Plus: Lesley Brooks honored as NCAD Champion; addiction treatment jobs; and webinars on ketamine and treating LGBTQ2S+ Native Americans
By Darya Daneshmand
New & Next: Media
Maia Szalavitz Shines a Light on Harm Reduction
Neuroscience journalist and bestselling author Maia Szalavitz has published a new book titled Undoing Drugs: The Untold Story of Harm Reduction and the Future of Addiction, an in-depth examination of the roots and growth of the harm reduction movement. The book is ambitious in scope, homing in on the implications of harm reduction on global health. Among Szalavitz’s previous books is the New York Times bestseller Unbroken Brain: A Revolutionary New Way of Understanding Addiction.
New & Next: Industry
NCAD West Champion: Lesley Brooks
Lesley Brooks, M.D., chief of addiction medicine for SummitStone Health Partners, recently was recognized as the National Conference on Addiction Disorders (NCAD) Champion for 2021 for her outstanding leadership in the addiction recovery field.
Brooks’ many accomplishments include leading a Sunrise Community Health team in establishing an opioid safety program, teaching providers about safe opioid prescribing practices and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) as the North Colorado Health Alliance’s assistant medical director, and developing a comprehensive MAT program for correctional facilities as co-chair of the Provider Education Work Group for the Colorado Consortium for Prescription Drug Abuse Prevention.
New & Next: Job Opportunities
Chicago Recovery Alliance
The Chicago Recovery Alliance (CRA) has launched a search for a candidate dedicated to harm reduction to fill the role of executive director. Leading protocol, outreach and prevention case management, monitoring financial operations, and heading up communications and marketing are among the primary responsibilities for the position. Interested candidates can apply by sending a resume and cover letter to Erica Ernst, president of CRA’s board of directors, at chicagorecoveryalliancebod@gmail.com, or calling her at 312-566-7069.
Harmony Foundation in Colorado
The nonprofit treatment center Harmony Foundation Inc. in Estes Park, Colo., is seeking a counselor to provide residential treatment services for those struggling with drug and alcohol addiction by conducting group and individual sessions with female clients. Eligible candidates can apply here and should have either (1) a bachelor’s degree in psychology or counseling and a certified addiction specialist designation or (2) a master’s degree in counseling, social work, or family therapy and counseling licensure in progress.
New & Next: Webinars
Integrating Medicine in Treating LGBTQ2S+ Native Americans
NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Professionals, will host the webinar “Advancing Awareness in LGBTQ Care, Part III: Working with LGBTQ2S+ Native American Clients” on Aug. 20 from 12:00 1:30 p.m. EST. Two presenters will discuss ways in which cultural competency can be incorporated into clinical practice with this population, including the integration of Western and Indigenous medical principles. Information about historical trauma and available resources will be provided as well. Registration for the event, which also will be available at a later time for on-demand viewing, is free.
Ketamine for Treating Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Presented by the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, “Ketamine: Risk or Relief for People with SUDs?” will dive into the risks and benefits of the use of the psychoactive drug ketamine, now an FDA-approved antidepressant, for those with substance use disorder. Hazelden’s chief medical officer, Marvin Seppala, M.D., will discuss the relevant research and pharmacological considerations during the event, which will take place on Aug. 25 at 2:30 p.m. EST. You can register here.
Photo: Iluha Zavaley
