Mackenzie Phillips is an American actress and author of the courageous New York Times bestselling memoir High on Arrival and her equally successful book, Hopeful Healing: Essays on Managing Recovery and Surviving Addiction. She is also currently enjoying her role as "Barb" in Season 6 / Netflix, Orange Is The New Black, and another Netflix show reuniting with series creator Norman Lear for the revival of One Day At A Time.

Phillips rose to fame with breakout parts in 1973's American Graffiti and '70s sitcom One Day at a Time and is now making a different impact as a director at the Breathe Life Healing Center in Los Angeles, where she specializes in trauma, drug, and alcohol treatment and recovery.

The daughter of The Mamas and the Papas' lead singer John Phillips, Mackenzie is a survivor of substance abuse and a visible and outspoken advocate for addiction awareness and education. She brings her knowledge and voice on the subject of recovery and shares her experiences for those who are trying to overcome addiction.

Mackenzie Phillips grew up in a dysfunctional environment and subsequently battled near-fatal drug addiction. She presents the wisdom she gained from her own personal journey through addictions and her understanding of practical treatment from her work as a rehabilitation counselor. Using her own life experiences as examples of proven recovery methods, she shares the tools and holistic approaches that are available to help those on their way to recovery.

Join us for this discussion of the different pathways used by people who recover from the ravages of alcohol and drug addiction. More avenues are widely available, making recovery accessible in our communities. This session will focus on considerations that can point individuals to the strategies that will be most helpful to initiate and sustain recovery. We will also discuss the challenges faced by those who are seeking recovery during these historic pandemic times, as well as our beliefs about what recovery looks like. We were already amidst an epidemic caused by rising opioid overdoses and deaths along with alcoholism rates when this global health crisis erupted, and our current systems are more overtaxed than ever. This is a time to explore new ways we can reach those who are suffering from addiction to offer the hope and support of recovery during extraordinary times. Join Deb to explore these issues and themes.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

“A sexual tsunami is coming!” This statement by Dr. Patrick Carnes, who is a leading expert in the field of sexual addiction, can aptly be applied to the explosive and destructive “tsunami” of cybersex and pornography. To be successful in reducing the impact of this wave, we need to understand the forces that drive youth and adults toward sexual and pornographic addiction. In this session, we will explore the relationship between childhood trauma, childhood traumatic stress, personal vulnerabilities, and pornography addiction. We briefly summarize the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study and its relationship to later health and behavioral problems (i.e., addiction). Then we will examine the concept of “childhood traumatic stress” and how this stress can become a major driver toward a search for relief; and consider ways to mitigate the effects of childhood trauma, manage chronic stress and reduce vulnerabilities to stress.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

* THIS IS AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP — Workshop will conclude at 2:45 p.m.

Join Dr. Molfenter as he leads this extended workshop outlining the principle concepts of retention improvement. Participants will review the utility and uses of simple quantitative and qualitative data in ensuring that change leads to improvement. He will explain the strategies used for organizing, running, and sustaining a retention improvement effort and how to start your own retention improvement initiative.

Whether you work in education, healthcare, behavioral healthcare (addiction and mental health), child welfare, law enforcement, or other criminal justice, chances are you have witnessed or dealt with the consequences of alcohol/drugs and domestic violence.

• We live in a world where one in three women and one in seven men are victims of domestic violence.
• Substance abuse has been found to co-occur in 40-60% of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents across various studies.
• Spousal abuse has been identified as a predictor of developing a substance use disorder;
• Women who experience IPV have a higher prevalence of substance misuse and high-risk alcohol use.

We must look at these issues as co-occurring and provide services accordingly, in order to increase an individual’s potential for safety and recovery. This session will provide participants with an understanding of the complex relationship between alcohol, drugs, and IPV (also known as domestic violence), as well as barriers to accessing treatment and intervention. The presenter will also discuss evidence-based practices for treatment.  

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

This presentation takes an honest — and often troubling and uncomfortable — look at the substance use disorder (SUD) prevention/treatment/recovery industry in the United States — identifying and addressing some of the issues of credibility that those outside of the field often recognize. The presentation is designed to identify several credibility issues (including those both unique to the field and shared with others), examine the industry’s role in perpetuating them — including commonly accepted practices — and how these issues can be improved and ultimately eliminated. Designed to provoke internal intellectual and emotional responses and foster ongoing discussion, this presentation will attempt to encourage attendees to look at our industry through an objective lens and develop an acknowledgment of the need to always maintain a quality improvement perspective.

The increased access to social media and other web-based sources has continued to impact the ever-changing drug trends around the world daily.  Come chill with all the new kids for this interactive workshop exploring new drug trends, terms, and the impact of social media on substance use and adolescents. We will talk about gettin' awesome while talkin’ bout flippin’ chickens and scalavanting around’. Participants will engage in an exercise to learn several new drug/drug-related terms explore new substances of use/abuse on the market today, and be able to identify new drug use patterns and methods of use (i.e., vaping). 

*This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of the theological underpinnings of suicidality and posit how substance use offers key vulnerabilities for the suicidal state. Offering supportive research and relevant data, the presentation will also pose attendees to offer key prevention and intervention strategies for working with substance use populations with regard to suicidal behavior.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

True recovery is a family matter. Too often, the missing piece in substance use recovery is the lack of changes that are needed to overcome adverse family relationships. When family members become effective partners, enduring progress can be sustained. Rather than simply focusing on the person with the addiction issue, the best chance for lasting success includes a structure for all family members to cultivate mutually supportive interpersonal skills. This model of interacting provides an easy-to-understand approach that creates improved communication between all family members, and a more resilient sense of self for those in recovery.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

* THIS IS THE 2ND HALF OF AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP — Workshop will conclude at 2:45 p.m.

Join Dr. Molfenter as he leads this extended workshop outlining the principle concepts of retention improvement. Participants will review the utility and uses of simple quantitative and qualitative data in ensuring that change leads to improvement. He will explain the strategies used for organizing, running, and sustaining a retention improvement effort and how to start your own retention improvement initiative.

This workshop intends to move our conversation about youth from problem-based to strength-based and future focused. It aims at broadening the clinician’s skills and expanding their comfort to draw on a broad range of disciplines and community resources beyond their immediate practice (or program). We will interweave knowledge from multiple related fields to help young people take long-term control of their recovery. Knowledge will be drawn from evidence-based and promising practices including individual/family therapies; rehabilitation counseling; expressive therapies (e.g. music, art, recreation, dance); life coaching; creating connection and communication.

Guiding youth toward self-reliance and self-efficacy requires that clinician and family be prepared to support them through exploration and experimentation, to determine the treatments, knowledge, activities and supports that work best for them. If well done, they will move forward successfully with a “toolbox” that balances belief, agency and communion with appropriate timing, people and places.

Latest research shows that the clinician’s ability to help the client create a personal treatment connection results in higher success rates for making positive change. An important and effective tool for developing such a connection is the Wellness Toolbox. Often our clients have been through several treatment experiences, yet are unable to recall many specific strategies for sobriety once they leave the office. The toolbox has the personalized ideas, methods, and reminders most effective for maintaining one’s own wellness, readily available for quick reference. Several possible methods of toolbox modalities will be shared to give variety for individual styles (including youth), effective for any type of behavioral addiction, along with a summary handout. This presentation will not be a “death by PowerPoint” presentation but will include a lively discussion and interesting clips and examples to keep the interest level high. An opportunity for attendees to experience hands-on interaction with their own toolboxes will also be presented.

The ability to be fully alive, engaged and productive occurs naturally when the brain has enough of the nutrients necessary to manufacture all of the neurotransmitters needed to communicate every message of life. Thus, healing the physiological imbalances in the addictive brain should be an integral part of treatment for addiction. The safest and most effective way to restore cognitive health and to help heal the addictive brain is by implementing a specific nutrient-rich diet and nutritional supplementation program. Melissa will review the nutritional principles that will provide the body and mind with the fuel needed for optimum performance.

Behavioral health professionals working in substance use and addiction treatment have seen their area of practice evolve significantly over the last few decades, and more changes are on the horizon. Along with these changes, the demand for substance use services continues to grow. A recent analysis indicates that “demand for addiction counselors may increase anywhere between 21 to 38 percent by 2030, resulting in a deficit of addiction counselors.” What are the core competencies that substance use professionals will need in the next decade, and how will organizational leadership ensure that clinical staff possess and apply the necessary core competencies for effective practice into the next decade and beyond? How will behavioral health organizations ensure that they have enough competent staff to meet the demand going forward?

