VAPA Hosts Seminar on Science of Addiction

Plus: Shatterproof’s upcoming fundraiser, a buprenorphine training module, and treatment jobs

By Darya Daneshmand

New & Next: Community

Vermont Seminar on Medical Model of Addiction

The Vermont Addiction Professionals Association (VAPA) will host the seminar “Science of Addiction & Addiction as a Disease: The Medical Model” on Sept. 30 from 9:00 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. EST. Attendees will learn about natural adaptive strategies of the central nervous system, key dopamine pathways, neuroplasticity, and neural receptors involved in tolerance and withdrawal relevant to SUDs and their treatment. Other topics include perspectives of the disease model of addiction and the impact of stigma on the acceptance of this model. Event trainer Christopher Bondi, M.D., has substantial experience in the field, including work in both inpatient and outpatient SUD treatment centers, teaching in hospitals, and his current work as an instructor for the Vermont Recovery Coach Academy and Recovery Vermont.

Annual Shatterproof Fundraiser

As a nonprofit working to put an end to stigma, Shatterproof will hold its 8th Annual Shatterproof Classic fundraiser on Sept. 20 from 10:30 a.m. to 7:15 p.m. in Wilton, Conn. As this year’s special guest, NBA analyst and ESPN radio host Jay Willams will share his recovery journey. Guests are invited to register here, and may choose from tickets of varying price points depending on how many events they wish to participate in that day, including group activities such as tennis, golf, pickleball and dinner. Shatterproof welcomes online donations for those who are unable to attend.

New & Next: Webinars

Informed Treatment for LGBTQ Populations

NAADAC, the Association for Addiction Providers, will stage the webinar “Advancing Awareness in LGBTQ Care, Part IV: Shaping Affirming Responses for Historically ‘Invisibilized’ LGBTQIA+ Populations” on Sept. 17 from noon to 1:30 p.m. EST. The event is to be presented by Raven E. Freeborn, LCSW, CNP, whose professional focus involves finding solutions for historically marginalized groups. Freeborn will cover approaches to clinical treatment models informed by knowledge of historical issues impacting the mental health of LGBTQIA+ populations, as well as how behavioral responses to stress and trauma are impacted by homophobia and transphobia. Register for the webinar here.

Free Buprenorphine Training Module

The American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) has just released a one-hour on-demand training module in collaboration with the American Medical Association (AMA) and Shatterproof for prescribers seeking to incorporate buprenorphine into treatment of opioid use disorder (OUD). Register here.

Youth Prevention Conference and Narrative Therapy

The Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation has two events in the coming days. The “Youth Prevention Conference: Building Healthy Futures and Bright Tomorrows,” taking place Sept. 21 from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. EST, will include interactive sessions with leaders in the prevention sphere, as well as the introduction of data, methodologies and best practices and techniques. Register here.

Hazelden’s webinar “How Narrative Therapy Strengthens Recovery” will take place the following day, Sept. 22, from 2:30 to 3:30 p.m. EST, covering topics including the importance of personal stories in recovery environments, and methodologies of collaborative and non-pathologizing narrative therapy. Registration is free.

New & Next: Job Opportunities

Cummins Behavioral Health

Cummins Behavioral Health Systems, Inc. is seeking a licensed therapist or recent graduate with a background in mental health care or social work to serve as an addictions therapist, either remotely or in person in Lebanon, Ind. The position involves conducting one-on-one therapy sessions and intensive outpatient treatment group therapy. Interested candidates should apply here.