systems can enhance treatment outcomes for adolescents with SUD. Participants will gain insights into the nature of developmental trauma, its impact on neurodevelopment, and how it manifests in behaviors related to substance use especially within the context of the family system. This workshop will emphasize the role of family dynamics in both the development and treatment of SUD in adolescents. Practical strategies and interventions will be discussed to address developmental trauma within the family system. Attendees will learn how to apply the knowledge gained to their clinical practice by adapting current treatment plans to include family therapy, improving trauma-informed care practices, and integrating family systems into the therapeutic process to support long-term recovery. Participants will leave the workshop with a deeper understanding of the interconnectedness between trauma and addiction. By understanding and intervening at the family level, clinicians can significantly impact treatment outcomes, promoting healing and resilience among young individuals struggling with substance use and underlying developmental trauma.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Many therapists and people in healing professions have reached an impasse in their own health and energy levels. It seems the demands for their "attention and presence" are mounting, but the well is dry. There are things to learn, but this talk will be about how to assess where you are currently in your own healing process and practices to raise your awareness and effectiveness in the areas of your energetic field that are lacking or have taken on damage. <br>The session will give information and share practical experience with modalities that address the energetic inconsistencies in their own lives, and how these actions can be incorporated into their professional growth. <br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: This session is structured to assist practicing clinicians in understanding the unique relationship between OCD and addiction. OCD is often underdiagnosed in individuals with addictive disorders and overlooked as a catalyst for further suffering. Many treatment modalities for substance use disorders may be unhelpful or even hurtful when not considering this additional complexity within some patients. This session is designed to assist clinicians in recognizing the signs and symptoms of co-occurring addiction and OCD and how to structure treatment plans accordingly.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Behavioral health is entering a new era—one where mission alone isn’t enough to weather regulatory shifts, staff turnover, or financial volatility. But the solution isn’t “acting like a corporation.” It’s learning how to build operational resilience without sacrificing soul. In this session, you’ll hear firsthand from leaders who’ve done just that. Join a candid conversation with Marco Merida, president of Guardian Recovery, Glenn Hadley, CGO of JG Healthcare Solutions, Kansas Renewal Institute, Revelare Recovery, and Carina Edwards and Russell Olsen of Kipu Health as they break down how future-ready organizations approach leadership, culture, compliance, and scale. Learn how to protect your mission while building infrastructure that lasts—from integrating your tech stack to designing for outcomes-based care. This session is for clinical founders, operators, and emerging leaders who are ready to move from reactive to strategic—and who want practical steps to help their organization thrive in the next chapter of behavioral healthcare.

<p>Sponsored By:<br><img src=https://naccme.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/24.WCS.101/KIPU+Updated+Logo+… alt="Upload Image" width="200" /></p><br>This Vision Session non-CME presentation is taking place during the West Coast Symposium. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the West Coast Symposium or HMP Global. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE. By entering a Vision Session and having your badge scanned, you opt-into share and receive information from industry sponsors. If you wish to opt out, please speak with a conference representative.

<p>Sponsored By:<br><img src=https://naccme.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/24.WCS.101/Sunwave+Health+Log… alt="Upload Image" width="200" /></p><br>
A new experience at West Coast Symposium: Join us for lunch, make new connections, and put your pop culture references to use. Sponsored by Sunwave, this interactive experience is designed to provide a break from the day’s in-depth learning and give participants a chance to have fun and win prizes—no sales pitches, no demos, no wordy slides. (redeemable at the Sunwave booth). Please note limited seating available.