This plenary session will explore relevant topics such as: working with primary care, addressing social determinants of health, improving clinical supervision, the use of peer and recovery support staff, and more.

*This session will be of particular interest to substance use professionals and organizations.

Mackenzie Phillips is an American Actress and author of the courageous New York Times bestselling memoir High on Arrival and her equally successful book, Hopeful Healing: Essays on Managing Recovery and Surviving Addiction. She is also currently enjoying her role as ‘Barb’ in Season 6 / Netflix, Orange Is The New Black, and another Netflix show reuniting with series creator Norman Lear for the revival of One Day At A Time.

Phillips rose to fame with breakout parts in 1973's American Graffiti and '70s sitcom One Day at a Time and is now making a different impact as a director at the Breathe Life Healing Center in Los Angeles, where she specializes in trauma, drug, and alcohol treatment and recovery.

The daughter of The Mamas and the Papas lead singer John Phillips, Mackenzie is a survivor of substance abuse and a visible and outspoken advocate for addiction awareness and education. She brings her knowledge and voice on the subject of recovery and shares her experiences for those who are trying to overcome addiction.

Mackenzie Phillips grew up in a dysfunctional environment and subsequently battled near-fatal drug addiction. She presents the wisdom she gained from her own personal journey through addictions and her understanding of practical treatment from her work as a rehabilitation counselor. Using her own life experiences as examples of proven recovery methods, she shares the tools and holistic approaches that are available to help those on their way to recovery.

One hallmark of recovery-oriented systems of care is the inclusion of recovery support services. There are six domains of these services that have been identified and, for the most part, are in the preliminary phases of study. Learn about these modalities and early research findings, as well as about the continuing push to advance recovery-focused research. Join us to explore the outcome of the 2018 SAMHSA Technical Expert Panel that focused on the research and evaluation of these domains, and identified gaps in our knowledge base that need to be studied next. Consider the societal misconceptions about what we think we know about addiction and recovery and the lack of information about the transformation that happens when people recover. This workshop will address the ways we can all become better versed in the language of recovery and in promoting its principles to make recovery a life-long experience for ourselves and those we love. We will discuss what is needed from state leaders and policymakers to help people find their way to one of the many available pathways of recovery, as well as to access recovery support services in their communities. Our country is faced with an addiction epidemic, one that spans a marked increase in alcohol-related crises in addition to opioid overdoses and deaths. This session will provide an opportunity to talk about how we can pave the way for recovery as the solution to the addiction crisis.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

“A sexual tsunami is coming!” This statement by Dr. Patrick Carnes, who is a leading expert in the field of sexual addiction, can aptly be applied to the explosive and destructive “tsunami” of cybersex and pornography. To be successful in reducing the impact of this wave, we need to understand the forces that drive youth and adults toward sexual and pornographic addiction. In this session, we will explore the relationship between childhood trauma, childhood traumatic stress, personal vulnerabilities, and pornography addiction. We briefly summarize the landmark Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACE) study and its relationship to later health and behavioral problems, i.e., addiction. Then we will examine the concept of “childhood traumatic stress” and how this stress can become a major driver toward a search for relief; and consider ways to mitigate the effects of childhood trauma, manage chronic stress and reduce vulnerabilities to stress.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

Join Dr. Molfenter as he leads this extended workshop outlining the principle concepts of retention improvement. Participants will review the utility and uses of simple quantitative and qualitative data in ensuring that change leads to improvement. He will explain the strategies used for organizing, running, and sustaining a retention improvement effort and how to start your own retention improvement initiative.

This presentation takes an honest--and often troubling and uncomfortable--look at the substance use disorder (SUD) prevention/treatment/recovery industry in the United States – identifying and addressing some of the issues of credibility that those outside of the field often recognize. The presentation is designed to identify several credibility issues (including those both unique to the field and shared with others), examine the industry’s role in perpetuating them – including commonly accepted practices – and how these issues can be improved and ultimately eliminated. Designed to provoke internal intellectual and emotional responses and foster ongoing discussion, this presentation will attempt to encourage attendees to look at our industry through an objective lens and develop an acknowledgment of the need to always maintain a quality improvement perspective.

The increased access to social media and other web-based sources has continued to impact the ever-changing drug trends around the world daily.  Come chill with all the new kids for this interactive workshop exploring new drug trends, terms, and the impact of social media on substance use and adolescents. We will talk about gettin' awesome while talkin’ bout flippin’ chickens and scalavanting around’. Participants will engage in an exercise to learn several new drug/drug-related terms explore new substances of use/abuse on the market today, and be able to identify new drug use patterns and methods of use (i.e., vaping). 

*This session is appropriate for all audiences. 

Whether you work in education, healthcare, behavioral healthcare (addiction and mental health), child welfare, law enforcement, or other criminal justice, chances are you have witnessed or dealt with the consequences of alcohol/drugs and domestic violence.

• We live in a world where 1 in 3 women and 1 in 7 men are victims of domestic violence.
• Substance abuse has been found to co-occur in 40-60% of intimate partner violence (IPV) incidents across various studies.
• Spousal abuse has been identified as a predictor of developing a substance use disorder;
• Women who experience IPV have a higher prevalence of substance misuse and high-risk alcohol use.

We must look at these issues as co-occurring and provide services accordingly, in order to increase an individual’s potential for safety and recovery. This session will provide participants with an understanding of the complex relationship between alcohol drugs, and IPV (also known as domestic violence), barriers to accessing treatment and intervention, and discuss evidence-based practices for treatment.  

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

True recovery is a family matter. Too often, the missing piece in substance use recovery is the lack of changes that are needed to overcome adverse family relationships. When family members become effective partners, enduring progress can be sustained. Rather than simply focusing on the person with the addiction issue, the best chance for lasting success includes a structure for all family members to cultivate mutually supportive interpersonal skills. This model of interacting provides an easy-to-understand approach that creates improved communication between all family members, and a more resilient sense of self for those in recovery.

*This session is appropriate for all audiences.

* THIS IS THE 2ND HALF OF AN EXTENDED WORKSHOP – Workshop will conclude at 2:45p

Join Dr. Molfenter as he leads this extended workshop outlining the principle concepts of retention improvement. Participants will review the utility and uses of simple quantitative and qualitative data in ensuring that change leads to improvement. He will explain the strategies used for organizing, running, and sustaining a retention improvement effort and how to start your own retention improvement initiative.

Behavioral health professionals working in substance use and addiction treatment have seen their area of practice evolve significantly over the last few decades, and more changes are on the horizon. Along with these changes, the demand for substance use services continues to grow. A recent analysis indicates that “demand for addiction counselors may increase anywhere between 21 to 38 percent by 2030, resulting in a deficit of addiction counselors.” What are the core competencies that substance use professionals will need in the next decade, and how will organizational leadership ensure that clinical staff possess and apply the necessary core competencies for effective practice into the next decade and beyond? How will behavioral health organizations ensure that they have enough competent staff to meet the demand going forward?

This plenary session will explore relevant topics such as: working with primary care, addressing social determents of health, improving clinical supervision, the use of peer and recovery support staff, and more.

*This session will be of particular interest to substance use professionals and organizations.

Randall Carlisle retired from a 50-year career in broadcasting last November and is now working as a media and community affairs specialist at Odyssey House of Utah, the largest treatment center in the state. He was the lead news anchor at TV stations across the country, including Dallas, Minneapolis, and most recently at ABC4 in Salt Lake City, where he spent more than 20 years.
Carlisle was awarded 3 Emmys during his career and covered many major stories, including the Kent State shootings, the Oklahoma City bombings, the Elizabeth Smart kidnapping, and the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City. He began his broadcasting career at the age of 14 when he won the Ohio State radio announcing contest and was given a job at a small radio station in northeastern Ohio. That was the same year he started drinking alcoholic beverages and continued as a functional alcoholic for decades.
He is now very happily six years sober and plans to be a vocal part of the recovery community for the rest of his life.

Charles G. Curie is the principal and founder of THE CURIE GROUP, LLC, a firm working with leaders in healthcare, particularly mental health (MH) and substance use (SU), to facilitate the transformation of services and attain positive outcomes for people worldwide. Curie’s professional experience spans 40 years. He was nominated by President Bush and confirmed by the U.S. Senate to head SAMHSA from 2001 to 2006. Accomplishments included the President’s New Freedom Commission on MH, Strategic Prevention Framework for SU prevention, Access to Recovery, National Outcome Measures, and work with post‐conflict and war‐torn countries MH and SU systems. From 1995 to 2001, Curie was appointed by PA Governor Ridge as Deputy Secretary for OMHSAS and implemented a nationally recognized MH and drug and alcohol Medicaid managed care program and policy to reduce and eliminate seclusion and restraint practices in the state hospital system, which won the 2000 Innovations in American Government Award. He received his graduate degree from the University of Chicago.

