11th Annual Addictions Conference: 

Inclusive Recovery: Addressing Diversity and Co-occurring Disorders

Pricing and Registration Info Click Here 

Date:  October 10, 2024

Location:  The Westin Wilmington
818 Shipyard Drive
Wilmington, DE 19801

Course Descriptions and Learning Objectives 

Collaborating at the Intersection of Addiction and Holistic Care
Mita M. Johnson, Ed.D, LPC, LMFT, LAC, MAC, SAP, ACS, LMFT-S, BCTHP

Addiction is a multifaceted disorder that affects the whole person composed of biological, psychological, emotional, cultural, and relational facets. Dr. Mita Johnson advocates for a whole person approach that engages the interconnected dimensions that contribute to the development and persistence of addictive behaviors. This holistic approach unpacks the unique needs of the clients, promoting long term recovery and functional wellness. Informed by current research and cases, this presentation encourages treatment and recovery support interventions that lead to health-promoting outcomes and a higher quality of life. 

Learning Objectives:

• Explore the primary facets of the person in order to incorporate each facet in treatment planning and recovery support;
• Discuss the role of context in the development of the addiction and the role of context in choosing appropriate interventions; and
• Analyze individual characteristics of the client (strengths and areas for growth) that can be employed at different developmental stages to support treatment and recovery.

An Integrated Approach for Older Adults with Co-occuring Disorders
Wendy Insalaco, LCADC, LCPC

Our community of older adults is growing at a fast pace. According to the 2020 Census, there are a 55.8 million people over the age of 65 in the United States. The prevalence of substance use disorders among older adults is also increasing. Today, 37% of seniors who have a substance use disorder also have a mental health condition. This presentation discusses rising concerns about co-occuring disorders amongst older adults and the risks of senior substance use. An integrated approach for assessing and addressing the unique needs of this population presented. 

Learning Objectives:

• Recognize the prevalence of co-occurring disorders amongst older adults
• Identify the benefits of an integrated approach for older adults with co-occuring disorders.
• Describe recommendations for an integrated approach to serve older adults with co-occuring disorders including assessment, treatment planning, clinical interventions, peer support, and environment of care considerations.
• Identify screening tools validated for use with older adults

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Decreasing Treatment Disparities in African Americans with Opioid Use Disorder
Dr. Aliya Jones, MD, MBA

This presentation will delve into the pressing issue of treatment disparities for African Americans with opioid use disorders. It will begin by outlining the scope of the problem, highlighting the significant barriers to treatment that this community faces, including stigma, race-based stigma, and discriminatory systemic barriers. The discussion will cover treatment and outcome disparities and the pervasive impact of structural racism on access to high-quality care.

Learning Objectives:

• Summarize 2-3 treatment disparities experienced by African Americans with opioid disorders such as stigma, race-based stigma, and systemic discrimination
• Describe 2-3 systemic impacts created by structural racism and their role in perpetuating disparities
• List 2-3 benefits of using methadone and buprenorphine to treat opioid use disorders in African American clients

Introduction to Tai Chi and Qigong for Reducing Stress and Managing Addictions
Mary Pinkard, BS

Qigong for Stress Management for Addiction Mary Pinkard, Qigong Instructor for the Nova Institute for Health, and former instructor at the University of Maryland Medical School. This presentation on Qigong will demonstrate the ways in which this ancient health practice can be used as another choice for enhancing and balancing the mind, body and spirit in stress reduction. Qigong is both a moving and stationary meditation that opens meridians, massages internal organs, lengthens and strengthens the musculoskeletal systems. Qigong is beneficial for persons with substance use disorders, as well as those supporting them. Complimentary to the Qigong practice the effective and restorative use of sound will be integral part of the experience. 

Mary will begin by sharing her  own personal journey including the negative impact of family addiction issues and dealing with chronic pain.

Learning Objectives:

• Explain 2-3 components of Tai Chi and Qigong as an option for reducing stress, managing addictions and improving well-being in regards to the speaker's own personal story related to the negative impact of addictions on her own health and how these practices have helped her cope

• Select 2-3 activities that can be utilized from the practice segment to assist in the management of their own personal health or that of others to reduce stress and manage addictions.

