Products and Resources Catalog

The New England ATTC co-hosted the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction (RSHR) Reading Group meeting on September 16, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. This discussion reviewed the article, “College programming for students in addiction recovery: A PRSIMA-guided scoping review.”  View the September 2021 RSHR Reading group meeting summary that includes a brief article summary and key themes that arose in discussion with the participants.

This session is designed for professionals who work with those at risk for contracting Hepatitis C Virus (HCV). An overview of HCV: risk; transmission; symptoms; testing; and treatment options will be provided. In addition, a discussion of harm reduction strategies and support/linkages to care will be included.   At the end of the webinar participants will be able to: Appreciate the importance of Hepatitis C Virus (HCV) screening and confirmatory testing in multiple health and behavioral health settings. Recognize risk factors for HCV Describe harm reduction strategies that minimize the risk of contracting HCV List treatment options available for people with HCV. Discuss strategies to link persons with HCV to HCV-focused health care services      

This training focuses on reducing personal, public, and institutionalized biases around people with substance use disorder. We will learn details of drug use, overdose, and navigating the care continuum by someone with lived experience who is now a Peer Recovery Support Specialist in Kansas City, MO. We will look at this story and the role bias played in delaying and distressing the recovery process. Participants learn about types of stigma, addiction on the brain, and evidence-based practices in overdose response. There will be multiple opportunities to observe how bias affects their own experiences and to discuss ways to shift attitudes and improve actions which lead to better outcomes and more people in recovery. Click here to watch the presentation!

This is the final session of the 3-part series Embracing Pregnant & Parenting Families Challenged with Substance Use Disorder. After the session, participants will be able to: Recognize data relevant to addiction and recovery in the United States Define stigma and examine its impact upon individuals experiencing addiction and those in recovery Discuss implicit bias and examine strategies to examine and reduce our own unconscious bias Illustrate the power of language in relationship to stigma and contrast stigmatizing language with the language of recovery Identify actions each member of the health care team can take to reduce the impact of stigma Click here to watch the presentation Presenter Information: Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development, providing consultation, facilitation and training to strengthen services for pregnant and parenting families who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery.  

This podcast series, sponsored by the Mid America Addiction Technology Transfer Center and funded by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), is intended for anyone seeking basic information about substance use. This series will address stigma, highlight appropriate language, provide education on how to determine if substance use is becoming a challenge, and addressing misconceptions of substance use.   

View the resources from the 2nd session of the 3-part series Embracing Pregnant & Parenting Families Challenged with Substance Use Disorder. After the session, participants will be able to: Describe evidence-based treatment for pregnant women with an opioid use disorder Recognize the impact of parent involvement in the care of newborns experiencing Neonatal Opioid Withdrawal Syndrome Develop skills and strategies to positively impact the parent-child relationship among parents with a substance use disorder   Presenter Information: Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development, providing consultation, facilitation and training to strengthen services for pregnant and parenting families who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery.     Click here to watch the presentation

This is the first session of the 3-part series Embracing Pregnant & Parenting Families Challenged with Substance Use Disorder. This session addresses addiction as a chronic brain disease, the brain changes inherent to addiction and the mechanisms contributing to both the brain’s vulnerability as well as how substances themselves impact the brain.  The session strives to connect neurobiological changes to common behavior of individuals with a substance use disorder. The session also explores the overlap neurobiologically between early parenting behavior and addiction while creating an opportunity for discussion of the implications for patient care during the antepartum period After the session, participants will be able to: Recognize addiction as a chronic brain disease Understand the connection between ACE’s and vulnerability for addiction Discuss the role of the reward system in driving parenting behavior Click here to watch the video presentation Presenter Information: Sharon Hesseltine, BSW, is President and CEO of Intentional Development, providing consultation, facilitation and training to strengthen services for pregnant and parenting families who have substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and trauma. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, substance use disorder and recovery.     Continuing Education: Continuing Medical Education (CME), American Nurses Credentialing Center's Commission on  Accreditation (CNE), Certified Health Education Specialists (CHES), Iowa Credentialing Board, Missouri Board of Certification are pending approval. The series will be accepted by the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and is deemed alcohol and drug specific and will be accepted for continuing education for licensed alcohol and drug counselors in Nebraska.   