After spending a little over six years in federal prison, Ben Aldana made the transition from prison to his community at the age of 29. In 2014, he graduated from UVU with a BS in Behavioral Science, a minor in Political Science, and a certificate in Substance Use Disorder Counseling, and is now a third-year law student at Brigham Young University. Ben credits the entirely ‘undeserved help’ that he has been given throughout his process of reentering society (by his family and numerous friends – not from the countless, abysmal failures of the current system of criminal justice in America), with allowing him to succeed where others (just as capable) have unfortunately failed. Because he attributes the opportunities he has had since his release from prison and the life that he currently enjoys to the charity of others, he plans to work as a public defender after he graduates from law school in May 2018. He will share a frank, open discussion of his journey with us.

Dr. H. Westly Clark is currently the Dean’s Executive Professor of Public Health at Santa Clara University in Santa Clara, California. He is formerly the Director of the Center for Substance Abuse Treatment, Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, U.S. Department of Health and Human Service, where he led the agency’s national effort to provide effective and accessible treatment to all Americans with addictive disorders. Dr. Clark was also the former chief of the Associated Substance Abuse Programs at the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs Medical Center in San Francisco, California, and a former associate clinical professor, Department of Psychiatry, the University of California at San Francisco (UCSF).

Denise F. Quirk, CEO and Clinical Director of the Reno Problem Gambling Center and a therapist for the past 25 years in Reno, will present education and therapeutic recommendations regarding gambling-disordered clients and their families. Denise will be outlining the DSM-5 criteria of Gambling Disorder and providing an overview of how gambling is often a co-morbid addiction with other substance use and mental health disorders, including pornography, video gaming, shopping, and Internet use.

Since its founding in June 2015, as the Gloucester Police Department’s first-of-its-kind “safe station” program, the PAARI Program recognizes that addiction is a disease - not a crime. Based on the belief that addicts need treatment, not arrest and jail – PAARI has helped 359 police departments from 32 states to implement a pre-arrest program that helps connect people with substance use disorders to treatment. The PAARI mission is to help law enforcement agencies establish pre-arrest programs that create immediate and stigma-free entry points to treatment and recovery programs. These programs have saved thousands of lives, reduced crime, changed police culture, and shaped the national conversation about how to address the opioid epidemic. Allie Hunter McDade, PAARI’s Executive Director, will share insights and information on PAARI as a national movement, including recent successes such as PAARI’s capacity building work through AmeriCorps and Peer Recovery Coaches. The hope is that other local agencies will be inspired to establish an opioid addiction and recovery program so that individuals struggling with substance use disorder and their families will have additional avenues to seek services and support.

Multisensory environments (MSE), also known as multisensory rooms or Snoezelen rooms, have been used for a variety of therapeutic purposes. MSE interventions have been linked to decreases in anxiety, agitation, and pain in individuals with diverse health conditions. Since many people dealing with substance abuse issues experience anxiety, agitation, and pain, this is a population that could potentially benefit from MSE interventions. This session summarizes a research collaboration between the Department of Occupational and Recreational Therapies at the University of Utah and Recovery Ways, a residential treatment facility. The effectiveness of a standardized MSE intervention in addressing anxiety, agitation, and pain in adults receiving treatment for substance abuse issues was evaluated. Intervention specifics will be outlined to facilitate the replication of evidence-based practices by practitioners of diverse disciplines. Feedback from the research team and study participants will be shared to guide the next steps in future directions.

Drawing from the vital skills of resilience in WhyTry Founder Christian Moore’s book, “The Resilience Breakthrough: 27 Tools for Turning Adversity into Action,” this engaging presentation empowers participants to learn resilience. These skills can be particularly powerful for those experiencing addiction issues, and those who work with - and live with - them. Individuals who are interested in prevention and/or working in recovery will also find this information applicable and helpful. These skills can be taught to students of any background and learning style, enabling them to thrive in both school and life.

The common myths and misperceptions associated with medication-assisted treatment will be challenged in this session. Discussion on the effectiveness of MAT for appropriate clients, and facts related to the use of medications to support recovery, will be identified. In addition, Jeff will share and discuss simple strategies to combat the stigma.

This session will discuss the need and opportunity for new tools and additional flexibility in the world of recovery and mental health treatment. Join us for a discussion that focuses on the importance of clients connecting with deeply personal forms of lasting motivation, moving beyond symptom-centric and shame-based mindsets. Ben will discuss the development and importance of psychological flexibility in treatment planning, and how programs and clinicians can reduce rigid and short-sighted problem solving with clients and staff members. Participants will receive practical, experiential tools, as they discover the importance of empowerment and creativity as clients move from victimhood to competence.

In this workshop, participants will learn how to use the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) assessment tool to fidelity. The session will focus on the administration of the tool and ways to use it for engaging and retaining individuals into services. This session will also focus on the use of technology. Participants will learn skills to challenge counselor bias, engage the consumer to be an active participant in her treatment decisions/placement. Participants will have the opportunity to administer an ASAM using case studies.

A Seat for Everyone – The Documentary, is not a story about addiction. It’s not a story of blame or heartache. It is a story about how a single photograph changed hundreds of people…and, hopefully, millions more. Addiction covers all it touches with a veil of forgetfulness. The addict and the non-addict gradually forget that every single one of us is Worthy to better our lives. Shame and guilt become the prevalent darkening forces of our personal light until all hope is gone, and our light is extinguished. The addict feels hopeless, and the non-addict judges the addict as beyond hope. However, there is another light that also burns inside of us. The light of our Higher Power: a light that can never be doused. When we feel that all is lost in the plague of addiction, there is still alight inside of us that will always show us the way out. The reservation has been made. The bill has been paid. Everyone has a seat at His table….

There has been much media awareness and discussion of the use and value of Narcan in saving lives. This session will help participants to understand current Utah laws on the laypersons' access and administration of opioid antagonists. We will take a deeper look into provider perceptions regarding addiction, overdose, and the provision of opioid antagonists.

The ability to be fully alive, engaged, and productive occurs naturally when the brain has enough of the nutrients necessary to manufacture all of the neurotransmitters needed to communicate every message of life. Thus, healing the physiological imbalances in the addictive brain should be an integral part of treatment for addiction. The safest and most effective way to restore cognitive health and to help heal the addictive brain is by implementing a specific nutrient-rich diet and nutritional supplementation program. Melissa will review the nutritional principles that will provide the body and mind with the fuel needed for optimum performance.

William Moyers is committed to eliminating barriers to recovery from addiction to alcohol and other drugs. From "carrying the message" about addiction, treatment, and recovery, to public policy and philanthropy, Moyers brings a wealth of professional expertise and an intimate personal understanding to communities across the nation. He uses his own experiences to highlight the power of addiction and the power of recovery. Moyers is the author of Broken: My Story of Addiction and Redemption (2006), a memoir that became a New York Times best-seller and is now in its third printing. His book, Now What? An Insider's Guide to Addiction and Recovery was released in October 2012 by Hazelden Publishing. Moyers has appeared on Larry King Live and Oprah and is a regular contributor to Good Morning America. As a former journalist for CNN, his work has been featured in the New York Times, USA Today, and Newsweek. He currently serves as Vice President, Public Affairs and Community Relations, Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation.

David Mee-Lee, M.D., is a board-certified psychiatrist and is certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM). Based in Davis, California, he trains and consults both nationally and internationally. Dr. Mee-Lee is Chief Editor of the American Society of Addiction Medicine's (ASAM) Criteria for the Treatment of Addictive, Substance-Related, and Co-Occurring Conditions and is Senior Vice President of The Change Companies. Dr. Mee-Lee has over thirty years’ experience in person-centered treatment and program development for people with co-occurring mental health and substance use conditions.

Since the 1970s, the war on drugs significantly changed the role of attorneys in criminal courts and juvenile courts. Attorneys attend drug-related court proceedings representing the interests of the State, the offender, the victim, and children in the case of drug-related child abuse and neglect cases. Developments in felony, family, and juvenile drug courts, pre-trial service programs, Utah’s Drug Offender Reform Act, and Justice Reinvestment Initiatives have given society new tools to more effectively address drug-related criminal behavior. Still, they have forced attorneys to learn about the dynamics of drug use, various treatment approaches and challenged their assumptions regarding their usual roles in court as the legal system has tried to cope with what is broadly accepted as a chronic disease. We will hear from several local attorneys on their different perspectives regarding the process of handling drug-related cases in the various courts.

