Addicted Brain: Reducing Risk for Substance Abuse

Format

Individual Presentation

First Presenter's Institution

Mercer University

Second Presenter's Institution

NA

Third Presenter's Institution

NA

Fourth Presenter's Institution

NA

Fifth Presenter's Institution

NA

Location

Ballroom F

Strand #1

Mental & Physical Health

Strand #2

Social & Emotional Skills

Relevance

This presentation aims to accomplish raising awareness and prevention of addiction among youth at risk for substance abuse. Addiction is both a mental health and physical disorder which directly impacts ones social and emotional functioning. Attendees will learn the impact of chemical dependency on the brain and its ability to sustain reliance.

Brief Program Description

This interactive presentation aims to combat the growing epidemic of substance abuse within the community. The presentation is well suited for individuals of all ages. Topics will focus on preventing risk for substance abuse, raising awareness of the impact of addiction on the individual and family system. Lastly the presentation will provide participants with relevant skills, resources and education for overcoming addiction.

Summary

An interactive presentation will guide participants through the challenges individuals face related to substance abuse. Focus will be placed on common influences related to development including ones environment, the onset of abuse and contributing mental health factors. Additional focus will be place on strategies for overcoming addiction including relapse prevention as outline by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Content areas will also include a general overview of brain structure and its function in maintaining addiction. Presentation will concluded with “The good news” highlighting the brains ability to repair itself. Participants will walk away with practical tools for overcoming/preventing addiction while gaining a sense of control for those impacted or at risk of abuse. Course objective: 1.Participants will be able to identify associated risk factors to substance abuse while understanding implications on the brain. 2. Participants will be able to create safe/accepting environments drug free as well as engage others on the topic of addiction 3. Participants will be able to articulate and implement techniques for effective relapse prevention.

Method of delivery: A Microsoft PowerPoint Presentation will guide participants in accomplishing the identified goal areas. Presentation will also aim to incorporate active dialog throughout as well as allow participants to demonstrate skills and knowledge through a 10-minute breakout group session. Content areas will focus on drugs, brains and behavior as outline by the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Supplemental information will also include peer reviewed literature and current statics on the topic of addiction related to impact. Presenter will provide a well-defined definition for addiction, dependency as well as currently utilized strategies related to relapse prevention. Lastly, participants will be provided handouts including references and links for the purpose of additional learning, skill acquisition and assuming a more effect role in prevention.

Evidence

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) report that in 2013 nearly 24.6 million people 12 years and older struggle with substance abuse such that mental health intervention is needed. Of the millions of people needing clinical intervention in 2009 only eleven percent received treatment. The disconnection between those who need support and those who seek services may be attributed to a lack of awareness associated with risk and the associated stigmas. While many are at risk, research has demonstrated drastic effects on youth. Such impacts include limiting ones academic ability, encourages poor developmental health, and promoting psychological distress. Social impacts among youth have shown engagement in risky sexual behaviors, suicidal behavior and participation in both nonviolent/violent offenses (Zimmerman & Farrell, 2016).

Biographical Sketch

Mr. Williams is a doctoral student at Mercer University’s Counseling Education and Supervision program. His educational background includes a Master’s of Arts degree in Professional Counseling with specializations in spiritual integration. Mr. Williams currently holds an associate professional counseling license through the state of Georgia. His specialized training includes crises intervention, addiction studies and relapse prevention. His clinical experience includes the Federal Service, PHP, IOP, faith-based and nonprofit, colleges as well as counseling centers. Mr. Williams has provided varying trainings and counseling in the area of co-occurring disorder, chemical dependency and relapse prevention. Through his experience Mr. Williams has gained a thorough understanding of both the environmental and mental health factors impacting the community abroad.

Mr. Williams career philosophy states: "The call to service is one which requires remarkable strength and equally important a spirit of humility. I believe one must possess the strength that allows the courage to sit within the alarming moments of another. Likewise, one must be humble enough to recognize their powerlessness to bring about change but encouraged by his/her ability to facilitate it." -Dontay Williams

Keyword Descriptors

substance abuse, substance dependence, relapse, relapse prevention

Presentation Year

2018

Start Date

3-6-2018 10:15 AM

End Date

3-6-2018 11:30 AM

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Mar 6th, 10:15 AM Mar 6th, 11:30 AM

Addicted Brain: Reducing Risk for Substance Abuse

Ballroom F

This interactive presentation aims to combat the growing epidemic of substance abuse within the community. The presentation is well suited for individuals of all ages. Topics will focus on preventing risk for substance abuse, raising awareness of the impact of addiction on the individual and family system. Lastly the presentation will provide participants with relevant skills, resources and education for overcoming addiction.