Description: This session will provide participants with an overview of brain injury and co-occurring conditions in the context of the criminal and juvenile justice system. including information on what brain injury is and the prevalence within this system. The session will provide a framework for addressing the needs of justice involved individuals with brain injury including screening and compensatory strategies. Finally, participants will learn of community resources for individuals with brain injury.   Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe the prevalence of brain injury and co-occurring behavioral health in the criminal and juvenile justice system. Participants will learn about best practices for screening individuals for brain injury. Participants will learn how to support individuals identified with brain injury.   Presenter Information Judy Dettmer has been working in the field of brain injury for 30 years. Ms. Dettmer is currently the Director for Strategic Partnerships and a Technical Assistance Lead for the Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance and Resource Center at the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators. Ms. Dettmer has worked extensively with adults, children and family members of individuals with brain injury. She has provided direct and systems consultation to improve the lives of individuals with brain injury. Judy has also assisted with research efforts related to brain injury and has conducted countless presentations, classes and seminars on brain injury both in the state of Colorado and Nationally. Ms. Dettmer has provided technical assistance to numerous states including but not limited to; screening on brain injury, developing infrastructure within state systems such as departments of education, criminal justice, and in developing and managing advisory boards and councils. Ms. Dettmer is currently a co-facilitator for the National Collaborative on Children’s Brain Injury.   Video Link This training is a collaboration between Mid-America ATTC, Mountain Plains ATTC, and NASHIA.

Description: This presentation is focused on specific considerations in the treatment of Substance Use Disorder (SUD) in people with Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI)   Learning Objectives: Understand the role of assessments in treating those with SUD and TBI Describe the implications of specific cognitive challenges Examine the executive dysfunction and the process of applying standard SUD treatment to people with executive function difficulty   Presenter Information Dr. Sparadeo began his career as the Director of the Mayor’s Task Force on Substance Abuse in the City of Providence, R.I. and he was also the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Providence Mental Health Center at that same time. After creating a system of clinical services for the City of Providence he was appointed as CEO of Talbot House. Talbot House was the largest residential substance abuse treatment facility in New England. Dr. Sparadeo then completed his doctoral studies with a residency at the Boston V.A. Medical Center followed by a 2-year fellowship at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital (RIH). The focus of his clinical training was neuropsychology and chronic pain. He completed his fellowship and was appointed to the Brown University School of Medicine faculty and the Rhode Island Hospital medical staff in the position of Director of Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Sparadeo trained numerous interns and fellows at Brown University. As Director of Rehabilitation Psychology, Dr. Sparadeo created the first comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for survivors of traumatic brain injury. After 8 years in his position at RIH Dr. Sparadeo was appointed National Director of Substance Abuse and TBI rehabilitation services at New Medico Health Systems in Boston, Massachusetts. He created inpatient substance abuse treatment programs in 8 rehabilitation facilities throughout the U.S. He returned to RIH and Brown University to become the director of the Concussion Care Center in the Emergency Department at RIH. He was also the chief clinical consultant to the Trauma Center and Stepdown Unit, and he was the co-director of the Interdisciplinary Spine Center in the Neurosurgery Department at RIH for 5 years before opening a private practice specializing in the neuropsychological assessment, pain assessment and pain management. He developed a specialized substance abuse treatment program for people with both TBI and substance abuse. Eventually, he developed a specialized treatment program for people with chronic pain and opiate addiction. Over the many years of his career Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant to many agencies and healthcare programs throughout the U.S. He has also served on numerous boards of directors. He was the founder and president of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. He was also the Chairman of the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on TBI. He was also a member of the national committee on substance abuse and disability at SAMHSA in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant and chief trainer on a federally funded grant at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Dr. Sparadeo’s career has also included the publication of many scientific papers and book chapters, and he has been on the faculty of Salve Regina University graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling where he teaches the Neuroscience of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness, Psychopharmacology for Counselors and the Neuroscience of Opioid Abuse. Video Link This training is a collaboration between Mid-America ATTC, Mountain Plains ATTC, and NASHIA.

  Participants in this webinar will be able to name ways addiction impacts the maternal and infant brain, identify prevention strategies, describe the significance of attachment parenting to promote infant resilience, and discuss the risk of inherited genetics. 

The May 2021 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: New Buprenorphine Practice Guidelines & National Trauma Awareness Month | Mental Health: National Mental Health Awareness Month | Prevention: National Prevention Week 2021 & HIV Prevention | ORN: Fighting Stigma | Spotlight: Queer Affirming Therapy and DEA's Community Outreach Section. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated bi-monthly on the first Tuesday. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter, [email protected]. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.