ACES is a 10-question assessment that provides insight into the impact of childhood experiences and its effect on health and emotional issues throughout an individual’s lifetime. When used as part of an assessment, it provides a platform for exploring difficult subjects and prompts trauma-informed treatment planning in treating dual diagnosis clients. This presentation will present findings from ACE research, tips for implementation, and lessons learned in reviewing the data.

The journey of a therapist in training begins with many uncertainties, and many new professionals experience anxiety about being able to apply techniques learned in class to actual clients. Educators and supervisors, in turn, focus on providing the technical skills and knowledge necessary to provide effective treatment. However, relatively little time is spent examining what matters most, the actual person providing the treatment. There are an abundant number of studies that demonstrate some clinicians are more effective than others, and more effective therapists form better therapeutic alliances. Amazingly, 97% of treatment outcome differential is accounted for by differences in the ability to form the therapeutic alliance (Baldwin, Wampold & Imel, 2007). This presentation will focus on therapist qualities that foster the formation of the therapeutic alliance to enhance those qualities among attendees. Dr. Frigo and Dr. Hansen will synthesize and present recent research on the interconnection between therapist characteristics, therapeutic alliance, and treatment outcomes. Further, the ways in which this information can be applied to practice will be highlighted.

Bruce Chandler, LCSW, has had the honor of working in the substance abuse/ mental health treatment field since 1982. This has included experience working in both the private and public sectors. He currently serves on the Substance Use Disorder Counselor Advisory board for the Utah Division of Occupational Licensing. The highlights of Bruce’s personal life include: 42 years of marriage to a magnificent woman; watching five great kids grow from infancy to adulthood; continuing the cycle of life with nine rambunctious grandkids; traveling a good part of the world and marveling at the richness and diversity in our human culture; and the sublime juncture of temporal and spiritual that brings serenity, hope, and love to everyday life. His work with addiction and recovery has been as wondrous as all of the above and continues to be a source of great joy.

Shame is a universal emotion experienced by all cultures. However, shame can become internalized, scarring one’s self-concept, and is a common experience with addiction. In this presentation, Ben will address some basic strategies to cope with and overcome shame in clinical work.

Many parents, schools, courts, and therapists have tried abstinent approaches for adolescents and have failed. Drawing on meeting the adolescent where they are at (even though many are forced into treatment) this presentation will discuss how a collaborative partnership focusing on how to make thoughtful decisions, assists the adolescent in reducing harm and even deciding on abstinence for themselves. Cheri will describe the evidence-based 7 Challenges practice and how it can help guide adolescents to make thoughtful decisions to improve their life choices.

This presentation includes active participation from attendees. Beverly will discuss the value of experimental techniques in individual, group, and family work, and demonstrate a variety of these techniques.

Pediatric researchers in states where recreational marijuana is legal have growing concerns as to the unintended negative consequences on the pediatric population of its increased availability. The higher potency marijuana now available in many forms is leading to poisonings, admissions to emergency departments and hospitals, and neurotoxic effects on the developing adolescent brain. Dr. Buchi will review the current research

EMDR was recently added to SAMHSA’s National Registry of Evidence-Based Programs and Practices (NREPP) for substance use disorder prevention and treatment. This presentation will provide a comprehensive overview of EMDR and training in a brief intervention skill for therapists. Brian and Adam will share information on resourcing or RDI’s (resource development installation - coping skills/ego-building exercises) that EMDR therapists use to prepare the client for EMDR, and introduce participants to an example of an RDI with safe-place/containment. Regardless of whether participants choose to continue with EMDR, they will be able to learn a new skill from the presentation that could be used in their own practice - as well as a better understanding of how EMDR works.

Illicit and legal drug abuse is widespread in our society and takes an enormous toll on individual human suffering and in society in general. The consequences of drug abuse range from lost job productivity, squandered earnings, rising healthcare costs, incarcerations, vehicular accidents, domestic and non-domestic violence, premature death, and the breakdown of the family unit. The economic and societal implications arising as direct or indirect results of drug abuse consumption are staggering. This lecture will describe current therapies for the major drugs of abuse, as well as novel therapeutic strategies based on work being done by Dr. Steffensen at BYU related to a system to monitor dopamine dynamics in the brain with peripheral biomarkers as well as potential non-invasive treatment modalities.

This presentation will address an often-overlooked demographic in addiction; the partner. When an addict seeks treatment, they are often championed, and the focus is on the addict. Meanwhile, the partner is left to clean up the pieces, unaware that they need just as much help as the addict. Jeremy will discuss what the partner experience is like, and best practices for treatment.

Dr. Marchand will present information on cutting-edge research about current and emerging treatments utilizing mindfulness-based interventions for addictive disorders. The target audience is professionals who treat addictive disorders. He will discuss how mindfulness provides unique opportunities to address the challenges associated with addiction. He will explain the basics of mindfulness and describe how a mindfulness meditation practice can also help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The presentation will include information about the origins of mindfulness, research evidence of its effectiveness and brain imaging studies of how mindfulness rewires the brain.

Sean Astin is a film actor, director, voice artist and producer, best known for his film roles as Samwise Gamgee in the Lord of the Rings trilogy, Mikey Walsh in The Goonies and the title character of Rudy. Since Lord of the Rings, Astin has served on the board of several non-profit organizations. A vocal advocate for many health and social issues, Astin is an energetic, passionate speaker who promotes a culture of volunteerism to all audiences.

Carl Hart is an Associate Professor at Columbia University. He has also published nearly 100 scientific articles in the area of neuropsychopharmacology. His recent book, High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges Everything You Know About Drugs and Society, was the 2014 winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing Award. Fast Company named Hart one of Most Creative People for 2014.

This presentation will feature an explanation of the basic principles and application of EMDR, along with a theoretical understanding of trauma and relationship to addiction. Ryan will also review the stages of treatment and indications/contraindications. Using several personal case examples, participants will review the effects and benefits of EMDR as a treatment option.

This session identifies and discusses three very common (and often confused) roles in addiction treatment and recovery - Counselor, Peer Support/Coach and Sponsor. Jeffrey will discuss the responsibilities and limitations of each role will be delineated fully with ethical considerations identified and discussed. Strategies for cooperation in supporting recovery will also be presented.

Join Dr. Lundberg as she focuses on how to speak with someone regarding addiction in a way that will encourage openness and not defensiveness and denial. The session will include the criteria for a substance abuse disorder, evidence of a substance abuse disorder, and how to approach individuals in a way least likely to generate resistance. A discussion regarding how to manage expectations will also be included.

What do we know from research about sustained recovery from substance use disorders? An international review of literature released in 2010 concluded with: “The best predictor of the likelihood of sustained recovery is the extent of ‘recovery capital’… a person has.’ With that in mind, the following points will be covered:

• What Recovery Capital is
• The relationship between Recovery Capital and sustained recovery
• Who helps build Recovery Capital
• How to foster the development of Recovery Capital
• The Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) paradigm and movement and the emerging role of Recovery Capital in ROSC
• How ROSC and Recovery Capital fits with the Justice Reinvestment Initiative

What is REALLY in the cartridge? There are many hidden issues in the alternative smoking world. The increasing trend to try and quit smoking by using vaporizers or e-cigs has several hidden health risks. An increasing number of young people today are choosing vaping or e-cigs over traditional tobacco because they believe there are less health risks thus the confusion and controversy. Medical marijuana advocates have even encouraged the use of vaporizers instead of smoking, stating vaping reduces the carcinogens a person is exposed to. Synthetic drugs such as Spice / K2, Flakka and other drugs may be added to the e-liquid hiding the substance from law enforcement, parents and even friends. This training will cover terminology, trends, health risks and statistics related to the alternative smoking, vaping and e-cig culture.

This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of ways to culturally adapt substance abuse treatment for Latino adolescents. Briefly, theoretical and empirical research will be reviewed to provide a basis for understanding. More time will be spent on providing specific clinical examples from the author’s research that focus on the cultural adaption of group-based cognitive-behavioral substance abuse treatment for Latino adolescents. Practical suggestions will also be provided for ways to culturally adapt substance abuse treatments in community settings.