This non-CME presentation is taking place during the West Coast Symposium. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the West Coast Symposium or HMP Global. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE. By entering this session and having your badge scanned, you opt-into share and receive information from industry sponsors. If you wish to opt out, please speak with a conference representative.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: This presentation will discuss the research on the importance of social capital for youth substance use prevention and recovery, discuss the process of social identity change during substance use prevention, treatment, and recovery, including how programming can be a direct influence on this change, and describe how one novel, visual approach, Social Identity Mapping can be used to measure and reflect with an adolescent on their immediate social influences in an intervention or treatment setting. The presentation on Social Identity Mapping will include a presentation of how to conduct this approach in two ways – (1) by hand using materials or (2) online using an online platform and will center on how participants can adapt and implement either of these approaches for their clientele. Finally, results from two studies with youth in various stages of addiction treatment and recovery will be presented to highlight the different ways both SIM approaches can be implemented. The empirical and theoretical knowledge gained from this session will be related to social identity and social influence and how this dynamically interacts with youth treatment and recovery processes over time. The practical knowledge gained will be to understand what Social Identity Mapping is, and how it can be used as a visual tool, along with targeted reflection questions, to enable youth reflection and increase practitioner-youth engagement and connection.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Contingency management is the evidence-based behavioral intervention associated with the most robust evidence for effectively treating individuals with a stimulant use disorder (StimUD). Contingency management provides monetary incentives (such as gift cards) for meeting treatment goals, including stimulant non-use as measured by negative point-of-care urine drug tests (UDTs), rewarding individuals for changing their behaviors. Stimulant use offers a powerful, immediate dopamine rush, and contingency management confronts this challenge by offering immediate financial rewards that can help activate the brain’s reward system, thus encouraging the replacement of stimulants with the incentive to achieve a dopamine release. This keynote session will provide a broad overview of contingency management for treating individuals with a StimUD. Following a review of the research evidence that supports the use of contingency management and a review of the key ingredients of implementing a contingency management program to treat StimUD, the keynote will shift gears to focus on the Recovery Incentives Program: California’s Contingency Management Benefit, a statewide 1115 waiver demonstration pilot underway in nearly 80 sites in 20 counties across the state of California. Ample time will be provided for group discussion and audience Q&A.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Substance use disorders, including drug, alcohol, and tobacco dependence, are a major global health burden, affecting millions worldwide. Despite extensive research, current treatment options remain limited, and relapse rates are high.<br>Glucagon-like peptide 1 (GLP-1), a hormone released in the small intestine, plays a crucial role in blood glucose regulation, slows gastric emptying, and reduces appetite. GLP-1 receptor agonists, widely used for treating Type 2 diabetes mellitus and obesity, have recently gained attention for their potential in addiction treatment. Preclinical studies in rodents and non-human primates suggest that these agonists can reduce the consumption of alcohol and other substances of abuse.<br>Early clinical trials are now exploring whether these preclinical findings translate to human patients. While the precise mechanisms remain unclear, evidence suggests that GLP-1 receptor activation may influence dopamine signaling in the brain, which is critical in addiction and reward pathways. This session provides an overview of current findings and discusses the possible mechanisms of GLP-1’s action in substance use disorders.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: In this session you will hear from facility owners that saw their out of network rates decrease and hear how they were able to get those rates back up. We will also be discussing the important role that Third Party Administrators (TPA’s) play in pricing out of network claims and how the landscape has dramatically shifted over the past year from Pre-Payment Negotiations and percentage based “catch all” MultiPlan Agreements to Post-Payment Negotiations and detailed/specific contracts with TPAs.

<p>Sponsored By:<br><img src=https://naccme.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/24.WCS.101/Zealie+logo.png alt="Upload Image" width="200" /></p><br>
This Vision Session non-CME presentation is taking place during the West Coast Symposium. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the West Coast Symposium or HMP Global. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE. By entering a Vision Session and having your badge scanned, you opt-into share and receive information from industry sponsors. If you wish to opt out, please speak with a conference representative.

Enjoy dedicated networking events and engaging activities that encourage meaningful conversations while enjoying the company of like-minded peers who are passionate about fostering a supportive community for healing and growth. Seize the opportunity to broaden your network and fully explore the array of opportunities we have in store for you!

