In this discussion, we will delve into the ways in which exercise can facilitate positive change in recovery from addiction. This will include a discussion of the mechanisms through which exercise can enhance brain health and neuroplasticity, and support the neural conditions for behaviour change. We will also consider how exercise is implicated in reducing stress and feelings of anxiety and depression, whilst bolstering self-esteem. We know that social support is a crucial factor in recovery from addiction and we will consider how exercise can create opportunities for social interaction and enhance interpersonal functioning. As recovery from addiction often involves a shift towards a new sense of self, we will also explore the transformative role that exercise can provide in recovery and identity. Finally, we will assess the risks of cross-addiction as applied to the relationship between exercise and recovery.
Psychotherapists are invited to attend a plenary session featuring Dr. Scott Miller, a distinguished expert in behavioral and addiction medicine. In this session, Dr. Miller will discuss the concept of deliberate practice and its potential to improve therapeutic effectiveness in addiction treatment. Attendees will learn about strategies for self-assessment, feedback, and skill development, with practical examples and real-world case studies. The session will also include a 15-minute Q&A session for attendees to engage in interactive discussions with Dr. Miller. This informative and inspiring plenary session offers practical tools and insights to enhance the quality of care for clients and patients, making it an invaluable opportunity for psychotherapists to learn from one of the leading experts in the field of behavioral and addiction medicine at the APBAM Conference.
11:45 - 12:45
Panel Discussion: Specialist Perspectives on Addiction Treatment
Embark on a thought-provoking journey with our esteemed panel of experts as we delve into critical topics shaping addiction management. Join us as we explore dilemmas in community addiction treatment, including treating clients under the influence versus advocating sobriety-first approaches. Discover insights into handling resistant inpatient cases and navigating legal and ethical information-sharing challenges in addiction care. Gain valuable perspectives, exchange ideas, and uncover innovative strategies for managing addiction across diverse clinical and educational settings.
12:45 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 17:30
Track 1-A: Trauma Therapy Workshop: Tools and Techniques
Join esteemed trauma therapists Dr. Zoe Wyatt and Dr. Terry Spokes in this comprehensive workshop on trauma therapy. Explore the intricacies of hotspots, cognitive restructuring, and reliving techniques as you delve into the realm of trauma healing. Through interactive exercises, case studies, and expert guidance, Dr. Wyatt and Dr. Spokes will provide invaluable insights and practical strategies to address trauma hotspots, reframe cognitive patterns, and facilitate the transformative process of reliving traumatic experiences. Expand your expertise in trauma therapy and gain new tools to support individuals on their journey to healing and recovery. Don't miss this exceptional opportunity to learn from Dr. Zoe Wyatt and Dr. Terry Spokes, leading experts in the field of trauma therapy.
14:00 - 17:30
Track 1-B: Co-Occurring Disorders: Where Addictions and Mental Health Meet
This workshop will address the challenges of treating individuals with co-occurring disorders in addiction. Specifically, it will provide psychotherapists with best practices for assessing and treating clients with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. Practitioners will gain valuable insight into how to effectively assess and treat clients with co-occurring disorders, including the importance of integrated treatment approaches that address both conditions simultaneously. Topics covered in this workshop will include medication-assisted treatment, cognitive-behavioral therapy, trauma-informed care, and relapse prevention strategies. Attendees will leave with a deeper understanding of how to effectively support clients with co-occurring in their journey towards recovery.
Join us for an engaging Scientific Breakout Track featuring paper and poster presentations showcasing the latest research in the field of behavioral and addiction medicine. With a diverse range of topics, including neurobiology of addiction, behavioral interventions, pharmacological treatments, co-occurring disorders, mental health and addiction, and more, this track promises to offer valuable insights from leading experts and researchers from around the world. In addition, there will be a half-hour tea break where you can network with fellow attendees and discuss the presentations. Don't miss this opportunity to stay updated with the latest advancements in the field and expand your knowledge through the Scientific Breakout Track - Paper/Poster Presentations. Join us to enrich your understanding of the field and enhance your professional practice.