The impact of substance abuse on families and on juvenile court workload is probably much larger, and more far reaching, than most people realize, sending ripple effects through generations. The presentation will include thoughts on how the courts, treatment and case management can better serve families with drug and alcohol abuse related child abuse and neglect, and families with juvenile delinquent behavior, academic failure, and family relationship struggles. The local effects of legalization of marijuana in other states will be addressed. The presentation will also briefly touch on pornography addiction among children and youth and the surprising changes that have resulted in juvenile court delinquency caseloads.

Over the past 20 years pornography has become more accessible than ever in our history. Understanding the significant influence it has on individuals, couples, and families lives has never been more important than now. The process of assessing and treating pornography addiction is important and complex. An outline of how to assess for pornography addiction will be provided. Research findings that indicate a significant relationship between use of pornography and depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness will be discussed. Treatment strategies and solutions for healing and recovery will be offered.

Join Dr. Keep as he reviews information about the disease of addiction, including brain function. Participants will gain information on the survival mechanisms in the primitive brain, and how they can drive addiction behaviors including cravings and obsession. In addition, Dr. Keep will discuss how life’s traumatic experiences play a role in initiating and cultivating addiction and addictive behaviors. He will also review methods of ‘rebooting’ the addictive brain to reverse abnormal thinking and behavior.

The goal of this presentation is to introduce concepts and enhance understanding of the disease of addiction, and dispel the myths prevalent in society. The session is designed to be relevant for anyone interested and dedicated to the field of addiction.

Drunk driving. Loss of parental rights. Overdose. Lying. Jail time. Dysfunction. Secrecy. Theft. Abuse. Codependency. Often these are the outgrowths of addictive behavior; whose impact is felt by those who love the addict most. When someone we love suffers from addiction, everyone suffers. How can we heal from the impact of addiction? How do we feel closure after irreconcilable heartbreaks and permanent losses? As a 10 year recovered alcoholic and now certified professional chaplain, Tiffany Coughran shares key systems that make healing possible. There is a process of healing that incorporates the reality of the loss, the extent of the relational struggles, and the day to day implementation of a doable, learnable system.

Traditionally, parents in recovery are asked to attend community support groups. Many of these meetings are no place for their children, and thus the parent is again taken away from the home and more time is spent away from the family unit. As treatment, court, work and community meetings require a massive amount of time for a parent in recovery, the children often take a back seat despite all the interventions being geared toward parents becoming healthy, functioning care givers. Blu and Team Addict II Athlete will investigate the need for increased family involvement, and how recreation and sport can become an integral part of child development through playing with their parents. The Addict II Athlete Minor League program offers parents and children the opportunity to overcome barriers, solve relationship issues and support one another so that they may establish stronger bonds. Join Team Addict II Athlete as they introduce this new method for children and recovering parents to heal from addiction by providing a safe, healthy outlet for the family system.

Dr. Marchand will present information on cutting-edge research about current and emerging treatments utilizing mindfulness-based interventions for addictive disorders. The target audience is professionals who treat addictive disorders. He will discuss how mindfulness provides unique opportunities to address the challenges associated with addiction. He will explain the basics of mindfulness and describe how a mindfulness meditation practice can also help manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The presentation will include information about the origins of mindfulness, research evidence of its effectiveness and brain imaging studies of how mindfulness rewires the brain.

Using the documentary Cobain: Montage of Heck as a backdrop, the panel will discuss the role played by mass media and other social agents like government, our school system, law enforcement/justice systems, and the behavioral health prevention and treatment fields in addiction. The overarching question for the panel is – whether or not there is more that can and should be done by weaving and braiding the efforts of government, community, church and family in order to help prevent the next young person’s downward spiral into depression, addiction and suicide.

In recovery from drug addiction more than two decades, Christopher Kennedy Lawford tirelessly campaigns on behalf of the recovery community. He currently works with the United Nations, the Canadian Center on Substance Abuse, the White House Office on Drug Control Policy, and the World Health Organization. Join us as Christopher shares his unique perspective on addiction, recovery, treatment and policy.

Join Benton Granville as he presents an overview of the impact and significance of domestic violence from the perspective of both the perpetrators and the victims of domestic violence. This workshop will provide substance abuse providers with a working understanding of the dynamics of how substance abuse impacts the issue. The session will show the necessity of collaboration between substance abuse providers and domestic abuse service providers for the ultimate good of the client.

During this session will cover the principles of suicide risk as it relates to individuals in treatment for substance use disorders. Kimberly will discuss understanding the relationship between suicide and substance use, recognizing suicide warning signs, screening for and assessing suicide risk, responding to suicide risk and incorporating suicide prevention into long term recovery strategies.

This extended (110 minute) session will share information on how individuals can make a difference in their communities and within their family systems by moving out of the victim paradigm and choosing instead to become an agent and champion of sobriety. Blu will teach methods used by the Addict II Athlete team to encourage active community service and positive attitude to actually change the perspective of who and what an addict is. He will illustrate the principle of healing addiction via active and focused accountability as the individual moves out of anonymity using their past as a platform of inspiration instead of embarrassment and shame.

Areas covered in this session include anti-medication bias, administrative ‘fee-tox’, dosing caps, forced tampering and new legislation aimed at increasing treatment options for appropriate candidates. Perceived (yet unverified) biases against medications from 12-Step programs will also be discussed.

The National Association of Teen Institutes is the umbrella organization for Teen Institute (TI) programs across the United States. Teen Institutes are leadership development and substance abuse prevention programs for youth. This session will show how utilizing Teen Institute models can enhance existing prevention outcomes.

Drawing on research by Sherry Turkle from MIT and Clifford Nass from Stanford University, this session will address the challenges that technology and pornography addiction present in the lives of many individuals. Gordon will lay a foundation for understanding addiction and then discuss the two-part brain model and introduce the audience to the limbic system and the role it plays in addiction. This presentation is lively, educational and will present tools and solutions on how to treat addictions by drawing on best practices such as Motivation Interview and Cognitive Behavior Therapy.

In 2014, the Utah Legislature passed 2 important laws intended to reduce the number of deaths resulting from drug overdose. One of those has become Utah Code 26-55 (101-104) which allows health care providers to prescribe and dispense an opioid antagonist or reversing agent (naloxone or Narcan) to any Utah citizen to administer in the event of a suspected drug overdose. This presentation will highlight this important law and describe who should have naloxone as well as the practicalities of how individuals can obtain naloxone and how naloxone is used.

This extended workshop presentation will begin with the controversies surrounding the development of the DSM-5. It will go on to describe the new diagnostic criteria for substance use disorders, comparing the DSM-4 and the new DSM-5, and the implications for the old diagnoses of abuse and dependence. Emphasis will be placed on the new diagnostic category of Substance Use and Addictive Disorders and those mental health disorders most likely to be found co-occurring with substance use disorders and their relationship to substance use disorders. A two-item scree for Gambling Disorders (now listed as an addictive disorder) will also be offered.

This extended session workshop will expose clinicians and administrators to research-based technology-assisted care interventions that practitioners can add to their tool kit to complement treatment services. Technology-based care is a rapidly evolving field that may use different formats (such as audio, video, animations and/or other multimedia) be customized to patients, and be web-based and accessed using computers, tablets or smart phones. The Tara will provide an introduction to technology-assisted care and showcase at least two interventions for substance abuse treatment providers.

The effects of trauma exposure is the issue for our time. Trauma exposure profoundly affects the behavior and treatment of youth ages 16-24 (transition age). This training will introduce attendees to the impacts of traumatic experiences on the developing brain, including the impact of substance use/abuse and other behavioral dysregulation effects. Attendees will be introduced to effective ways to engage this population and to deal with ways that youths’ behavior tells the story of their trauma. The training will introduce participants to the neurobiological factors of trauma, concepts of trauma-informed care, and secondary trauma in you, the treatment provider.

Developmental stages have a significant bearing on the nature of addictive disease. This necessitates different treatment approaches and skills by the professionals providing treatment. This presentation will give examples, and highlight differences, of each generation currently in the work force. It will bring to light changes in the client/offender between generations, and ways to recognize the strengths and weaknesses of each. Session participants will take part in a smaller group discussion to explore each generation more closely, and investigate ways to emphasize the strengths, and overcome the weaknesses, in order to achieve better communication and unity.

Utah consistently ranks high for suicide rates in the United States and is among six states within the ‘suicide belt’. In 2013, suicide was the number one cause of death for Utah youth ages 10 to 17 years old. Many potential suicides can be prevented when individuals know what the suicide warning signs are, how to intervene with a suicidal person, and where to get help. This session will focus on suicide prevention among adolescents with information about Utah suicide statistics. Participants will receive hands-on training for working with suicidal adolescents, appropriate assessments, therapeutic interventions and options for services.