As we enter National Trauma Awareness Month, I’d like to pause for a moment to consider what we know about the families of individuals living with substance use disorders… and more importantly what we don’t know. Numbers and trends: In 2019 there were 70,630 deaths attributed to overdose[i]. Estimating accurate numbers of all non-fatal overdoses in the community is challenging – we can only track what is reported/treated. We can estimate the number of nonfatal overdoses treated in emergency departments (EDs) – approximately 967,615 in 2017[ii]. Since COVID-19 started, the numbers of suspected opioid and stimulant related overdoses being treated in EDs is up despite general trends of people delaying or avoiding care in EDs due to the pandemic[iii]. For both overdose deaths and nonfatal overdoses treated in EDs the highest rates were amongst adults ages 25-54, prime periods for parenting children, adolescents, and young adults.   Sadly, we do not know how many of those individuals experiencing overdoses were parents – to my knowledge that data is not being collected. Research on the impacts of substance use on families continues to fall frustratingly behind in research, national discussions, and policy initiatives[iv]. Why should we fill these gaps in data and policy? Data tells us its badly needed. Children and adolescents who grow up in households with substance misuse are at a higher risk for: developing mental health problems iv using substances in general and develop substance use disorders iv accidental opioid poisoning iv experiencing overdoses themselves[v] … and parental substance continues to rise as a contributing factor for child removal and CPS involvement[vi]. Add to the experience of courtesy stigma -  the idea that some people avoid or distance themselves from family members of those living with substance use disorders – and the outlook seems bleak for the young people in our systems of care. BUT…. We also have a lot of promising data on how we can support the families of people living with SUDs. What can we do? We can work with families to foster resilience and connections. Resilience involves maintaining flexibility and balance in life as you deal with stressful circumstances and traumatic events. Some ways to foster resilience include: Allowing for the experience strong emotions, and also realizing when they may need to avoid experiencing them at times in order to continue functioning. Stepping forward and taking action to deal with problems and meet the demands of daily living, and also stepping back to rest and reenergize. Spending time with loved ones to gain support and encouragement, and also nurturing themselves. Supporting efforts to make connections – strengthening old connections and developing new, positive ones Perspective taking including looking beyond the current stressors to a more hopeful future, looking at setbacks and relapses as learning experiences, and nurturing positive self-images and moving beyond stigmatizing labels applied to them and family members Modeling and encouraging relying on others, and also relying on themselves. Adopting a spirit of experimentation including trying a variety of coping skills, relaxation strategies and self-care practices to see which are the best fit for that individual For more information on fostering resilience check out the resources shared by the American Psychological Association and PositivePsychology.com. We can also be more inclusive of families in our systems by reflecting on and addressing stigma in our individual approaches to working with people and in our organizations: Include the voices of families and natural supports in policy in planning Adopt a recovery-orientation in organizational mission, vision, values, hiring practices, and training Practice intentional self-reflection about our own implicit biases and use that awareness to avoid missteps and take corrective measures Promote collaboration with families and natural supports in treatment planning and implementation Offer supports to families either by developing capacity in your organization or by developing a network of providers to refer to and collaborate with Provide education about substance use, addiction and recovery with materials adapted to be developmentally appropriate for children, adolescents and young adults Create a welcoming environment for service participants and their families Collect data to support systems level advocacy Working in our field is beautifully challenging because we cannot treat symptoms like substance use in isolation. Substance use occurs within the context of life lived in a body filled with thoughts, feelings and physical sensations, in a family, in a community, in an environment, in a society. While it may seem daunting to adopt a holistic approach that includes addressing the needs of the whole person in the context of their lives, this approach works. When we foster resilience and connection, we have the potential to start a ripple effect where our services’ impacts move beyond the individuals in care to their families, to future generations, to communities. We do this work as a community of providers to support our own resilience. We are in this together. By Kristen Wright, M.S., LCPC, Central East ATTC contributor About the author: Kris has been working full time in the behavioral health field since 2007, beginning with supportive and interdisciplinary services. She received her independent license as a therapist in 2011. Her licenses allow her to provide mental health counseling and therapy in Virginia and Maryland to individuals, families and groups. She is experienced working with adults of all ages and adolescents living with behavioral health concerns including mood disorders, substance-related disorders, and trauma histories. Kris has seen that everyone faces challenges in life that can impact their mental health. She is passionate about helping her clients renew hope and get excited about life again. Many of them have challenges with anxiety, depression, low motivation, post-traumatic stress, interpersonal problems, substance use getting in the way of day to day life, and work/school related issues. Regardless of the situations they are dealing with, she teaches her clients practical tools that everyone can use to improve their mental health, enjoy life and increase resiliency. Kris’ work is holistic and person-centered. She uses the best evidence-supported behavioral health interventions, identifies and addresses the impacts and influences of all areas of a person’s life on their mental and behavioral health. Her approach has a special focus on employment, somatic, environmental and cultural factors. Her practice includes interventions from Cognitive and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapies, Motivational Interviewing, Person-Centered Care Planning, Mind-Body Practices and Vocational Supports. In addition to work as a clinical therapist and as a trainer and consultant, Kris is honored to facilitate workshops for the American Red Cross’ Services to the Armed Forces serving service members, veterans, caregivers and families. She teaches Reconnections Workshops in Adult, Child and Mind Body modules providing psychoeducation, early identification of behavioral health symptoms, connections to resources, resiliency building, and health and wellness practices. She also teaches weekly yoga and mindfulness classes at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center at the inpatient behavioral health unit, Traumatic Brain Injury (TBI) unit, and cancer unit. Kris specializes in yoga for behavioral health and wellness, with training in Inner Power Yoga, Mindful Yoga Therapy, and Yin Yoga.  Visit her website: https://kriswrightwellness.com/ [i] Hedegaard H, Miniño AM, & Warner M. (2020).  Drug overdose deaths in the United States, 1999–2019. NCHS Data Brief, no 394. Hyattsville, MD: National Center for Health Statistics. https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/databriefs/db394-H.pdf [ii] Vivolo-Kantor AM, Hoots BE, Scholl L, et al. (2020).  Nonfatal Drug Overdoses Treated in Emergency Departments — United States, 2016–2017. MMWR Morb Mortal Wkly Rep 2020;69:371–376. DOI: http://dx.doi.org/10.15585/mmwr.mm6913a3external icon. [iii] Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. (2021, February 16). Suspected Nonfatal Drug Overdoses during COVID-19. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/drugoverdose/data/nonfatal/states/covid-19.html.  [iv] Winstanley, E. L., & Stover, A. N. (2019). The Impact of the Opioid Epidemic on Children and Adolescents. Clinical Therapeutics, 41(9), 1655–1662. https://doi-org.proxy-hs.researchport.umd.edu/10.1016/j.clinthera.2019.06.003 [v] Khan, N. F., Bateman, B. T., Landon, J. E., & Gagne, J. J. (2019). Association of Opioid Overdose With Opioid Prescriptions to Family Members. JAMA Internal Medicine, 179(9), 1186–1192. [vi] National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare. (n.d.). Child Welfare and Alcohol & Drug Use Statistics. Child Welfare and Alcohol & Drug Use Statistics | National Center on Substance Abuse and Child Welfare (NCSACW). https://ncsacw.samhsa.gov/research/child-welfare-and-treatment-statistics.aspx.