Immerse yourself in the realm of academic inquiry as Dr. Munidasa Winslow, an esteemed authority in the field, unravels the intricate interplay between neuroscience, ADHD, and addictions. Drawing upon cutting-edge research and scholarly insights, this enlightening session will delve into the neurobiological underpinnings of these complex phenomena. From elucidating the neural mechanisms to exploring diagnostic paradigms and evidence-based interventions, attendees will gain a profound understanding of the intricate relationship between ADHD and addictions from a rigorous academic perspective. Prepare to expand your knowledge and engage in scholarly discourse that uncovers the profound implications of neuroscience in the realm of mental health.
10:15 - 10:45
Tea Break
10:45 - 11:45
The importance of social networks and social identity in supporting recovery from addiction
Our social relationships are a central pillar of our lives. The social groups we belong to inform our sense of who we are (our social identity), provide social support, and influence our behaviour, personality, values, preferences and beliefs. Research has found that our social connections and social identity have a major impact on our health and wellbeing, and can influence pathways into and out of addiction. In this talk, we explore how social identity and social networks can be harnessed to support recovery, and how social world mapping can be easily incorporated into clinical practice as a valuable tool for engagement and intervention.
11:45 - 12:30
Navigating the Path: Embracing Harm Reduction in Addiction Recovery
Join us for a transformative keynote presentation exploring the vital role of harm reduction approaches in addiction. We will delve into the compassionate strategies and innovative solutions that prioritise saving lives and promoting health over stigmatisation and punishment. Discover how harm reduction not only addresses immediate risks but also fosters long-term healing and community resilience. Learn and discover ways we can empower change, challenge stereotypes, and build a future where everyone affected by addiction receives the support and respect they deserve.
12:45 - 14:00
Lunch
14:00 - 17:30
Track 2-A: Navigating the ADHD Mind - Tools and Techniques for Enhancing Executive Functioning
This workshop is designed for those seeking to explore the intricate relationship between executive functioning and ADHD. Tailored for clinicians, educators, and individuals with ADHD, this session delves into understanding executive functioning and its relation to ADHD, while discovering strategies and interventions to enhance daily functioning and unlocking potential in individuals with ADHD.
Led by Moonlake Lee, Founder of Unlocking ADHD, and Nicole Chen, Clinical Neuropsychologist and ADHD Coach, this engaging workshop will cover topics including organization, time management, self-regulation, behavior management, and creating supportive environments. Through case studies and interactive discussions, attendees will gain valuable insights into the lived experiences and real-life challenges of individuals with ADHD. This workshop will equip you with valuable knowledge and practical tools to enhance the lives of those affected by ADHD.
14:00 - 17:30
Track 2-B: Addressing stigma in addiction treatment - the power of stories
Addiction is one of the most stigmatised health conditions worldwide, and stigma is a major barrier to treatment entry and treatment provision. With rising addiction-related harms worldwide, it is critical that we understand the drivers of stigma and how it affects treatment and policy. In this workshop, we will discuss how addiction-related stigma is framed and perpetuated, the impact of structural stigma on delivering evidence-based treatment, and how it is enacted within healthcare settings. We will explore the role of public and internalised stigma on help-seeking and family support, examine the effectiveness of stigma-reduction campaigns and interventions, and discuss what role we can all play in reducing stigma within our services and communities.
14:00 - 17:30
Track 2-C: Psychodrama - Using Future Projections to Visualise a Sober Life
It can be a real challenge for our clients to imagine a better future. A Future Projection is a powerful experiential structure that allows clients to step into their own future to imagine the life they want and explore how to get there. Creating a more hopeful future helps clients stay motivated and engaged in therapy.
You will learn:
1. The steps to guiding clients to envision and embody a more hopeful future.
2. Techniques such as timelines, sculpting and interviewing to help clients step fully into their future scene.
3. How to identify and concretize obstacles and resources.