Enhance your experience and get firsthand insights into the latest products and services in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Explore our buzzing Exhibit Hall to establish long-lasting relationships, explore innovative solutions, and discover exciting opportunities that can transform your professional and personal development.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The treatment landscape has evolved significantly, moving from stigmatized views to evidence-based approaches. This session will delve into harm reduction strategies, overdose medications, anti-craving medications, and the latest scientific advancements in addiction treatment<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Behavioral Healthcare ethics and compliance is a high reliability journey of staff engagement, team empowerment and leadership enhancement. When we have the essential elements we can prevent burnout, detect turnover and correct cultures that impact quality and safe care. This session will review the essential elements and how to ensure reliability in your organization. Participants will comprehend the essential elements and how to apply them to daily work in their organization along this journey. <br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: In recent years, there has been a growing focus on the effects of traumatic events, adverse childhood experiences, and chronic stress on a person’s physical and mental health, as well as the connection between trauma and addictive behaviors. Therapists and treatment centers have promoted various theoretical approaches and techniques for resolution and “reprocessing” of process traumatic events, aiming to minimize their impact on functioning, health, and well-being. However, there remains an ongoing debate among treatment professionals regarding the most effective way to treat complex trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A consensus is lacking when it comes to the sequencing and timing of trauma therapies and the long-term efficacy of intensive trauma work. Ultimately, the goal of these emerging treatments is to address trauma while avoiding re-traumatization or reinforcing trauma responses. This presentation will delve into a range of therapeutic techniques for trauma processing, offering a comprehensive discussion on their relevance in assessing the impact of trauma on an individual's life, their capacity for resilience, and how to harness their innate adaptive abilities to overcome post-trauma reactivity and hypervigilance. Moreover, attendees will gain an understanding of the risks associated with premature interventions, as well as the reinforcing effects of previously utilized techniques like critical incident debriefing. Overall, this presentation seeks to offer valuable insights into trauma therapy, empowering participants to navigate the therapeutic landscape, make informed choices, and maximize positive outcomes for individuals affected by trauma.<br /><br />

Please join us for an early evening session with refreshments and real conversation about one of the most pressing issues in behavioral health: suicide risk in individuals with substance use disorders. We’ll explore how trauma, addiction, and recovery intersect to heighten risk—and what clinicians can do to respond with clarity, compassion, and clinical skill. From assessing suicide risk effectively to navigating the emotional weight of this work, this session will offer practical insights and space for dialogue. Bring your questions, your experiences, and your curiosity—this is a space to learn, connect, and grow together in the service of those who need us most.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Addiction has been conceptualized as a brain disease. Consequently, many addiction treatment models rely on medications to change brain function. Although buprenorphine and methadone are “gold standard” treatments that save lives, nonetheless approximately 50% of patients taking these medications relapse within 6 months. However, the brain is neuroplastic and can be changed through mental training. This presentation will discuss an innovative mental training approach called Mindfulness-Oriented Recovery Enhancement (MORE). MORE was generated through a decade-long treatment development process funded by the NIH. Rooted in affective neuroscience, MORE unites mindfulness training, cognitive-behavioral therapy, and principles from positive psychology into an integrative therapy designed to target addiction and its comorbidities (emotional distress and chronic pain). MORE has been tested in 13 randomized clinical trials funded by more than $80 million in federal research grants. In the largest NIH-funded trial of MORE, MORE boosted theta EEG activity to decrease opioid misuse by 45% by 9-month follow-up, nearly tripling the effect of standard group therapy. MORE has also been shown to enhance medication assisted treatment (MAT) outcomes by reducing days of drug use and preventing relapse, while significantly decreasing chronic pain, depression, and PTSD. This session will describe how addiction changes the brain and how these changes can be remediated through MORE’s unique clinical skills and therapeutic approach. Participants will learn how to implement cutting-edge mindfulness, reappraisal, and savoring techniques and how to maximize patient engagement and motivation in skill practice. MORE should now be disseminated widely in addictions treatment across the nation.<br /><br />

Enjoy dedicated networking events and engaging activities that encourage meaningful conversations while enjoying the company of like-minded peers who are passionate about fostering a supportive community for healing and growth. Seize the opportunity to broaden your network and fully explore the array of opportunities we have in store for you!