The purpose of this FREE series is to spark a shift in perspective among health care staff as it relates to pregnant and parenting families experiencing substance use disorder. The ultimate goal is that families experiencing SUD will be met with compassion and understanding and receive care that is grounded in recovery-oriented values and principles. Download the training flyer to learn more about this 3-session learning series and to register!

This three-part series will focus on the principles of harm reduction and its strategies to advance holistic services for individuals with substance use disorder (SUDs). Research indicates that harm reduction programs are evidence-based public health strategies designed to prevent overdose deaths, infectious disease, sexually transmitted infections, pregnancies, and injection drug use. For example, expanding access to naloxone for individuals using opioids is considered a harm reduction strategy. Specifically, this webinar series will include: an overview of the principles of harm reduction and their application in a harm reduction center; the importance of engaging law enforcement especially in rural areas and co-responder models; and a panel of experts discussing their expertise in offering harm reduction strategies in their service delivery as well as a consumer of harm reduction services.   Session One March 30, 2021, from noon to 1:00 MT, will feature Lisa Raville, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in Denver, CO. Ms. Raville will provide an overview of the principles of harm reduction.   The learning objectives include: -An examination of the principles and evidence for the application of harm reduction strategies. -The role of harm reduction programs in eliminating stigma and shame. -Strategies to work cross-systems to advance harm reduction. -Data from a recent survey of healthcare workers.   Video Link Session Two April 13, 2021, from noon to 1:00 MT, will feature Chief Rick Brandt, Chief of Police in Evans, CO. Chief Brandt will provide content specific to engagement with law enforcement in harm reduction to include:  -Strategies to educate law enforcement on harm reduction in rural communities. -Content on how to implement harm reduction in a PD and the leadership strategies employed. -The role of law enforcement in working cross-system to prevent overdose deaths. -Application of co-responder models. Video Link   Session Three April 27, 2021, from noon to 1:30 MT, will feature a panel discussion to include the following panelists: (1) Lisa Raville, Executive Director of the Harm Reduction Action Center in CO, (2) Chris Harsell, ATTC Technical Trainer and Medical Director for Spectra Health in ND, (3) Gabriela Zapata-Alma, Director of Policy and Practice on Domestic Violence and Substance Use for the National Center on Domestic Violence, Trauma, and Mental Health in Chicago, Il, (4) and a consumer of harm reduction services. The focus will be on: -Responding to questions surrounding implementation strategies. -Community and consumer benefits of harm reduction services. -How harm reduction can be employed in any agency. Video Link

