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Faculty

Jeff Jay

BS, CADC, CIP
President
Love First, Inc.

Jeff Jay has spent more than 40 years working with individuals and families affected by addiction as a clinical interventionist, addiction counselor, treatment executive, educator, and writer. He developed the Love First model of intervention with Debra Jay, drawing on addiction science, clinical practice, and the principles of Twelve Step recovery.

Their book, “Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention” (Hazelden, 3rd edition, 2021), is a bestselling guide to family intervention. Jeff is also the author of “Navigating Grace: A Solo Voyage of Survival and Redemption” (Hazelden), a memoir of addiction and recovery, and coauthor, with Jerry Boriskin, PhD, of “At Wit’s End: What You Need to Know When a Loved One Is Diagnosed with Addiction and Mental Illness” (Hazelden).

Jeff has conducted countless interventions and trained treatment professionals through conferences, workshops, webinars, and intensive clinical programs. His writing and teaching focus on helping families take effective action and on the spiritual dimensions of long-term recovery.

In 2026, Jeff and Debra received the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers’ (NAATP) Michael Ford Award in recognition of their books, articles, and extensive online resources for families and professionals. Jeff has been in personal recovery since October 4, 1981.

2027 Sessions

Beyond Either/Or: Integrating Science and Recovery Wisdom

Session Description: Why do addiction professionals continue to divide treatment into opposing camps—brain science versus spirituality, evidence versus experience, medication versus recovery support, or clinical care versus peer recovery? This workshop challenges these false dichotomies and presents an integrated framework that combines the best of contemporary addiction science with decades of clinical experience and recovery research. Drawing on addiction neuroscience, addiction medicine, family systems, recovery science, and long-term outcome research, participants will explore how these complementary perspectives can be synthesized into a practical model for assessment, treatment planning, family engagement, and sustained recovery. Rather than promoting a single philosophy or intervention, the presentation demonstrates how evidence-informed clinical practice is strengthened by integrating biological, psychological, social, and spiritual dimensions of recovery. Participants will leave with practical strategies for communicating across differing treatment philosophies, engaging families as recovery partners, strengthening recovery-oriented treatment planning, and helping clients build the long-term recovery supports associated with improved clinical outcomes. The workshop is designed for clinicians, treatment professionals, and recovery leaders seeking a more comprehensive and integrated approach to addiction treatment.

Presenter

Saturday, June 05 8:30–10:00 AM
Faculty

Jeff Jay

BS, CADC, CIP
President
Love First, Inc.

Jeff Jay has spent more than 40 years working with individuals and families affected by addiction as a clinical interventionist, addiction counselor, treatment executive, educator, and writer. He developed the Love First model of intervention with Debra Jay, drawing on addiction science, clinical practice, and the principles of Twelve Step recovery.

Their book, “Love First: A Family’s Guide to Intervention” (Hazelden, 3rd edition, 2021), is a bestselling guide to family intervention. Jeff is also the author of “Navigating Grace: A Solo Voyage of Survival and Redemption” (Hazelden), a memoir of addiction and recovery, and coauthor, with Jerry Boriskin, PhD, of “At Wit’s End: What You Need to Know When a Loved One Is Diagnosed with Addiction and Mental Illness” (Hazelden).

Jeff has conducted countless interventions and trained treatment professionals through conferences, workshops, webinars, and intensive clinical programs. His writing and teaching focus on helping families take effective action and on the spiritual dimensions of long-term recovery.

In 2026, Jeff and Debra received the National Association of Addiction Treatment Providers’ (NAATP) Michael Ford Award in recognition of their books, articles, and extensive online resources for families and professionals. Jeff has been in personal recovery since October 4, 1981.
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