Enhance your experience and get firsthand insights into the latest products and services in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Explore our buzzing Exhibit Hall to establish long-lasting relationships, explore innovative solutions, and discover exciting opportunities that can transform your professional and personal development.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: First, we illustrate that urine drug test (UDT) results tightly correlate with trends in fentanyl-related overdose deaths. Second, we explore changes in the co-detection of prescription opioids, heroin, methamphetamine, and cocaine in fentanyl-positive specimens. Lastly, we provide insight into recent trends in polysubstance use among people who use fentanyl. This information will instruct clinicians as to the most prevalent illicitly manufactured substances and trends throughout our nation over time, including lasting effects from COVID-19. Further, clinicians can expect a case-based approach which will be used to develop skills to interpret UDT results and navigate scenarios involving polysubstance use.

This presentation will be broken into 2 sections:
1. An in-depth discussion of the 2024 national illicitly manufactured fentanyl changes and co-positivity trends
2. Illicit opioid and stimulant drug trends and percent changes in positivity of these substances over time (including before and after the declaration of COVID-19 as a national emergency).<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Suicide is a major public health concern and a leading cause of death in the US. In 2020, suicide was the 12th leading cause of death overall in the United States, claiming the lives of over 45,900 people. Knowing the warning signs for suicide and how to get help can help save lives. Alcohol and opioid use disorders significantly increase risk for suicidal ideation, attempts, and death, and are the two most frequently implicated substances in suicide risk. Individuals with substance use disorders (SUDs) are particularly susceptible to suicide and suicide attempts as suicide is a leading cause of death among people who misuse alcohol and drugs This training will explore the signs to look out for when working in the field and identify evidence-based practices to help break the silence.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: People with intellectual disabilities (ID) are at a greater risk for developing substance use (SU) problems than those without ID. Despite this, there is a significant gap in effective interventions tailored to adults with mild to borderline intellectual disabilities (MBID). This workshop addresses the critical gaps, barriers, and challenges in SU and substance abuse (SA) assessment and treatment for this vulnerable population, drawing insights from a comprehensive scoping review. Attendees will gain a deeper understanding of the tools and interventions that can be effectively utilized to improve clinical outcomes for adults with MBID. By attending this workshop, clinicians will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to address the unique challenges faced by adults with MBID in relation to SU/SA. This includes the ability to implement specialized assessment tools, apply effective intervention strategies, and advocate for necessary systemic changes. As a result, attendees will be able to enhance their clinical practice by providing more tailored, effective, and inclusive care for adults with MBID, ultimately improving their overall health and well-being.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: For many individuals suffering from substance use disorders, making the decision to enter treatment is a challenging process requiring a great degree of humility and courage. Clients often initially approach treatment with limited knowledge and perspective of what is truly required of themselves to benefit from a residential treatment setting. Not surprisingly, surrendering from their “regular lives” into an often novel and emotionally challenging therapeutic setting will elicit self-protective mechanisms. These reflexive responses can prevent both the client and the clinician from gaining meaningful access to the areas of deepest vulnerability and suffering, particularly with a trauma history. Taking a multiplicity of the self-perspective is a useful approach to assist both clients and clinicians in understanding how to collaboratively explore all aspects of what appear to be therapeutic impasses. Using the authentic therapeutic alliance and applying nuanced experiential, somatic, emotion-focused, and family systems-based approaches, can facilitate access to the “parts” of self that rely on substance use to cope. Additionally, we will discuss how more novel experiential treatment approaches including Ketamine Assisted Psychotherapy can deepen internal access to one’s self and enhance opportunities for relational intimacy and repair.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Join us for a panel discussion with various experienced California facility owners and treatment executives who will share their stories on how they identified key gaps in California’s competitive treatment market, and the strategies they used to build thriving businesses that are meeting the needs of both their patients and communities. <br><br><p>Sponsored By:<br><img src=https://naccme.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/24.WCS.101/Cipher+Logo.jpg alt="Upload Image" width="200" /></p><br><br><br>This Vision Session non-CME presentation is taking place during the West Coast Symposium. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the West Coast Symposium or HMP Global. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE. By entering a Vision Session and having your badge scanned, you opt-into share and receive information from industry sponsors. If you wish to opt out, please speak with a conference representative.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: A phrase heard in many treatment centers these days, “I am sober. I am just using my medicine.” Referencing continued use of cannabis, ketamine, kratom, psilocybin, zaza, etc. With the legalization, increased access, decrease in perceived risk to a range of mind-mood altering substances, clients are continuing to use while in treatment and challenging clinical efforts and changing outcomes.