• List 2-3 resources and demonstrate how to reduce stress through breathing techniques, intentions, and time-tested movements, to activate the Sympathetic Nervous System, reduce blood pressure, improve sleep and balance.

  ​*Please note: This session is not accredited for NASW continuing education contact hours.

Providing Culturally Affirmative Services for LGBTQ+ Individuals 
Philip McCabe, CSW, CAS, DRCC

Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual or Transgender Individuals have faced a variety of challenges in seeking healthcare. Sexuality minority individuals are often underserved or subject to inequitable or discriminatory practices in health care. They can also be reluctant to disclose their sexual orientation, behavior, gender non-conformity, or same sex relationship status with providers based on previous experiences with heterosexism, judgment, discrimination, alienation or mistrust. Providers need to understand the complexity of sexual identity and gender expression in working with LGBTQI individuals. 

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe the differences between sexual behavior and orientation, the developmental stages of sexual orientation identity formation, including the coming out process.
• Participants will be able to distinguish the differences between sexual orientation, gender expressions and gender identity experience.
• Participants will be able to identify appropriate interventions for a range of special issues facing sexual minority communities.

Join us for a day of learning, networking, and growth as we work together to advance inclusive recovery practices. Whether you are a seasoned professional or new to the field, this conference will provide you with the knowledge and tools needed to make a significant impact in the lives of those you serve. 

Speaker Bios

Mita M. Johnson, Ed.D, LPC, LMFT, LAC, MAC, SAP, ACS, LMFT-S, BCTHP has been practicing in the world of mental health, marriage and family, and addictions counseling for 33 years. She earned her Doctorate in Counselor Education and Supervision and is a core faculty member in the School of Counseling program at Walden University. In addition, she has a thriving private practice where she provides clinical supervision, counseling services, and addiction-specific training and education. Mita is involved in regulatory and credentialing activities in Colorado and regional workforce recruitment and retention initiatives. She has been an active member of NAADAC for over 17 years, serves on the Ethics Committee, and began her two-year term as NAADAC’s Immediate Past-President in October 2022. Mita is a scientist (biologist) who is passionate about the quality of services delivered to clients.

Wendy Insalaco, LCADC, LCPC joined Ashley Treatment in 2011 and serves as Director of Quality and Model of Care. She holds a Master of Science degree in clinical psychology and is a doctoral candidate pursuing a PhD in psychology with specialization in substance-related and addictive disorders. Wendy is a Licensed Clinical Alcohol and Drug Counselor and a Licensed Clinical Professional Counselor. She is also a member of the International Deliberate Practice Society, Licensed Auricular Detoxification Specialist, MIR-trained meditation facilitator, Certified Co-occuring Disorders Professional, Certified Clinical Supervisor, Advanced Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist, Registered Peer Supervisor, and CCAR Recovery Coach Academy Trainer. As Director of Quality and Model of Care, Wendy oversees the administration of services (Model of Care) for Ashley Addiction Treatment. This Mode of Care outlines best practice and aims to ensure that evidence-based interventions are delivered with fidelity to maximize treatment outcomes. 

Dr. Aliya Jones, MD, MBA , the inaugural Executive medical Director of Behavioral Health at Luminis Health, overseas all aspects of the Behavioral Health Service Line, including strategy, operations, and education. She previously served as Deputy Secretary for the Behavioral Health Administration of the Maryland Department of Health, where she managed the state's Public Behavioral Health System during the COVID-19 pandemic. As Deputy Secretary Dr. Jones's leadership was pivotal in advancing crisis services, behavioral health equity, and peer recovery initiatives. 

Mary Pinkard, BS has expertise in multiple wellness domains. She has studied under Qigong experts Dr. Kevin Chen from the University of Maryland, Daisy Lee, and Lee Holden. She is certified as a Level II Professional with the National Qigong Association. She also holds certificates in Yoga and Tai Chi. Mary teaches Qigong classes locally and has worked on wellness projects with GBMC, McDaniel College, University of MD Medical School, The Tuerk Conference, The Anne Arundel County Department of Social Services, St. Joesph's Hospital, The Insitute for Integrative Health, and Walter Reed Hospital. She continues her affiliations with the American Aerobics and Fitness Association, National Qigonog Association, and the American Dowsers Association. She has a degree in Music Education from Skidmore College and a graduate degree in Early Childhood Education from Towson University. the integration of music and wellness education influence her practice and teaching.

