2012 UVU Mental Health Symposium: Focus on Addiction
Thursday, February 23, 2012 – Sorensen Student Center, Utah Valley University
Opening Keynote – Dr. Kevin McCauley: Is Addiction Really a "Disease?" An Update on Neuroscience of Addiction and
its Implications for Treatment (Grande Ballroom – 9am – 9:55 am)
The last ten years produced an explosion of understanding not only about addiction but how our brains enable our most
human capacities. Reward. Memory. Stress. Free will. People who suffer from addiction are in the very center of this
conversation. In his lecture "Is Addiction Really a Disease?" Dr. Kevin McCauley brings his audience right to the edge of
what is currently known in neuroscience about addiction - research that explains how the brain constructs pleasurable
experiences, what happens when this process goes wrong, and why this can have a dramatic impact in our ability to
make proper choices. Tracing the evolution of the Disease Model to the Public Health Model of addiction treatment, Dr.
McCauley describes how a chronic care/recovery management approach is an evidence-based, theoretically consistent,
and ethically defensible way to deliver quality addiction treatment and long-term management at a sustainable cost to
all who seek recovery.
Luncheon Address – Dr. Glen Hanson, Director Utah Addiction Center – (Grande Ballroom, noon – 12: 55pm)
The concepts of drug abuse, dependence and addiction apply equally to illicit and legal drugs. Our local communities
currently are wrestling with prescription drug-related problems and require a greater understanding of why prescription
abuse happens and what are the consequences. This presentation will address the reasons for prescription abuse in
different populations, identify elements of vulnerability and discuss strategies to help prevent and/or intervene. The
overall objective is to provide information that can be used to mitigate the damage that frequently accompanies
prescription abuse occurrences.
Innovations for Treating Addiction – Bruce Chandler, Program Services Manager – Utah County Division of Substance
Abuse (SC 206A 10am – 10:50 am)
The addiction treatment industry has recognized the disease of addiction and treated it with a medical model for
decades. However, research on the neurobiology of addiction has presented new evidence that the disease of addiction
is far more debilitating and chronic in nature than previously thought. Consequently, a new treatment paradigm is
emerging to meet the chronic nature of addiction and the ongoing needs of those suffering from its effects. Bruce will
examine the emerging Recovery Oriented Systems of Care treatment model, and how it may be implemented to shape,
augment and ultimately replace the current acute care medical model of treatment.
Avatar Assisted Therapy Workshop – Dick Dillon, President, Innovaision LLC (SC206B 10am – 11:50 am)
Avatar Assisted Therapy is an exciting and innovative method of delivering counseling services which transcends
multiple obstacles to accessing treatment services. Utilizing high-quality online gaming development tools, secure virtual
space is created in which professionals, consumers, and family can meet and engage in educational and counseling
activities. Because users are connected via internet, they can meet together in real time, regardless of their physical
(geographical location). This makes it possible for participants to be fully involved despite distance, transportation
limitations, physical handicaps, or fear of stigma. The realism that is inherent in 3D virtual worlds is the result of years of
investment and development by private game manufacturers for commercial multi-player online games. This technology
has been adapted for more serious pursuits, and pilot projects using virtual worlds for addiction counseling have been in
operation for over three years.
The speaker is an original developer of these projects and will talk about the evolution of the technology, research which
has been done relevant to the utilization of this platform as a service delivery tool, the practical aspects of setting up
and operating virtual world counseling, and the advantages and limitations of the methodology. This is a two hour
workshop which will include demonstration.
Control State Politics – Michele Simon, JD, President – Eat Drink Politics (SC206C – 10am-10:50am)
Government regulation of all kinds is under attack these days. But state-based regulation of alcohol (guaranteed by the
21st Amendment) is critical to keeping underage drinking and adult over-consumption in check. Some powerful players
in the alcohol industry are trying to undo decades of laws that were put into place after Prohibition for good reason: to
protect public safety. If it were up to some lobbyists, alcohol would be sold like paper clips. Except that paper clips can’t
kill you. This presentation will describe this dangerous trend and assist with counter-lobbying strategies to preserve
effective state regulation of alcohol. Specific focus will be on Utah’s long-standing success with its government control
system and the potential dangers of undermining it.
Sexual Addiction in the 21st Century: This Crazy Little Thing Called Porn – Gordon Bruin, MA, LPC (SC 213A – 10am10:50am ) - will be repeated (SC213A 3pm-3:50pm)
Sexual Addiction has become a major mental health issue in the 21st century literally affecting millions of individuals.
Come learn why sexual/pornography addiction negatively affects a person’s capacity to develop healthy relationships.
Gordon will also explore why denial surrounding this issue is so prevalent, and discuss the latest strategies and tools that
are helping addicts heal.
Relapse – To Be or Not To Be – Jason Webb LSAC, LCSW and Dave Cox, LSAC, CCDC, NCAC, SAP (SC 213B – 10am10:50am)
This presentation will discuss relapse prevention from a client's point of view, a counselor's point of view and a family's
point of view. Jason and Dave will investigate how all support structures can all help in the process. They will provide
several ideas as to how to set up a safety plan while addicts are early in recovery. Ample time will be allowed for
question and answer.
