Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy (Lic. #004115) is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors to offer continuing education for social workers, marriage and family therapists and professional counselors. Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy (Lic. # PSY000215) is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists. Phoenix Center for Experiential Trauma Therapy maintains responsibility for the program.

Understanding Relapse Syndrome & the Impact of Specific Substances

This online workshop provided an understanding of relapse syndrome and the benefits of the Advanced Relapse Prevention Therapy model as the primary treatment approach for patients/clients struggling with chronic relapse patterns. The training introduced the process of how relapse occurs, why it tends to happen, what drives patterns of self-sabotage and self-harm, and what takes an individual from a stable place in recovery to their first addictive use of a substance.

We explored how relapse syndrome differs for individuals struggling with Stimulant Use Disorder and Opiate Use Disorder and discussed helpful tips for increasing engagement in the treatment process. This workshop also identified common warning signs and triggers related to relapse syndrome and taught the development of relapse prevention skills to help people intervene on the relapse process prior to the high risk warning signs. All Theories about relapse and relapse prevention therapy in this training were specific to the work of Terrence Gorski.

This workshop was funded by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol, and presented by Be a Part of the Conversation.

Meet Our Presenter

Jessica Molavi, BA, MS, ACRPS

Clinical Manager of Specialty Programs
Mirmont Treatment Center


CENAPS

CENAPS® (an acronym for Center for Applied Sciences) is a training and consultation firm founded by Terence T. Gorski in 1982.


Staying Sober: A Guide for Relapse Prevention

Book by Terence Gorski


The Relapse Prevention Therapy Workbook

Book by Terence Gorski and Stephen Grinstead


Relapse.org

Materials for treatment professionals and recovering persons


Relapse Prevention

Recovery Research Institute


Alcohol consumption and symptoms as predictors for relapse of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder

Drug & Alcohol Dependence

Marlous Tuithof, Margreet ten Have, Wim van den Brink, Wilma Vollebergh, Ron de Graaf, Alcohol consumption and symptoms as predictors for relapse of DSM-5 alcohol use disorder, Drug and Alcohol Dependence, Volume 140, 2014, Pages 85-91, ISSN 0376-8716, https://doi.org/10.1016/j.drugalcdep.2014.03.035.

Treatment retention, return to use, and recovery support following COVID-19 relaxation of methadone take-home dosing in two rural opioid treatment programs: A mixed methods analysis

National Institutes of Health

Hoffman KA, Foot C, Levander XA, Cook R, Terashima JP, McIlveen JW, Korthuis PT, McCarty D. Treatment retention, return to use, and recovery support following COVID-19 relaxation of methadone take-home dosing in two rural opioid treatment programs: A mixed methods analysis. J Subst Abuse Treat. 2022 Oct;141:108801. doi: 10.1016/j.jsat.2022.108801. Epub 2022 May 8. PMID: 35589443; PMCID: PMC9080674.

Cigarette smoking is associated with increased risk of substance use disorder relapse: A nationally representative, prospective longitudinal investigation

Journal of Clinical Psychiatry

Weinberger AH, Platt J, Esan H, Galea S, Erlich D, Goodwin RD. Cigarette Smoking Is Associated With Increased Risk of Substance Use Disorder Relapse: A Nationally Representative, Prospective Longitudinal Investigation. J Clin Psychiatry. 2017 Feb;78(2):e152-e160. doi: 10.4088/JCP.15m10062. PMID: 28234432; PMCID: PMC5800400.

21st Century Teens

Supporting kids in a world of…
• instant gratification • overconsumption • excess • escapism • isolation

Adolescence is a crucial time of transition and growth, so we want to give our kids tools that prepare them for life’s challenges. In order to cope with increasing anxiety, it isn’t surprising that teens are drawn to behaviors that distract or numb uncomfortable feelings, including go-to distractions like social media, gaming, shopping, food, relationships, exercise and increasingly potent and available substances.

“21st Century Teens” Presenters

Liz Ferris, LSW, CADC

Adolescent & Young Adult Therapist
Ethos Treatment, LLC

Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW

Co-Founder
Ethos Treatment, LLC

The Changing Landscape of Substance Use & Addiction

Throughout history, humans have used, misused and become addicted to mood-altering substances. We have seen a dramatic change in the form and potency of substances over time. Today we understand that co-occurring mental health disorders can aggravate substance misuse.

This program addressed the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and people in recovery.