Join Jim as he shares the story of his family’s experience captured in film and spoken word. The beauty of the Santa Rosa Ecological Reserve in southern California provides the backdrop for Jim’s film – Beautiful Boy, More Than an Addict - a father’s lament upon losing his beautiful son to addiction and mental illness. Walk alongside him, as he dreams of a better day; sustained and inspired by the pain, brokenness and courage of those who live with the unrelenting weight of mental illness and addiction.

Michael Botticelli, Deputy Director of National Drug Control Policy will join us in a special plenary session. With more than two decades of experience supporting Americans who have been affected by substance use disorders, Mr. Botticelli will share his insight, latest updates and offer the opportunity for question and answer discussion regarding national trends, policies and current needs.

As providers prepare for implementation of the Affordable Care Act, an issue of particular concern is ensuring that quality treatment and recovery services are available and accessible to all individuals who have need. Unfortunately, access to treatment/recovery services can be hampered due to workforce shortages and long distance travel – particularly for those in rural areas. Using telehealth technologies to deliver SUDs treatment services is an innovative yet relatively untested concept in the addiction treatment field. This presentation will introduce participants to telehealth trends/outcomes/reimbursement/costs; technologies and use of an agency-focused capacity assessment tool to determine organization readiness to implement the use of telehealth technologies to deliver treatment services.

Childhood and youth stress is linked to dozens of preventable emotional and behavioral health problems and disorders including substance abuse. The CBSG program is an evidence-based effective strategy that can be implemented in school and community settings for children and youth ages 4-17. Participants will have an opportunity to engage interactively with some of the curriculum’s experiential activities, and explore ways the support group strategy can be incorporated into their organizations as a proven, effective prevention strategy for the children and youth they serve.

Addiction can feel overwhelming for the one suffering from the addiction, as well as for the whole family. In this entertaining and interactive session, Karl Hale will illustrate how he uses juggling to engage, inspire and educate. Using a mix of presentation and audience participation, Karl will illustrate various metaphors that translate into skills and tools that can be immediately employed in addressing life’s challenges. Participants will leave this session with a more vivid, and therefore useful, understanding of how to overcome big, amorphous problems.

Evidence-based counseling methods exist, and are generally effective. The challenge lies in attracting and retaining clients, keeping their attention and appealing to their interests. Using principles of gamification, including reward systems such as leveling up or awarding badges, and providing services in online multiplayer game environments appeals to youth. Programs that have used these methods report significantly higher engagement and completion rates without a degradation in more commonly measured treatment success indicators. This presentation will discuss why this methodology works so well, and how it can be adopted in nearly any treatment environment.

The DSM-5 represents a fundamental shift in how substance-related disorders are conceptualized and diagnosed. This seminar provides an overview of the manual’s new organization and other innovations such as spectrum and dimensional severity ratings that differ from DSM-IV-TR’s categorical and dichotomous ratings. Special emphasis will be placed on emerging assessment instruments, how to effectively indicate severity ratings with substance use-disorders, methods for assessing substance induced disorders, and how to properly classify contemporary black-market, designer, and synthesized drugs.

This student-led presentation will focus on the large incidence of opioid addiction and association with the transition to the abuse of heroin, morphine and other prescription drugs and controlled substances. Skylee will discuss the effectiveness of various treatment methods, including buprenorphine, and the importance of dosage control.

Based on cutting-edge research, Gordon will present some fascinating findings from a recently published ACE study. One of the largest scientific research studies of its kind, the ACE study is an ongoing collaboration between the CDC and Kaiser Permanente. The focus of the ACE study analyzes the relationship between childhood trauma and the risk for physical and mental illness in adulthood. Gordon will present some of the latest findings, and how the study relates to addiction. He will also discuss best practices, counseling methods and addiction treatment from the trauma informed care model.

For the last few years Michael McLean and John Batdorf have been working on a project to harness the power of music to help recovering addicts. Many individuals in recovery find the need to replace the music that formed a soundtrack for their addiction. For some, a particular song can act as a trigger causing heightened desire to slide back into negative behaviors. In this session, John and Michael will present their offering to the addiction community – SoundTrax to Recovery. The hope is that this selection of uplifting and ‘funky’ music will become a ‘trigger’ to motivate and inspire recovery.

SBIRT is an evidence-based model which has been proven effective in reducing and preventing alcohol and drug use. SAMHSA 2010 states, SBIRT is a comprehensive and integrated approach to the delivery of early intervention and treatment services through universal screening for persons with substance use disorders and those at risk. This three hour workshop will focus on screening and brief interventions for at-risk drinkers and drug users. It can be implemented in primary care, emergency room and mental health settings. These procedures have been shown to significantly prevent and reduce heavy drinking/drug use and can help identify and refer to treatment those who are suspected of having alcohol and drug use disorder.

Join Randy Muck as he provides an overview of the history of evidence-based treatment for juveniles, explores the types of profiles of substance use, mental health issues and other health-related issues that juveniles typically present during treatment. In this interactive session, participants will also explore the important elements for the adoption and effective implement of evidence-based treatment, and discuss current treatment approaches.

As substance use disorder counselors and mental health therapists support the recovery process, consideration should be given to each of four essential paradigms which support comprehensive lifestyle renewal. Join Gray Otis as he presents the Four Paradigms of Recovery model, and explains how it serves as a basis to integrate positive experiences which the client had before their substance or behavioral addiction with current constructive experiences. Whether they are in inpatient or outpatient treatment programs, the model also correlates with Twelve Step programs and assists the client in integrating his or her world view.

Participants in this session will receive practical ideas for addressing childhood trauma to help overcome substance abuse. The presenter will share insights from her own experience as a survivor of childhood trauma and as a professional therapist working with addicts every day. Specific skills include helping survivors move past the trauma, forgive themselves and take power away from the people who hurt them in the past. Participants will be both inspired and equipped with new approaches.

Contemporary chemical and behavioral addictions include gambling, sex, drugs and alcohol, thrill-seeking, entertainment, shopping, work, rage, exercise and relationships. Many definitions of addiction abound, with no seeming consistency and organized treatment models. Derived from over 20 years of combined practice and the latest neuroscience research, come and learn about the 6 “C’s” of addiction – what they are, how they develop, how they get maintained and how to ultimately conquer them to achieve positive mental health and sustained wellness. This dynamic and engaging workshop will place special emphasis on sexual and chemical addictions.

This session will focus on preliminary findings of a recent study held in Northern California finding that nearly a quarter of women are engaging in ‘risky’ drinking during pregnancy. Presenters will share their findings, the subsequent plan to intervene with women at high risk for having a substance exposed pregnancy, and share all aspects of the prevention program.

Under Medicaid Expansion in Utah, most clients in the public treatment system will be eligible for Medicaid coverage that will pay for their drug and alcohol treatment. If your agency hopes to be a Medicaid provider, you need to be prepared to comply with 42 CFR Part 2 as well as HIPAA. This presentation gives you the 101 on 42 CFR Part 2, how it compares to HIPAA, and what you need to know, and what policies, procedures and forms you need in place to comply. You will also learn some of the risks involved in complying with the law and how to be a good collaborative provider at the same time.

Alema Harrington has been working in front of the camera for nearly two decades. He is currently the host of "Jazz Game Night," the Pre, Half and Post Game shows for the Emmy award winning television broadcasts of the Utah Jazz Basketball team on the Root Sports Network. Alema also works for BYUtv as the anchor of "Count down to Kick off," the BYU football pre-game show. Harrington has also made appearances on National television and radio programs and has been featured in a number of Television Series.' He had a role in the Feature Film "Forever Strong."

This session will examine the prescription drug epidemic and its impact on the United States. It reviews the latest prescription drug use data and trends, as well as current national policy activity designed to alleviate the damaging consequences of prescription drug abuse. It shows the extent that pain medications are driving the epidemic, and will review the current public policy options to mitigate prescription drug abuse and its consequences. Dr. Carnevale will cover the topics of prescription drug monitoring programs, prescription drug take back programs, and training and education for prescribers.

Join Judge James R. Taylor as he presents a discussion of the legal ramifications of addiction. Using his perspective as a Utah State 4th District judge, this presentation will examine both the strengths and challenges of dealing with addiction issues in the judicial system, and the necessary collaboration between judicial and treatment systems.

