Description coming soon.

After a review of the history of various meditative techniques and their efficacy supporting recovery from substance abuse and its co-morbidity, participants will be able to meet three broad objectives.

1. Understand the difference between Mindfulness and Meditation
2. Identify patient populations where Meditation is contraindicated
3. Explain the benefits of meditation and mindfulness to the recovery process

Change is a constant, ongoing, dynamic process. It happens all around us and within us. Our bodies reliably change in response to internal and external stressors and stimulus. Persistent pain and self-destructive behaviors such as substance abuse create changes in our bodies that can be reversed or mitigated if we harness the innate property of neuroplasticity, the underlying principle explaining the ‘science of change’. Recognizing this allows us to utilize neuroplasticity techniques in the treatment of persistent pain, anxiety, substance and behavioral use disorders to change our brains, change our bodies and transform our lives.

1. Define and discuss neuroplasticity as the basis for and the treatment of multiple disorders.
2. Discuss the utilization of repetitive counter stimulating neuroplasticity techniques to wire away from problematic behaviors and persistent pain.
3. Discuss the creation of a critical interface between patients and providers to identify effective ways to understand, prevent and treat substance and behavioral use disorders.

Clients and patients often present with addictive issues that many feel equipped to assess for and treat. However, often clients have sexual behaviors that are misunderstood or overlooked. Often clinicians feel ill equipped to talk about sex, let alone discern if the behaviors are problematic. This presentation will aim to assist clinicians in understanding the scope of problematic sexual behaviors. Understanding how to assess for these issues can better arm clinicians in treatment planning and creating goals to best help our clients in having healthy and safe lives. This presentation will help clinicians understand what exactly problematic sexual behaviors are, how to discuss them, and assess for them. This potentially overwhelming topic area will become less cumbersome and clinicians will find themselves armed for anything.

Vaping has become a common vehicle for delivery of nicotine and other substances, especially in adolescents and young adults. Initially touted as a safe and effective way to quit smoking recent data raises concerns about increased risks and controversies about its role as a nicotine cessation tool. Now vaping is considered a public heath emergency with emerging requests for the FDA to reevaluate its status. Come learn about the most up to date information on vaping and what you need to know when caring for patients who vape.

Learning Objectives

1. To understand the current vaping options available that are currently being used
2. To understand the evolving list of risks associated with vaping
3. To review a case based discussion related to evaluation and treatment for patients dependent on vaping.