Philip McCabe, CSW, CAS, DRCC is a Certified Social Worker, Nationally Certified Addiction Specialist in the areas of Compulsive Gambling, Sexual Addiction, Alcoholism, Tobacco, and Other Drugs. And a Disaster Response Crisis Counselor. He works at Rutgers University School of Public Health as a Health Education Specialist and an adjunct instructor for Rutgers School of Nursing/ He currently is the President of NALGAP The Association of Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Addiction Professionals and Their Allies.

Patrick Mattix has worked in the field of Behavioral Health for 9 years and counting. His experience includes working in both Mental Health and Substance Abuse. From managing Psychiatric Rehabilitation Programs across the State of Maryland to developing Case Management and Discharge Planning programs for individuals who participate in Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment, his experience working with challenging populations has always appealed to him throughout his professional career. He also has worked for a Drug Court in Maryland and currently serves as the Recovery Support Services Manager for the Cecil County Health Department and oversees a 24/7 Crisis Response Program called CATCH, a Harm Reduction Program called Harmony, SPED–An initiative that puts Peers in the hospital meeting people bedside who struggle with substance abuse, providing appropriate supports and referrals to care. In addition, he provides direct support to a multi-agency Overdose Survivor Outreach initiative that the Health Department participates in, including targeted data collection.

Registration Rates:

Accreditation Information

Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners 
Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. is authorized by the Board of Social Work Examiners in Maryland to sponsor social work continuing education learning activities and maintains full responsibility for this program. This training qualifies for 6.5 Category 1 continuing education credits.

AMA PRA Category 1™ Credits: Physicians
Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. is accredited by MedChi, The Maryland State Medical Society, to provide continuing medical education for physicians. The Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. designates this live activity for a maximum of 6.5 AMA PRA Category 1™ Credits. Physicians should claim only the credit commensurate with the extent of their participation in the activity.

6.5 NBCC Credit Hours

The Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. has been approved by NBCC as an Approved Continuing Education Provider ACEP No. 6140. Programs that do not qualify for NBCC credit are clearly identified. The Chesapeake Health Education Program, Inc. is solely responsible for all aspects of the program.

Relevant Financial Relationships: Mita M. Johnson, Wendy Insalaco, Dr, Aliya Jones, Mary Pinkard, and Philip Mcabe, authors and presentors of this educational activity, have no relevant financial relationship(s) with ineligible companies to disclose. None of the planners for this educational activity have relevant financial relationship(s) to disclose with ineligible companies whose primary business is producing, marketing, selling, re-selling, or distributing healthcare products used by or on patients. 

Target Audience: This conference is geared towards the following disciplines: addiction counselors, certified counselors, nurses, physicians, physician assistants, psychologists, social workers, and students. Targeted audience does not guarantee specific discipline credit; please review the above continuing education section for full CEU listing. 

Instructional Level of the Activity:  Intermediate

Educational Methods Used: Lecture, PowerPoint Presentation, Video, Case Study

Cancelation Policy:

Free cancelations for the Addictions Conference must be made no later than September 1, 2024. Cancelations from September 1-24, 2024 are subject to a refund minus a $20 cancelation fee. No refund option will be available for cancelations made after September 24, 2024. No-show registrants will forfeit any payment made for the program. CHEP does not offer vouchers for cancelations for these conferences.

https://www.chepinc.org/education-credits/virtual-in-person-programs/

CHEP’s Grievance Procedure:  https://www.chepinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2018/07/Grievance-Procedure-revised-7-27-2018.pdf

Virtual Learning Policy and Procedure:  https://www.chepinc.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/CHEP-Virtual-Learning-Policy-and-Precedure.v421.pdf

Presented by:  Chesapeake Health Education Program (CHEP)

Address:  PO Box 229, Perryville, MD  21903

Questions:

Please contact CHEP at 667-454-0339 or email us at programs@chepinc.org