Watch Dr. Kevin McCauley’s presentation, “New Perspectives on  Addiction & Recovery”
Presented by Be a Part of the Conversation in Devon, PA on December 3, 2019


Understanding Addiction
Harvard Health – HelpGuide article


Understanding Drug Use & Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Addiction 101
Recovery Research Institute


Addictionary®
Recovery Research Institute


The Beast We Call Progression: Addiction a Progressive Disease
Treatment Solutions


Cigarette Smoking Increases the Likelihood of Drug Use Relapse
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Nicotine Craving and Heavy Smoking May Contribute to Increased Use of Cocaine and Heroin
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Facts About Nicotine
UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center


Nicotine as a Gateway Drug
New England Journal of Medicine


Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Dr. Kevin McCauley’s 10 Slices of Cheese
The Institute for Addiction Study

Visit our pages dedicated to finding in-patient or outpatient treatment, and recovery housing options:
https://conversation.zone/findrecovery/


Visit the Capacitype Recovery Resource Hub:
https://www.recoveryresourcehub.org/


Learn about Medication Assisted Treatment:
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment


Learn about Trauma-Informed Therapy:
https://www.verywellmind.com/trauma-informed-therapy-definition-and-techniques-5209445


Find health care professionals specializing in Addiction Psychiatry:
https://www.aaap.org/education/resources/patients/find-a-specialist/


Meet Our Presenters!

Amanda Jernigan, LCSW

Corporate Outpatient Director
Gaudenzia

Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.

10 Things You Need to Know about Addiction

Drugs, alcohol, gaming, social media, sex/love, spending/shopping, eating, pornography, relationships/codependency, gambling, exercise. These are the substances and behaviors that can derail a life and devastate the people connected to that life.

We’ll look at addiction through a wide-angle lens and explore the spectrum of addiction and its many manifestations.

We will hear from experts who have dedicated their lives to understanding and treating addiction and the families who are impacted. We’ll also hear a personal story that will help us to understand the complexity of behavioral and interactive addictions.

>> Introduction to Behavioral Addictions

Grant JE, Potenza MN, Weinstein A, Gorelick DA. Introduction to behavioral addictions. Am J Drug Alcohol Abuse. 2010;36(5):233-241. doi:10.3109/00952990.2010.491884

>> Proposed diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A Delphi expert consensus study

Müller, A., Laskowski, N. M., Trotzke, P., Ali, K., Fassnacht, D. B., de Zwaan, M., Brand, M., Häder, M., & Kyrios, M. (2021). Proposed diagnostic criteria for compulsive buying-shopping disorder: A Delphi expert consensus study, Journal of Behavioral Addictions10(2), 208-222.

>> Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views

Alavi SS, Ferdosi M, Jannatifard F, Eslami M, Alaghemandan H, Setare M. Behavioral Addiction versus Substance Addiction: Correspondence of Psychiatric and Psychological Views. Int J Prev Med. 2012;3(4):290-294.

12 Step Meetings for those with Process/Behavioral Addictions:

  • Clutterer’s Anonymous

  • Codependents Anonymous (CoDA)  

  • Debtors Anonymous (DA) 

  • Emotions Anonymous (EA)  

  • Food Addicts Anonymous 

  • Food Addicts in Recovery Anonymous 

  • Gamblers Anonymous 

  • Gam-Anon (for family and loved ones) 

  • Internet & Technology Addicts Anonymous (ITAA) 

  • Love Addicts Anonymous (LAA)  

  • Overeaters Anonymous (OA)  

  • Sex and Love Addicts Anonymous (SLAA)  

  • Sexaholics Anonymous (SA)  

  • Sexual Compulsives Anonymous (SCA)  

  • Sexual Recovery Anonymous (SRA)  

  • Underearners Anonymous (UA)  

  • Workaholics Anonymous (WA)  

>> “Upon Further Review: The NFL’S Gambling Strategy is a Risk to Public Health and Congress Must Act”

Post by Harry Levant

>> Ethical Gambling Reform Group

Mission: To bring reform, regulation, and harm prevention public health policy to legalized gambling and the treatment of gambling disorder.

>> Stop Predatory Gambling

A national advocacy network of individuals and partner groups with members in all 50 states.

>> SMART Recovery for Gambling Addiction

>> Compulsive Gambling

Mayo Clinic

>> Pennsylvania Gaming Control Board

>> Help with Problem Gambling

Pennsylvania Department of Drug and Alcohol Programs (DDAP)

>> National Council on Problem Gambling

The Body Keeps the Score

by Bessel A. van der Kolk, MD

In the Realm of Hungry Ghosts

by Gabor Maté, MD

It Will Never Happen to Me: Growing Up with Addiction as Youngsters, Adolescents, and Adults

by Claudia Black, PhD

Please note: The resources, organizations, agencies and individuals listed on this page are not necessarily endorsed by Be a Part of the Conversation. If you need immediate help, please consider these resources:

>> Finding Treatment
>> National Suicide Prevention Lifeline
>> Naloxone (Narcan, Evzio) for Opioid Overdose

Be a Part of the Conversation programs do not provide behavioral health advice and are for informational purposes only. Our programs are not intended to be a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment. Always seek the advice of a qualified health care provider with any questions you may have regarding substance use disorders or related family needs. Never disregard professional advice or delay in seeking it because of something you have read or seen in any Be a Part of the Conversation program or video.

