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Ridgeview Professional Seminars

Treatment of Opiate Addiction:
Trends in Opiate Usage, Dependence, and Treatment

Chip Abernathy, LPC, CAC and Lori Albert-Walker, MSW

Friday, September 24, 2010, 9:30am - 12:45pm

Trends of opiate usage, addiction, and its treatment will be explored. A primary focus of the presentation will address how to incorporate principles of Gorski's Developmental Model of Recovery, and abstinence-based approach, in the treatment of opiate addiction. Due to the increasing prevalence of opiate addiction in young adults, a segment of the program will be devoted specifically to treatment of this population. Participants will be provided with methods for helping clients engage in a 12-step recovery program, as well as how to teach craving management and other relapse prevention skills.

Learning Objectives

Better understand and offer successful treatment approaches to young adult opiate addicts seeking recovery

Understand how abstinence-based treatment offers the best potential for recovery versus drug replacement / harm reduction (Suboxone and Methadone)

Utilize Gorski's Developmental Model of Recovery and advocacy of 12-step Programs (NA and some AA groups) to help clients seeking recovery from opiate dependence

Better understand and teach craving management and relapse prevention skills to clients in order to improve treatment outcome

Chip Abernathy, LPC, CAC is Program Coordinator of the Recovering Professionals Program at Ridgeview Institute. He has worked in addiction and psychiatric treatment for over 25 years. He holds a master's degree in psychology, is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Relapse Prevention Specialist through Gorski-CENAPS, a Certified Addiction Counselor, and a Certified Clinical Supervisor. He has provided training and consultation to both government and industry.

Lori Albert-Walker, MSW is the Clinical Coordinator of Ridgeview Institute's Young Adult Addiction Program. She was instrumental in the creation and development of this program. Lori has a master's degree in social work from Florida State University. She has worked with severely emotionally disturbed adolescents and their families since 1979 and has been at Ridgeview for the past 198 years. She is a songwriter and musician, often displaying this talent for the pleasure of staff and patients alike. Lori also holds a black belt in Okinawan Karate.

Cost:
Registration: $50 if postmarked or paid by September 17; $60 late registration. Lunch not included. Space is limited.

REFUND POLICY: Requests must be in writing. Refunds will be given on requests postmarked or faxed no later than 5 business days prior to the seminar. No refunds will be issued for “late arrivals” and “no shows.” Address: Ridgeview Institute, Business Department, Metro Atlanta, Georgia, FAX: (770) 431-7025. Requests may also be e-mailed to lhopper@ridgeviewinstitute.com.

Continuing Education Credit:

Psychologists: This workshop will not be approved for psychology credit in Area IV, but will qualify for continuing education under Area III of the Psychology Licensing Board regulations.

Social Workers, Licensed Professional Counselors, and Marriage and Family Therapists: Application has been made for 3 core professional education hours in accordance with the guidelines established by the Georgia Composite Board.

Certified Addiction Counselors: Application has been made to the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association for 3 clock continuing education hours.

Important Information About Our CEU Policy:

Ridgeview is instituting a new policy for issuing continuing education credits, based upon State Law and guidelines set forth by the Georgia Composite Board. If you are more than 15 minutes late in arriving for a seminar, you will not be allowed to enter until the first break. You will be welcome to remain for the balance of the presentation, but we will not be able to issue continuing education credits to you as a participant. This is according to agency regulations requiring attendance at the entire presentation in order for CEUs to be issued. We will also not be able to issue you a refund for the registration fee, since we have a stated refund policy and we will have already counted on your presence in planning for the seminar. We are instituting this policy in an effort to cut down on unnecessary interruptions during the presentation and to ensure that our accreditation to offer CEUs is not put into jeopardy. It is our goal to continue to provide you with quality, reasonably priced opportunities to acquire credits needed for your license renewal. Please plan to arrive early or on time for these events. We offer refreshments for your enjoyment before each seminar.

For more information, or to receive a registration brochure:
(770) 434-4568, ext 3011