Alema Harrington has been working in front of the camera for nearly two decades. He is currently the host of "Jazz Game Night," the Pre, Half and Post Game shows for the Emmy award-winning television broadcasts of the Utah Jazz Basketball team on the Root Sports Network. Alema also works for BYUtv as the anchor of "Count down to Kick off," the BYU football pre-game show. Harrington has also made appearances on national television and radio programs and has been featured in several television series. He had a role in the feature film Forever Strong.

Martin will present an overview of the exploding rise in pornography use, abuse, and addiction. Participants will explore the extent of pornography in our lives and how pornographers entrap potential users. What are the effects of pornography on individuals and relationships, and how can we protect our families from the dangers and life-altering impact of pornography addiction?

This session will explore the use and benefit of equine therapy in providing experiential opportunities for those in treatment to gain/improve in the areas of patience, assertiveness, creative thinking, leadership, self-confidence, trust, and compassion. By participating in activities with horses, clients learn more about themselves and how to process their feelings, behaviors, and patterns. Carissa will help session participants understand how horses can provide vast opportunities for metaphorical learning and interaction, even when working with the most challenging individuals and groups.

In the world of addiction, we know that for real change to take place - the individual addicted to a substance needs to want to change. Nicole will present the five stages of change that allow for the secret of addiction recovery to be addressed and faced openly, rather than feared.

This presentation will focus on the basics of addiction. Why do those suffering with this disease think and behave as they do? What is the basic biology behind their choices? What are the implications for recovery? Amy will discuss what research shows regarding long term sobriety and how to best counsel those experiencing addiction. Participants will leave with a better basic understanding of the disease of addiction and its implications to individual lives.

This session will take a new and bold look at the connection between ADD/ADHD and substance abuse. Why is there a connection? And why can the very things that drive those with ADD/ADHD toward substance abuse, also be the very things that can drive them toward success. For many, having ADD/ADHD quite literally means becoming an addict or a millionaire, and sometimes both. The choice should be up to the individual – and it is. Join us in exploring the questions and finding the answers as Mark discusses his research into this fascinating topic.

Mark will share his personal journey through addiction recovery and transition to a successful business person and assistant program coordinator for the LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program. Mark is passionate about recovery and life but does not position himself as an expert in all things substance-abuse related. Rather, he will simply share what has worked for him, and others whom he knows. In his session, he will address treatment options for individuals and families, including intervention, outpatient and detox services, inpatient services, individual counseling, and community-based 12-step choices.

Gambling addiction in America affects at least 2% of all adults and affects another seven people for each addict. Treatment advances and research have revealed that this behavioral addiction is treatable, and the trauma to families is treatable as well, with excellent results. Gambling is often called the “hidden addiction,” without the usual tracks left by other addictions. Find out what the current research, trends, and treatment success stories have to offer you in this presentation.

Treatment efficacy for addiction is often limited by the application of an acute care model to what is a lifelong, chronic, and potentially relapsing disorder requiring daily management. The Chronic Care Model is far better suited to the effective management of recovery. Sober Living and Transitional Programs naturally augment the Chronic Care Model because of their extended and whole-person approaches. This lecture will examine Sober Living and Transitional Programs and their application to a wide range of illnesses. The elements of these types of programs will be thoroughly discussed by our pattern, including benefits and potential pitfalls.

Join Dr. Kadehjian as he discusses the tools of testing (including instrumental and non-instrumental) and confirmation methods. Participants will explore the analysis of new drugs such as ETG, Spice, and Bath Salts – as well as the interpretation of test results. What are the challenges involved with drug testing, and how can best practices overcome or make those challenges less significant?

The greatest influence one can have on another comes in large part from the language we use and style of communication. Learn how to become more proficient in the use of timeless communication skills that are necessary to promote a therapeutic alliance with those who are struggling with addiction issues. When these skills are understood and used effectively, your influence as a healer will increase. Gordon will show why motivational enhancement theory works so well with those who struggle with addiction issues. This presentation will also focus on how therapists can protect themselves from burnout.

Treatment strategies for prescription opioid dependence is a package of tools and training resources for substance use disorder treatment providers. The NIDA Blending Package describes how buprenorphine works and presents the results of a National Drug Abuse Clinical Trials Network (CTN) study that compared brief and extended buprenorphine treatments. The results of the study have implications for the treatment of adults dependent on prescription opioids. The POATS Blending Team (BT) package is designed to help treatment providers incorporate study findings and recommendations into their practice.

This interactive session introduces the Search Institute’s research-based framework of Developmental Assets, a prevention approach effectively used by communities across the U.S., and provides opportunities for participants to learn how to integrate strength-based practices in their homes and work.

Join Brad as he provides an overview of what self-care is, and how to overcome the barriers to self-care. Participants will learn more about setting boundaries with themselves and others. This session will include a hand-out to assess current self-care strategies and goals for improvement, as well as a short mindfulness activity tool.

The beliefs each person has about self are central to his or her personal identity. These self-beliefs act as the means for the individual to understand and categorize their experiences. Persons with drug, alcohol, or other addictive patterns of behavior struggle with destructive negative self-beliefs. Emotional self-regulation, processing of trauma, and chronic distress experience and the formation of positive beliefs are essential to dealing with the underlying cause of addictions. This workshop explains how beliefs are established, how they create patterns of behavior, and how they can be converted to constructive self-beliefs.

There is a critical need for counselors and other human service professionals to formulate a viable approach to the treatment of adolescents who are involved with the juvenile justice system. A case is beginning to be made in the literature indicating that counseling interventions with juvenile delinquents would need to be multi-systemic involving families and other social systems with which the juvenile interacts. This workshop is for parents, school professionals, juvenile court professionals, and the full spectrum of mental health therapists who interact with adolescents struggling with substance abuse addiction and who become court-involved and incarceration bound. Discussed will be evidence-based treatment principles and concepts for a community-based addiction intervention targeting youth.

Pleasure is a natural thing for humans to seek. It is essential to survival. Chemical use cheats the time process necessary to experience real pleasure and robs the individual on a biological and psychological level. This induces a dysphoric and anhedonic emotional state through a process of hedonic dysregulation. Join Zach as he investigates how this leads many to continue in the cycle of addiction and why many addicts get to a point where they no longer use to get high – but to feel ‘normal’.

This session will explore attachment theory and its role in addiction recovery. Guerry will lead participants through understanding the relationship of attachment theory in the pathology of addiction.

Most professionals in the field of drug and alcohol prevention and treatment are aware of their professional codes of ethics, but most never really look at it once they are licensed. Most issues are only assessed as either ethical or unethical with little thought to how complex and difficult the issue is, and who may be harmed. Ethical dilemmas are complex and involve the interests of the client, the community, the professional, the treatment program, and the field. This presentation will delve into the National Association of Alcohol and Drug Abuse Counselors (NAADC) Code of Ethics, and analyze a number of real-world ethical dilemmas faced by conference participants using a structured analytical problem-solving tool developed by William White and Renee Popovits. Participants are encouraged to bring a typed half-page description of a critical incident (de-identified) to share for analysis.

Community resources: How to access them, and who to send. Mental Health and Substance Abuse clients come with a myriad of issues, problems, and needs. Most of these have little to do with why they actually walked in your door, and everything to do with successful outcomes. We will address Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs and how every clinician should be the best case manager they can to better serve their populations. This concurrent session will be interactive, personal, and have real-life scenarios to learn from and participate in. The purpose is to inform clinicians and case managers and other community folks that there is a Macro, Mezzo, and Micro level of treatment for their clients.

The last ten years produced an explosion of understanding not only about addiction but how our brains enable our most human capacities. Reward. Memory. Stress. Free will. People who suffer from addiction are at the very center of this conversation. In his lecture, "Is Addiction Really a Disease?" Dr. Kevin McCauley brings his audience right to the edge of what is currently known in neuroscience about addiction - research that explains how the brain constructs pleasurable experiences, what happens when this process goes wrong, and why this can have a dramatic impact in our ability to make proper choices. Tracing the evolution of the Disease Model to the Public Health Model of addiction treatment, Dr. McCauley describes how a chronic care/recovery management approach is an evidence-based, theoretically consistent, and ethically defensible way to deliver quality addiction treatment and long-term management at a sustainable cost to all who seek recovery.

The concepts of drug abuse, dependence, and addiction apply equally to illicit and legal drugs. Our local communities are currently wrestling with prescription drug-related problems and require a greater understanding of why prescription abuse happens and what the consequences are. This presentation will address the reasons for prescription abuse in different populations, identify elements of vulnerability, and discuss strategies to help prevent and/or intervene. The overall objective is to provide information that can be used to mitigate the damage that frequently accompanies prescription abuse occurrences.