Meet Our Presenters!

Michael Blanche, MSS, LCSW

Co-Founder
Ethos Treatment, LLC

Lex Remillard, MSW, LCSW

Co-Founder
Therapeutic Alliance

Brynn Cicippio, MA, LMFT, CAADC

Founder
Brynn Cicippio & Associates

Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Office of Drug & Alcohol.

The Changing Landscape of Substance Use & Addiction

Throughout history, humans have used, misused and become addicted to mood-altering substances. We have seen a dramatic change in the form and potency of substances over time. Today we understand that co-occurring mental health disorders can aggravate substance misuse.

This program addressed the trends being seen by behavioral health professionals and we explored the newest outpatient and inpatient treatment options. We also discussed recovery housing and heard from someone living in recovery from addiction.

Watch Dr. Kevin McCauley’s presentation, “New Perspectives on  Addiction & Recovery”
Presented by Be a Part of the Conversation in Devon, PA on December 3, 2019


Understanding Addiction
Harvard Health – HelpGuide article


Understanding Drug Use & Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Addiction 101
Recovery Research Institute


Addictionary®
Recovery Research Institute


The Beast We Call Progression: Addiction a Progressive Disease
Treatment Solutions


Cigarette Smoking Increases the Likelihood of Drug Use Relapse
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Nicotine Craving and Heavy Smoking May Contribute to Increased Use of Cocaine and Heroin
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Facts About Nicotine
UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center


Nicotine as a Gateway Drug
New England Journal of Medicine


Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Dr. Kevin McCauley’s 10 Slices of Cheese
The Institute for Addiction Study

Visit our pages dedicated to finding in-patient or outpatient treatment, and recovery housing options:
https://conversation.zone/findrecovery/


Visit the Capacitype Recovery Resource Hub:
https://www.recoveryresourcehub.org/


Learn about Medication Assisted Treatment:
https://www.samhsa.gov/medication-assisted-treatment


Learn about Trauma-Informed Therapy:
https://www.verywellmind.com/trauma-informed-therapy-definition-and-techniques-5209445


Find health care professionals specializing in Addiction Psychiatry:
https://www.aaap.org/education/resources/patients/find-a-specialist/


Learn about “Sunrise of the Spirit” recovery houses:
http://www.sunlightofthespirithouse.com/index.html


See the video Brooke mentioned that provides a look inside recovery housing, which can be found on their Facebook page:
https://www.facebook.com/sunlightofthespirithouse/


Google App Store for Meeting Guide:
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=org.meetingguide&hl=en_US&gl=US


Apple App Store for Meeting Guide:
https://apps.apple.com/us/app/meeting-guide/id1042822181


Meditation Meetings starting Saturdays in April 2022, 10AM at Marshall Square Park in West Chester, PA at the Totem Pole in the park.


Ray’s contact: 484-942-3539


Meet Our Presenters!

Troy Jackson, MSS, LSW

Clinician
Ethos Treatment, LLC

Valerie Cannon, MSW, LSW, ACRPS

Division Director
Mirmont Treatment Center, Main Line Health

Funding for this program was provided by the Montgomery County Department of Health & Human Services.

Following Up  |  May 12, 2020 Online Program

Approximately 10% of Americans over the age of 12 will struggle with addiction. This is not something to fear, but to understand. We learned about risk factors, warning signs, and options for recovery. We also heard from individuals who shared their personal journeys from addiction to recovery.

Watch Dr. Kevin McCauley’s presentation, “New Perspectives on  Addiction & Recovery”
Presented by Be a Part of the Conversation in Devon, PA on December 3, 2019


Understanding Addiction
Harvard Health – HelpGuide article


Understanding Drug Use & Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Addiction 101
Recovery Research Institute


Addictionary®
Recovery Research Institute


The Beast We Call Progression: Addiction a Progressive Disease
Treatment Solutions


Cigarette Smoking Increases the Likelihood of Drug Use Relapse
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Nicotine Craving and Heavy Smoking May Contribute to Increased Use of Cocaine and Heroin
National Institute on Drug Abuse


Facts About Nicotine
UCSF Smoking Cessation Leadership Center


Nicotine as a Gateway Drug
New England Journal of Medicine


Treatment Approaches for Drug Addiction
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Principles of Drug Addiction Treatment: A Research-Based Guide
National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA)


Dr. Kevin McCauley’s 10 Slices of Cheese
The Institute for Addiction Study

Meet Our Presenters!

Kim Porter, CFRS

Executive Director
Be a Part of the Conversation

John Becker, LPC, CAADC, CEAP, SAP, CTR

Guardian Recovery Services

Nicole Santangelo

Person in Recovery

The COVID-19 pandemic redefined the ways that we can stay connected. Even once the pandemic has subsided, continue to visit this page to learn about remote meetings of mutual-aid organizations and other virtual support resources.

Visit our Calendar for upcoming events presented by Be a Part of the Conversation.