2016 UVU Conference on Addiction
Friday, March 4, 2016 – Sorensen Student Center, Utah Valley University
Opening Keynote – Sean Astin (Grande Ballroom – 9am)
Sean Astin is an American film actor, director, voice artist and producer. Son of Academy Award winning actress Patty
Duke and acclaimed actor John Astin, Sean scored a career defining, triumphant success in the inspirational and
universally applauded college football biopic Rudy, about the life-changing struggles and rewards of the title character,
Daniel Ruettiger. In the early 2000s, he experienced another career breakthrough with his role as Samwise Gamgee in
Peter Jackson’s The Lord of the Rings film trilogy. A vocal advocate for mental health awareness, bi-polar disorder, civic
engagement and addiction; Astin is an energetic, passionate speaker who promotes a culture of volunteerism to all
audiences.
10:30 am Plenary Session (session ends at 11:45am) Dr. Carl Hart
Carl Hart is an Associate Professor at Columbia University. He has also published nearly 100 scientific articles in the area
of neuropsychopharmacology. His recent book, “High Price: A Neuroscientist’s Journey of Self-Discovery That Challenges
Everything You Know About Drugs and Society,” was the 2014 winner of the PEN/E.O. Wilson Literary Science Writing
Award. Fast Company named Hart one of Most Creative People for 2014.
11:45am Luncheon and Exhibitor Fair
Grande Ballroom and Commons Area – Sorensen Center
1pm Afternoon Concurrent Session 1 (sessions end at 2pm)
Overview of Eye Movement Desensitization and Preprocessing (EMDR) – Ryan Judson, NCC, CMHS, UCADDAPT (SC
206 A)
This presentation will feature an explanation of the basic principles and application of EMDR, along with a theoretical
understanding of trauma and relationship to addiction. Ryan will also review the stages of treatment and
indications/contraindications. Using several personal case examples, participants will review the effects and benefits of
EMDR as a treatment option.
Ethical considerations: Role Delineation – Jeffrey Quamme (SC 206 BC)
This session identifies and discusses three very common (and often confused) roles in addiction treatment and recovery
- Counselor, Peer Support/Coach and Sponsor. Jeffrey will discuss the responsibilities and limitations of each role will be
delineated fully with ethical considerations identified and discussed. Strategies for cooperation in supporting recovery
will also be presented.
Intervention and Discussion – Kelly J. Lundberg, PhD (Centre Stage)
Join Dr. Lundberg as she focuses on how to speak with someone regarding addiction in a way that will encourage
openness and not defensiveness and denial. The session will include the criteria for a substance abuse disorder,
evidence of a substance abuse disorder, and how to approach individuals in a way least likely to generate resistance. A
discussion regarding how to manage expectations will also be included.
Sustained Recovery – What do we know? – Michael Cain, LMFT ( SC 213AB)
What do we know from research about Sustained Recovery from substance use disorders? Is it treatment necessary and
sufficient for sustained recovery? An international review of literature released in 2010 concluded with: “The best
predictor of the likelihood of sustained recovery is the extent of ‘recovery capital’… a person has’ – which is the basis of
what the Recovery-Oriented Systems of Care (ROSC) paradigm and movement is all about. These domains of Recovery
will be discussed, along with the role professionals and communities play within each domain. Particular emphasis will
placed on Recovery Capital, what it is and who helps ‘build’ it. How ROSC and Recovery Capital fits with the Justice
Reinvestment Initiative will also be discussed.
Invisible Smoke: Issues with Vaping, E-Cigs and Synthetics – Martha L. Thompson, PsyD, LPC, CAADC ( Ragan Theatre)
What is REALLY in the cartridge? There are many hidden issues in the alternative smoking world. The increasing trend to
try and quit smoking by using vaporizers or e-cigs has several hidden health risks. An increasing number of young people
today are choosing vaping or e-cigs over traditional tobacco because they believe there are less health risks thus the
confusion and controversy. Medical marijuana advocates have even encouraged the use of vaporizers instead of
smoking, stating vaping reduces the carcinogens a person is exposed to. Synthetic drugs such as Spice / K2, Flakka and
other drugs may be added to the e-liquid hiding the substance from law enforcement, parents and even friends. This
training will cover terminology, trends, health risks and statistics related to the alternative smoking, vaping and e-cig
culture.
2:15 pm Session (sessions end at 3:15pm)
Culturally Adapting Cognitive-Behavioral Substance Abuse Treatment for Latino Adolescents – Jason Burrow-Sanchez,
PhD (SC 206 A)
This presentation will provide participants with an understanding of ways to culturally adapt substance abuse treatment
for Latino adolescents. Briefly, theoretical and empirical research will be reviewed to provide a basis for understanding.
More time will be spent on providing specific clinical examples from the author’s research that focus on the cultural
adaption of group-based cognitive-behavioral substance abuse treatment for Latino adolescents. Practical suggestions
will also be provided for ways to culturally adapt substance abuse treatments in community settings.