This presentation will explore the pharmacokinetics that will challenge early recovery. Investigate the historical and current belief systems held by clients, their families, and society that impact their treatment efforts. And broaden the understanding of the current zeitgeist of substances use care. To offer client centered care, it’s important to take this up-to-date journey of how sobriety can sometimes have an asterisk (*).<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The past decade has seen an enormous increase in the production and consumption of online pornography which has grown into a multibillion-dollar industry. Addressing the obsessive use of pornography is becoming a significant factor in clinical practice with children, adolescents and adults. <br><br>This presentation will outline the psychological factors involved in client attraction to pornography with an outline of the development of problematic pornography use. The roles of obsessiveness, impulsiveness and compulsiveness will be described along with an exploration of the possibility of addiction substitution for those in recovery. <br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Relationships in the clinical setting include working with multi-generations which can be both challenging and rewarding. The differences in attitudes, beliefs, and customs can create strain on the supervisory relationship if supervisors are not prepared to learn and work across the generational gap. The lived experience of the different generations that are both different and shared create a complex relationship that must be examined and adapted to meet the needs of clinicians. In this session we will explore the generational diversity that is a part of clinical supervision, we will identify what challenges and opportunities this presents, and review how to apply different interventions in clinical supervision to ensure ethical and individualized supervision is provided to clinicians.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: As Large Language Models (LLMs) rapidly evolve, their integration into public and private behavioral health settings offers both exciting opportunities and complex challenges. This workshop will explore the transformative potential of LLMs, from enhancing goal writing and streamlining clinical documentation to improving staff training and client engagement. We will show how LLMs can assist in generating personalized, culturally sensitive goals, thereby allowing clinicians to focus more on direct client care. Additionally, participants will consider the use of LLMs in data analysis, risk assessment, and policy development, exploring how these tools can support informed decision-making and their potential for improving outcomes.
Looking ahead, the landscape of LLMs in behavioral health is expected to shift dramatically. As these models become more accurate and specialized, they will likely be increasingly integrated into electronic health records (EHRs) and other clinical systems, enhancing their utility in daily practice. However, with these advancements come new ethical and regulatory challenges. This workshop will provide a forum to discuss the implications of these changes, focusing on maintaining client privacy, mitigating bias, and navigating the evolving legal landscape.
By the end of this session, participants will be equipped with a deeper understanding of the current and future state of LLMs in behavioral health, empowering them to integrate these technologies effectively and responsibly into their practice.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) is an evidence-based treatment that was originally developed to treat chronic suicidal ideation and borderline personality disorder (BPD). Research has since shown that DBT is effective in treating a wide range of mood disorders such as depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and eating disorders, as well as for changing behavioral patterns such as self-harm and substance use. DBT is a modified type of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and its main goals are to teach people how to live in the moment, develop healthy ways to cope with stress, regulate their emotions, and improve their relationships with others. DBT incorporates a strong educational component designed to provide skills for managing intense emotions and negotiating social relationships. These therapeutic skills can be conceptualized as affect regulation techniques and are provided in four key areas: Mindfulness, Interpersonal Effectiveness, Emotion Regulation, and Distress Tolerance. Participants will learn about the core principles and techniques of DBT, exploring how they enrich SUD treatment by fostering mindfulness, enhancing interpersonal skills, regulating emotions, and bolstering distress tolerance.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The Addiction Treatment Advocacy Coalition has brought together a panel of experts from the front lines of the treatment industry to discuss a variety of topics having significant impact on the substance use treatment industry. Topics of Discussion:

• Interstate Admissions and Referral Risks
• Model State Legislation and Advocacy
• Insurance Regulators: Their Purpose and How Best to Use Them

<p>Sponsored By:<br><img src=https://naccme.s3.us-east-1.amazonaws.com/24.WCS.101/Harlow+logo.png alt="Upload Image" width="200" /></p><br>
This Vision Session non-CME presentation is taking place during the West Coast Symposium. The opinions and recommendations expressed do not necessarily reflect the views of the West Coast Symposium or HMP Global. This program is not intended or eligible for continuing education (CME/CE) credits and does not meet guidelines governing CME/CE. By entering a Vision Session and having your badge scanned, you opt-into share and receive information from industry sponsors. If you wish to opt out, please speak with a conference representative.