The addiction treatment industry has recognized the disease of addiction and treated it with a medical model for decades. However, research on the neurobiology of addiction has presented new evidence that the disease of addiction is far more debilitating and chronic in nature than previously thought. Consequently, a new treatment paradigm is emerging to meet the chronic nature of addiction and the ongoing needs of those suffering from its effects. Bruce will examine the emerging Recovery Oriented Systems of Care treatment model, and how it may be implemented to shape, augment, and ultimately replace the current acute care medical model of treatment.

Avatar Assisted Therapy is an exciting and innovative method of delivering counseling services that transcend multiple obstacles to accessing treatment services. Utilizing high-quality online gaming development tools, secure virtual space is created in which professionals, consumers, and family can meet and engage in educational and counseling activities. Because users are connected via the internet, they can meet together in real-time, regardless of their physical (geographical location). This makes it possible for participants to be fully involved despite the distance, transportation limitations, physical handicaps, or fear of stigma. The realism that is inherent in 3D virtual worlds is the result of years of investment and development by private game manufacturers for commercial multi-player online games. This technology has been adapted for more serious pursuits, and pilot projects using virtual worlds for addiction counseling have been in operation for over three years. The speaker is an original developer of these projects and will talk about the evolution of the technology, research which has been done relevant to the utilization of this platform as a service delivery tool, the practical aspects of setting up and operating virtual world counseling, and the advantages and limitations of the methodology.

Government regulation of all kinds is under attack these days. But state-based regulation of alcohol (guaranteed by the 21st Amendment) is critical to keeping underage drinking and adult over-consumption in check. Some powerful players in the alcohol industry are trying to undo decades of laws that were put into place after Prohibition for good reason: to protect public safety. If it were up to some lobbyists, alcohol would be sold like paper clips. Except that paper clips can’t kill you. This presentation will describe this dangerous trend and assist with counter-lobbying strategies to preserve effective state regulation of alcohol. Specific focus will be on Utah’s long-standing success with its government control system and the potential dangers of undermining it.

Sexual Addiction has become a major mental health issue in the 21st century, literally affecting millions of individuals. Come learn why sexual/pornography addiction negatively affects a person’s capacity to develop healthy relationships. Gordon will also explore why denial surrounding this issue is so prevalent, and discuss the latest strategies and tools that are helping addicts heal.

This presentation will discuss relapse prevention from a client's point of view, a counselor's point of view, and a family's point of view. Jason and Dave will investigate how all support structures can all help in the process. They will provide several ideas as to how to set up a safety plan while addicts are early in recovery. Ample time will be allowed for questions and answers.

Research suggests that twelve-step participation significantly correlates with recovery. The LDS Family Services Addiction Recovery Program is a twelve-step program. This presentation will focus on a brief overview of the program, a status update of current effectiveness and participation rates, as well as the future direction of the program. Dr. Erwin will highlight recent satisfaction survey results from participants of the program, as well as the current design of an online resource for support in recovery.

As neurology and other brain studies provide mounting support for the “Disease Model of Addiction”, numerous implications such as – how we accurately assign responsibility for the addiction, how addiction impacts the addict’s ‘free will’, does the addict have to hit rock bottom in order to really begin the recovery journey - naturally evolve with respect to how we can best assist the addict and recovery. Additionally, these implications guide our efforts to engage the addict’s family members in the recovery process. In this presentation, we will explore several of these implications.

With catchy nicknames like ‘Meow Meow’, SPICE/K2, ‘Bath Salts’ and NRG-1, designer drugs are often sold online as ‘legal highs’. They typically come in powder form and can be snorted, licked, or packed into tables and create highs that mimic drugs ranging from cocaine to ecstasy, which some narcotics experts say has become less available amid a world-wide effort to blunt production. Although more prevalent in Europe, they have found their way into the US market and drug culture. This workshop will explore the current trends of designer drugs, including origins, behavioral and pharmacologic effects, and available methods of detection.

Join Elise Hanson and her family as they share their own story of addiction and recovery. What does it really take for a family to survive addiction and recovery? How do you retain and grow relationships while struggling with finding your own way to a healthy, sober life? Why do so many live in heartbreaking silence because of discrimination and societal misunderstanding? There is hope – and this presentation will leave participants with a renewed sense of possibility and optimism.

If every dilemma had a clear cut answer, we wouldn’t need to study ethics. All ethical issues in substance abuse treatment practice are multi-faceted, from the individual client level, all the way to agency policy. This presentation covers the basics of ethics for the drug and alcohol prevention and treatment field, examines current and emerging ethical issues (such as Social Networking), and provides a structured, ethical decision-making process for individuals and agencies.

Gain an understanding of core issues related to borderline personality disorder and chemical dependency. Theoretical concepts are explained in ‘user-friendly’ terminology, providing a common language between client and treatment providers. Participants will learn specific interventions aiding clients in an understanding of self and recovery. The facilitators will present exercises and treatment strategies designed to aid the client in the process of recovery – including how to talk to clients about their diagnosis and key issues in an easy to understand language.

For many men and women who have risked so much to serve our country, their experiences have left them with post-deployment effects that, in some cases, can lead to or contribute to substance use disorders, mental health challenges, criminal justice involvement or harm to self and others. While the civilian community is eager to help, those with limited or no military experience lack an understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing service members and their families. To serve this population effectively, systems, services, and providers need a working knowledge of the military culture, a trauma-informed and military-informed approach to services, tools for safety and stabilization, strategies for facilitating access to services, and strategic partnerships with military and community-based resources. This session provides a brief set of suggestions for addressing each of these areas of need.

This 2-hour workshop will discuss Opioid addiction features and the implications of pain in Opioid addiction. The major challenge is to create a climate where the patient will tell their story, allow that story to evolve over time, and disclose the patient’s progress. Joel and Linda will review the function of talk therapy in MAT, and why those conversations and essential and promote sustained recovery.

This presentation is designed to acquaint various health care professionals with information and techniques that can assist students and clients in analyzing their health behaviors. Individual behavior is one of the most complex issues to understand and define. Many behavioral models have been developed and promoted. The question is, how adaptable and user-friendly are they for someone trying to modify or change individual behavior? This presentation will focus on a behavioral change model that can be quickly utilized to examine risky behaviors.

The current treatment of adolescents with substance abuse and dual disorders is acute, ignores family and community factors, and occurs in controlled environments. This session presents the emerging treatment paradigm of alliance-based motivational strategies to produce systems of care that are recovery-focused and community-based. Participants will review the topics of recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC), motivational enhancement strategies, and multisystemic therapeutic community efforts.

Dr. Measom will explore the various medications available for treatment in the areas of alcohol dependency, tobacco dependency, narcotic dependency, and prescription drug dependency. There will time dedicated for questions and answers from participants.

There is a deception that is creating a lot of havoc in the lives of our community – the belief that you have no choice, once an addict – always an addict. What happens to an individual in life is not nearly as important as what happens within them. Happiness is a choice and can be the way to create other great things in life. It is the pursuit of this happiness that allows the addict to become the agents of their lives, rather than the victims of addiction. So, how can the addict adopt a choice for happiness and leave their victim role behind? How can service providers help them make this choice? Blu will describe his ideas on how to help recovering addicts realize that they always have a choice – and that they can choose happiness.

This presentation will focus on how to better foster collaboration between people working in substance abuse treatment and domestic violence intervention programs. Traditionally these two fields have not worked well together, despite their considerable overlay in client populations. Participants will explore how each field can benefit from the other’s expertise by cooperating and sharing the knowledge, which will pave the way for a more coordinated system of care. We will discuss some of the basic differences in philosophy and terminology that have blocked collaborative care, which is critical for treating substance abusing clients who are survivors or perpetrators of family violence.

With our servicemen and women returning to civilian life, the need for emerging treatment options is high. This workshop will discuss what co-occurring substance abuse disorders and combat-related PTSD looks like, what presentations those who work with our veterans are seeing, and what does and doesn’t seem to work. There will also be a general discussion on some of the new research that is being conducted around PTSD.

Terry Sellers will share his personal story of addiction and recovery.

Alcoholics Anonymous is generally regarded as the original 12-step self-help group. For over 70 years, it has provided a solution for countless individuals suffering from alcoholism. This presentation will discuss the origins of the program, the importance of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as some of the misconceptions about the program.