Trauma and Substance Abuse – Brenda Underhill, MS (SC 206 BC)
The goal of this presentation is to describe current state-of-the art knowledge about the treatment of patients with
trauma and substance abuse, a population that is typically considered complex, with multiple life challenges. We will
cover background on trauma and substance abuse (including rates, the typical client, models and stages of treatment,
and clinical dilemmas) and clinical Interventions for trauma and substance abuse, as well as resources for further
learning. The Seeking Safety model will be highlighted as it is the most evidence-based model for trauma and substance
abuse.
A View from the Bench: A Juvenile Court Judge’s Perspective Between Addiction and Juvenile Delinquency – Judge Fr.
Richards Smith (SC 213 AB)
The impact of substance abuse on families and on juvenile court workload is probably much larger, and more far
reaching, than most people realize, sending ripple effects through generations. The presentation will include thoughts
on how the courts, treatment and case management can better serve families with drug and alcohol abuse related child
abuse and neglect, and families with juvenile delinquent behavior, academic failure, and family relationship struggles.
The local effects of legalization of marijuana in other states will be addressed. The presentation will also briefly touch on
pornography addiction among children and youth and the surprising changes that have resulted in juvenile court
delinquency caseloads.
20 Years of Pornography – Dr. Kevin Skinner (Centre Stage)
Over the past 20 years pornography has become more accessible than ever in our history. Understanding the significant
influence it has on individuals, couples, and families lives has never been more important than now. The process of
assessing and treating pornography addiction is important and complex. An outline of how to assess for pornography
addiction will be provided. Research findings that indicate a significant relationship between use of pornography and
depression, anxiety, stress, and loneliness will be discussed. Treatment strategies and solutions for healing and recovery
will offered.
Why Do We Do Stupid Things in Addiction? – Dr. Mark H. Keep (Ragan Theatre)
Join Dr. Keep as he reviews information about the disease of addiction, including brain function. Participants will gain
information on the survival mechanisms in the primitive brain, and how they can drive addiction behaviors including
cravings and obsession. In addition, Dr. Keep will discuss how life’s traumatic experiences play a role in initiating and
cultivating addiction and addictive behaviors. He will also review methods of ‘rebooting’ the addictive brain to reverse
abnormal thinking and behavior.
3:30 pm Session (sessions end at 4:30pm)
Addiction Medicine and MAT Overview – Elina Chernyak (SC 206 A)
The goal of this presentation is to introduce concepts and enhance understanding of the disease of addiction, and dispel
the myths prevalent in society. The session is designed to be relevant for anyone interested and dedicated to the field of
addiction.
When Addiction Causes Loss: Four Steps to Healing Grief – Tiffany Berg Coughran (SC 206 BC)
Drunk driving. Loss of parental rights. Overdose. Lying. Jail time. Dysfunction. Secrecy. Theft. Abuse. Codependency. Often
these are the outgrowths of addictive behavior; whose impact is felt by those who love the addict most. When someone
we love suffers from addiction, everyone suffers. How can we heal from the impact of addiction? How do we feel closure
after irreconcilable heartbreaks and permanent losses? As a 10 year recovered alcoholic and now certified professional
chaplain, Tiffany Coughran shares key systems that make healing possible. There is a process of healing that incorporates
the reality of the loss, the extent of the relational struggles, and the day to day implementation of a doable, learnable
system.
A Family that Plays Together, Heals Together – Blu Robinson, DUDC, CMHC (SC 213 AB)
Traditionally, parents in recovery are asked to attend community support groups. Many of these meetings are no place
for their children, and thus the parent is again taken away from the home and more time is spent away from the family
unit. As treatment, court, work and community meetings require a massive amount of time for a parent in recovery, the
children often take a back seat despite all the interventions being geared toward parents becoming healthy, functioning
care givers. Blu and Team Addict II Athlete will investigate the need for increased family involvement, and how
recreation and sport can become an integral part of child development through playing with their parents. The Addict II
Athlete Minor League program offers parents and children the opportunity to overcome barriers, solve relationship
issues and support one another so that they may establish stronger bonds. Join Team Addict II Athlete as they introduce
this new method for children and recovering parents to heal from addiction by providing a safe, healthy outlet for the
family system.
Mindfulness-Based Treatments for Addictive Disorders – William R. Marchand, MD (Centre Stage)
Dr. Marchand will present information on cutting-edge research about current and emerging treatments utilizing
mindfulness-based interventions for addictive disorders. The target audience is professionals who treat addictive
disorders. He will discuss how mindfulness provides unique opportunities to address the challenges associated with
addiction. He will explain the basics of mindfulness and describe how a mindfulness meditation practice can also help
manage symptoms of depression, anxiety and stress. The presentation will include information about the origins of
mindfulness, research evidence of its effectiveness and brain imaging studies of how mindfulness rewires the brain.
Panel Discussion: The Role of Mass Media and Social Agents in Addiction – Sara Howe, MS, CHES and Patrick Gauthier
- Moderators (Ragan Theatre)
Using the documentary Cobain: Montage of Heck as a backdrop, the panel will discuss the role played by mass media
and other social agents like government, our school system, law enforcement/justice systems, and the behavioral health
prevention and treatment fields in addiction. The overarching question for the panel is – whether or not there is more
that can and should be done by weaving and braiding the efforts of government, community, church and family in order
to help prevent the next young person’s downward spiral into depression, addiction and suicide.