Enjoy dedicated networking events and engaging activities that encourage meaningful conversations while enjoying the company of like-minded peers who are passionate about fostering a supportive community for healing and growth. Seize the opportunity to broaden your network and fully explore the array of opportunities we have in store for you!

Enhance your experience and get firsthand insights into the latest products and services in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Explore our buzzing Exhibit Hall to establish long-lasting relationships, explore innovative solutions, and discover exciting opportunities that can transform your professional and personal development.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: As the pendulum swings toward “harm reduction” approaches to treating addiction, many professionals find themselves wondering, how do I support my clients while keeping a focus on abstinence in a world where medication assisted treatment is increasing? This presentation helps participants understand the SMART recovery approach to behavioral change, which includes: building and maintaining the motivation to change; coping with urges to use; managing thoughts, feelings, and behaviors in an effective way without addictive behaviors; and living a balanced, positive, and healthy life. It also addresses “stigmatizing the stigmatized” by helping participants evaluate their own entrenched views about abstinence so that counselors can be prepared to center therapy on the client without internal bias regarding where a client may stand with regard to abstinence. Interactive discussions about “feelings of giving up” when moving away from “abstinence only” programming will provide participants an opportunity to hear about their colleagues’ changing attitudes.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Behavioral Healthcare Compliance can be a complex and complicated area for leadership to get right. We often try to get all risks addressed with adding responsibilities to internal staff or hiring external legal consultants and neither one is ideal. The field of mental health and addiction is a specialized area and needs expertise and experience to get it right. The body of knowledge and resources exists in the healthcare compliance field and high reliability science arena. We can apply the 7 elements of an effective compliance program and high reliability principles to build compliance programs that are effective and efficient to help our organizations be more productive and profitable at the same time.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: This session delves into the intersection of neurodivergence, psychosis, and problematic substance use. Participants will have the opportunity to deepen their clinical acumen in working with diagnosed ASD/ADHD individuals experiencing first-episode psychosis and/or co-occurring substance use challenges by learning about the diagnostic complexities, nuanced overlaps, and how to accurately assess and diagnose neurodivergent clients experiencing concurrent psychotic features. Explore evidence-based modalities like CBT and motivational interviewing tailored to this population and how to address common barriers that hinder effective care. This session highlights the importance of individualized treatment plans, the role of therapeutic alliance, and strategies to overcome common interpersonal and institutional obstacles to improve outcomes for neurodivergent clients with co-occurring psychotic and/or substance use disorders.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The question of why some individuals that drink alcohol and use substances, and not others, develop a severe substance use disorder (SUD) is difficult to answer. While there is no consensus in the field, most agree it includes varying degrees of biological, psychological, and sociological factors. One area that touches upon all three is found in attachment theory, where there is a growing body of research linking SUDs to being insecurely attached. In this talk, we will look at basic theories of how SUDs emerge and are maintained, including evidence that difficulty coping with negative experiences, regulating affect, and expressing attachment needs in close relationships is a risk factor. We will then review why connecting to others is a primary human motivation, the impact deprivation of relationships has on physical and emotional health, and the neurobiological evidence explaining the similarities between the strong responses individuals with an SUD have to substances and people, in general, have to intimate relationships. In addition, we will explore the interplay between different styles of insecure attachment, co-morbidities, and SUDs. We will conclude with a discussion on clinical implications, including how attachment theory may contribute to SUD prevention and improve treatment outcomes, the utility of assessment and a focus on common factors in therapy, and the current the state of attachment-based therapies.<br /><br />

Enjoy dedicated networking events and engaging activities that encourage meaningful conversations while enjoying the company of like-minded peers who are passionate about fostering a supportive community for healing and growth. Seize the opportunity to broaden your network and fully explore the array of opportunities we have in store for you!

