To explain the evolution of United States drug policy with respect to critical issues such as the legal status of psychoactive drugs, agonist therapies for addicted patients, and sanctions for the sale and possession of controlled substances. Historical analysis informed by epidemiology will show why U.S. drug policy has been relatively unstable and often punitive in character, and offer clues to its near-term direction.

The way we use language impacts our beliefs and our perceptions. Traditionally, words used to describe substance use, abuse, and dependency carried negative connotations. The DSM 5 introduced a medical-based nomenclature that may help eliminate stigmatizing language. From “drunk, inebriate, methhead and junkie” to “person with Alcohol, Amphetamine, or Opioid Use Disorder,” – we will explore how the words we use impact how we see ourselves and others.

Panel discussion on the Efforts of Sober Homes Task Force which has put together to help lobby for legislative support for needs of Addiction Medicine providers in the state of Florida.

Goals & Objectives

1. Combined approach to opioid addiction treatment
2. Importance of medication assistance for stabilization
3. Importance of therapeutic counseling

Kelly Brady will lead us in a guided meditative breath practice that will allow participants to find stillness, peace, and gratitude.
*No prior experience with meditation is necessary.

Many people struggle with maladaptive coping skills that were created to actually adapt to their environments or needs. These needs are not the problem, the coping skills, however, may be. Often when seeking help for one area, other concerns find a way to pop up. Or the behavior you were thinking was the problem was actually just masking the reality. Today we are going to talk about one of the easiest behaviors we can use to cope-SEX! It might not appear easy, but you’ll learn that often just talking about it, can open doors. We are going to talk openly and honestly about the needs that sex gives us. We will explore how one can learn if their sexual behaviors are causing issues (or when maybe it’s not actually the sexual behavior). Participants will be able to see how one can easily move from one coping skill to another. Then, if sex is the problem, we will explore the solutions that involve embracing a new view of not just oneself but of one’s sexuality. This presentation will demonstrate for both clinicians and the public how to understand when sex is a concern, and, importantly what can be done about it.

• Recount the circumstances of my sons death.
• Share with the audience my experiences with recovery as a family.
• Express what I would like to learn more about from this conference.

This presentation will explore the relationship between addiction and unresolved trauma, review the biological and psychological dynamics of trauma and the resulting symptoms including addiction and examine treatment methods to address unresolved trauma and addiction. This presentation will also present URGES Therapy, a trauma resolution, urge and symptom reduction method.