The New England ATTC co-hosted the Recovery Science and Harm Reduction (RSHR) Reading Group meeting on May 20, 2021 from 12:30 PM to 1:30 PM. This discussion reviewed the article, “Relational recovery: beyond individualism in the recovery approach.”  View the May 2021 RSHR Reading group meeting summary that includes a brief article summary and key themes that arose in discussion with the participants.

Starting with a background on suicide and the connection to traumatic brain injury (TBI), this presentation explores the relationship between suicide, TBI, and co-morbid substance use. After presenting some research-based findings, the speaker concludes with a discussion of the brain mechanisms that may mediate this relationship.    Learning Objectives: Provide a background on suicide and the connection to TBI Explore the relationship between TBI, suicide, and substance use Comment on mechanisms for this tri-directional relationship   Presenter Information: Dr. Peters is an Assistant Professor at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. An active clinician, teacher, and researcher, Dr. Peters sees patients in the Acquired Brain Injury Clinic and Memory and Alzheimer’s Treatment Center at Johns Hopkins Bayview. He has been internationally recognized for his research work and has received research funding from the National Institutes of Health, Department of Defense, and National Alzheimer's Coordinating Center. His research focuses on cognitive and other neuropsychiatric symptoms following traumatic brain injury with a specific focus on traumatic brain injury in older adults. This product is a collaboration between Mid-America and Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center, and the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA)   Traumatic Brain Injury Substance Use Disorder and Suicide

The Mountain Plains and Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs) are proud to partner with the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators (NASHIA) to present seven virtual trainings focused on the significant intersection between brain injury and addiction. The trainings consist of an introductory session followed by six special topic webinars. Special topics will include the intersection of brain injury with addictions, intimate partner violence, suicide, as well as special considerations for individual and group therapy. The final session will be focused on the introduction of a Brain Injury and Addictions Toolkit.   Domestic violence is a complex public health issue with a widespread impact on individuals, communities, and society. Many survivors of abuse also struggle with substances. This presentation will introduce the role of domestic violence and other abusive tactics—specifically mental health and substance use coercion--as additional drivers of substance misuse and addiction. To add another layer of complexity, a critically important consequence of domestic violence has been hidden in plain sight for decades—brain injury. This webinar will share what we have learned from groundbreaking research in Ohio on the intersection of brain injury and domestic violence, as well as a service provision framework called CARE (Connect, Acknowledge, Respond, Evaluate). You will leave with tools to assist you in raising awareness and addressing partner-inflicted brain injury in your services and help you better support the unique needs of people impacted by domestic violence, brain injury, and addiction.   Describe at least three ways that domestic violence can contribute to the substance misuse challenges and addiction. Learn how to use the CARE framework as a guide for working with people experiencing a brain injury, domestic violence, and addiction. Identify resources (including CARE tools) to assist you in educating, identifying, and accommodating for brain injury in your programming.   Presenter: Rachel Ramirez, MA, MSW, LISW-S, RA Rachel Ramirez is the Founder and Director of The Center on Partner-Inflicted Brain Injury, a project of the Ohio Domestic Violence Network (ODVN). Rachel is currently directing the Center’s first federal grant from the Office on Violence Against Women to increase collaboration and develop training and services for the brain injury, domestic violence, and sexual assault fields. Over the past 13 years at ODVN, Rachel has led multiple statewide initiatives on trauma-informed approaches as well as other topics. She has trained hundreds of audiences and co-authored Trauma-Informed Approaches: Promising Practices and Protocols for Ohio’s Domestic Violence Programs, as well as peer-reviewed journal articles in the Journal of Family Violence and the Journal of Aggression, Maltreatment and Trauma. Rachel is a bilingual licensed independent social worker and a registered advocate with senior standing in Ohio. Video Link