Enhance your experience and get firsthand insights into the latest products and services in addiction treatment and behavioral health. Explore our buzzing Exhibit Hall to establish long-lasting relationships, explore innovative solutions, and discover exciting opportunities that can transform your professional and personal development.

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Family dynamics are often the vehicle for self-incrimination, substance use and ongoing dysfunction in one’s present relationships. While traditional addiction treatment addresses the symptoms of self- and relational-destruction via substances, the traumas left in its’ wake may remain. By expanding treatment to consciously integrate a family systems framework into recovery protocols, mind/body approaches can be integrated more effectively and address the deep wounds that often drive addictive behaviors. Teaching clients the first three components of the SPATS framework, SPA (Structure, Process, and Assessment) front loads the conceptualizations that later allow emotions to be understood and processed. With SPA support, the inner healer (sometimes revealed through EMDR, breath work, psychedelic medicine, etc.) exposes the knots, scar tissue and habitual patterns from family injuries, allowing for meaningful change. Preparing this “observer consciousness” strengthens the client’s ability to turn towards and accept both the dark pain and the lightness beyond. Attendees will learn how to integrate SPA with various therapeutic modalities and processing styles in order to weave together cognitive, emotional, and body-based knowledge. Attendees can expect to apply SPA personally in the workshop in order to better understand the application to their clientele.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: Motivational Interviewing (MI) is a conversation style to help people constructively talk about reducing health risks and changing behavior. MI is designed to enhance the client’s/patient’s own motivation to change using strategies that are empathic and non-confrontational. Motivational Interviewing, a treatment approach developed by William Miller, has been well established as an effective way to promote behavior change in individuals. MI’s guiding helping style draws out the client’s/patient’s own strengths and desires to help them make changes to improve their health. In this session participants will learn about the fundamental MI spirit, principles and micro-skills.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: This Continuing Education Unit (CEU) presentation will encompass a comprehensive understanding of psychosis, aiming to deepen knowledge in order to enhance awareness and insight into this complex mental health condition. By delving into the layers of psychosis, individuals will gain a nuanced understanding of its various manifestations, contributing factors, and treatment options. Additionally, this CEU will prioritize the development of empathy and effective communication strategies for engaging with individuals experiencing psychosis through an intervention called LEAP.
Furthermore, this CEU will focus on the importance of a holistic approach to support individuals with psychosis, acknowledging the multifaceted nature of their experiences. This holistic perspective advocates for addressing not only the symptoms of psychosis but also considering the broader social, environmental, and personal factors that contribute to an individual's well-being. After this CEU, professionals will have tools to play a vital role in promoting comprehensive care and improving the overall quality of life for individuals affected by psychosis.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The treatment landscape for addictive disorders is continually evolving, with innovative approaches offering new hope for achieving and maintaining sobriety. This presentation will focus on the emerging role of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy (KAP) in treating addictive disorders, particularly alcohol use disorder (AUD) and cocaine use disorder.

Through this presentation, attendees will gain a comprehensive understanding of the current research and clinical applications of ketamine-assisted psychotherapy in treating addictive disorders. We will discuss the mechanisms by which ketamine, in conjunction with psychotherapy, enhances therapeutic outcomes and supports sustained recovery. Practical considerations for integrating KAP into clinical practice based on the speaker's personal history of treating several hundred of patients with ketamine will be addressed.

By the end of the session, participants will be equipped with the knowledge and skills to evaluate and potentially implement KAP in their own treatment settings, offering a cutting-edge approach to managing and overcoming addictive disorders.<br /><br />

<strong>Session Description</strong>: The DSM 5 added “cravings” to the criteria for substance use disorders in 2015 and the impact of trauma on the addicted brain is becoming better understood. The goals for this workshop will be to explore the intersection of cravings management and trauma. Participants should expect to discuss cravings management techniques, review the literature on trauma’s impact on learning and elicit a discussion of multi-faceted approaches that have worked for those on the front lines of SUD treatment. This dynamic presentation is both experiential and educational with the use of mixed-media and pop-culture references.<br /><br />