The New England ATTC, in partnership with the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals (NEARCP), continues to offer a bi-monthly targeted technical assistance series for justice professionals to advance the treatment of persons with or at risk of substance use disorders involved the justice system. The latest training session titled, "The Science of Bias: How Cognition and Motivation Impact Judgment - Part 2" presented by Keith B. Maddox, Ph.D. was held on March 31st at 12PM EST. This session considered social psychological strategies to reduce bias, discussed the impact of such strategies on decision-making and outcomes, and explored ways these risk reduction strategies might be implemented in organizational contexts.

The New England ATTC, in partnership with the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals (NEARCP), continues to offer a bi-monthly targeted technical assistance series for justice professionals to advance the treatment of persons with or at risk of substance use disorders involved the justice system. The latest training session titled, "The Science of Bias: How Cognition and Motivation Impact Judgment - Part 2" presented by Keith B. Maddox, Ph.D. was held on March 31st at 12PM EST. This session considered social psychological strategies to reduce bias, discussed the impact of such strategies on decision-making and outcomes, and explored ways these risk reduction strategies might be implemented in organizational contexts.

This training session and panel discussion were provided to the Fargo-Moorehead YWCA, and their partners, in response to a technical assistance request received by the Mountain Plains Mental Health Technology Transfer Center and Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center. Panel Discussion: Trauma in the Context of Interpersonal Violence: A Systems Response Marvis Doster, CARN, Tracy Evanson, Ph.D., Chris Harsell, ANP, Thomasine Heitkamp, LCSW, Kim Miller, LMAC/LPCC, and Maridee Shogren. This panel will explore the intersection of trauma, substance use, and intimate partner violence and share decades of experience providing substance use and mental health services to individuals with a history of trauma and intimate partner violence. The new product Rural Intimate Partner Violence Survivors and Substance Use Disorders: Implications for SUD Treatment and Recovery Providers will be unveiled.

  The Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Southeast ATTC) is preparing an in-depth monograph on the power of spirituality in SUD recovery, scheduled for release in Summer, 2021. Meant for treatment, recovery, and faith audiences, the monograph will offer data on effectiveness, wisdom from history, and an abundance of suggestions for treatment, recovery, and faith leaders. Meanwhile, we are releasing two issue briefs, each offering a look at one facet of the monograph.   Written by: Pamela Woll, MA, CPS Document Design by: Celene Craig, MPH, MS Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (January 2021)  

Mary McCarty-Arias, M.A. Research Project Manager Division of Substance Use Disorders New York State Psychiatric Institute Department of Psychiatry, Columbia University Medical Center This course will introduce participants to stigma and discrimination around substance use disorders (SUDs). Other disabilities will be discussed, including mental health disorders and HIV. Participants will be able to reflect on their own practice and those used by their agencies.

      This virtual presentation is sponsored by the Southeast ATTC Regional Center and will focus on the reasons addiction is considered a disease, challenge some of the ideas about substance use disorders that are prevalent in many faith communities, and also honor some of the many wonderful, effective ways that faith communities can help individuals on their path towards recovery in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina. Treatment providers, peer support communities, and community-based organizations in Region 4 are encouraged to register for free.   1.    Verbalize the prevalence of substance use disorders in the general United States population,  2.    Identify four criteria of any disease, 3.    Articulate two reasons choice and will power alone are not an effective strategy for recovery, 4.    Describe two ways faith communities can help support recovery. ======================================     James E. Campbell, LPC, LAC, MAC, CACII has worked professionally in the human services field for over twenty-five years in a wide range of clinical settings, currently serving as the Training and Technical Assistance Manager for Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center.  His passion is helping individuals and families heal and build on the strengths they possess.  He’s a member of both NAADAC and ACA and is a past president of APSC/SCAADAC.  James is a nationally recognized, author and speaker. 

The New England Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC), and the New England Association of Recovery Court Professionals (NEARCP), hosted a new webinar for criminal justice professionals.This interactive presentation with subject matter expert, Dr. Keith Maddox, explored the science of implicit bias, discussed the challenges it presents for decision-making, and considered strategies to mitigate its impact. Here you can find the recording of the webinar, "The Science of Bias: How Cognition and Motivation Impact Judgment."