The LDS Family Services 12-Step Approach to Addiction Recovery – Dr. Benjamin Erwin – Program Coordinator, LDS
Family Services Addiction Recovery Program (SC 206B – 11am-11:50am)
Research suggests that twelve step participation significantly correlates with recovery. The LDS Family Services Addiction
Recovery Program is a twelve step program. This presentation will focus on a brief overview of the program, a status
update of current effectiveness and participation rates, as well as future direction of the program. Dr. Erwin will
highlight recent satisfaction survey results from participants of the program, as well as the current design of an online
resource for support in recovery.
The Disease Model of Addiction: Implications for How We Can Most Effectively Assist the Addict in the Recovery
Process – Martin Roundy (SC 206C – 11am-11:50am)
As neurology and other brain studies provide mounting support for the “Disease Model of Addiction”, numerous
implications such as – how we accurately assign responsibility for the addiction, how addiction impacts the addict’s ‘free
will’, does the addict have to hit rock bottom in order to really begin the recovery journey - naturally evolve with respect
to how we can best assist the addict and recovery. Additionally, these implications guide our efforts to engage the
addict’s family members in the recovery process. In this presentation we will explore several of these implications.
Designer Drugs – Daniel J. Baker, PhD – Sterling Reference Laboratories (SC 213A 11am-11:50am) - will be repeated
(SC206A 2pm-2:50pm)
With catchy nicknames like ‘Meow Meow’, SPICE/K2, ‘Bath Salts’ and NRG-1, designer drugs are often sold online as
‘legal highs’. They typically come in powder form and can be snorted, licked or packed into tables and create highs that
mimic drugs ranging from cocaine to ecstasy, which some narcotics experts say has become less available amid a worldwide effort to blunt production. Although more prevalent in Europe, they have found their way into the US market and
drug culture. This workshop will explore the current trends of designer drugs including origins, behavioral and
pharmacologic effects and available methods of detection.
My Journey – Elise Hanson – (SC213B 11am-11:50am)
Join Elise Hanson and her family as they share their own story of addiction and recovery. What does it really take for a
family to survive addiction and recovery? How do you retain and grow relationships while struggling with finding your
own way to a healthy sober life? Why do so many live in heartbreaking silence because of discrimination and societal
misunderstanding? There is hope – and this presentation will leave participants with a renewed sense of possibility and
optimism.
All Cats are Gray in the Dark – Richard J. Nance, MSHHA, MSW, LCSW – Director, Utah County Department of Drug
and Alcohol Prevention and Treatment (SC 206A 1pm – 1:50am)
If every dilemma had a clear cut answer, we wouldn’t need to study ethics. All ethical issues in substance abuse
treatment practice are multi-faceted, from the individual client level all the way to agency policy. This presentation
covers the basics of ethics for the drug and alcohol prevention and treatment field, examines current and emerging
ethical issues (such as Social Networking) and provides a structured ethical decision making process for individuals and
agencies.
Borderline Personality Disorder & Addiction – Juergen Korbanka, PhD and Randy Huntington, LCSW – Wasatch Mental
Health (SC 206B 1pm-1:50pm)
Gain an understanding of core issues related to borderline personality disorder and chemical dependency. Theoretical
concepts are explained in ‘user-friendly’ terminology, providing a common language between client and treatment
providers. Participants will learn specific interventions aiding clients in an understanding of self and recovery. The
facilitators will present exercises and treatment strategies designed to aid the client in the process of recovery –
including how to talk to clients about their diagnosis and key issues in an easy to understand language.
Understanding and Addressing Their Needs: Effective Service Strategies for Service Members and Their Families –
Angela M. Halvorson, Senior Program Associate – Center for Healthcare Solutions (SC 206C 1pm-1:50pm)
For many men and women who have risked so much to serve our country, their experiences have left them with postdeployment effects that in some cases can lead to or contribute to substance use disorders, mental health challenges,
criminal justice involvement or harm to self and others. While the civilian community is eager to help, those with limited
or no military experience lack an understanding of the unique needs and challenges facing service members and their
families. To serve this population effectively, systems, services and providers need a working knowledge of the military
culture, a trauma-informed and military-informed approach to services, tools for safety and stabilization, strategies for
facilitating access to services, and strategic partnerships with military and community-based resources. This session
provides a brief set of suggestions for addressing each of these areas of need.
Opioid Addiction Workshop – Joel Millard, DSW, LCSW and Linda Moore, LCSW – (SC213A 1pm – 2:50pm)
This 2-hour workshop will discuss Opioid addiction features and the implications of pain in Opioid addiction. The major
challenge is to create a climate where the patient will tell their story, allow that story to evolve over time and disclose
the patient’s progress. Joel and Linda will review the function of talk therapy in MAT, and why those conversations and
essential and promote sustained recovery.
A Behavior Model Clients Can Understand and Use? Surely Not!!! – Dr. Vance Hillman, Professor – Utah Valley
University (SC 206B 1pm – 1:50pm)
Presentation is designed to acquaint various health care professionals with information and techniques that can assist
students and clients in analyzing their health behaviors. Individual behavior is one of the most complex issues to
understand and define. Many behavioral models have been developed and promoted. The question is how adaptable
and user friendly are they for someone trying to modify or change individual behavior? This presentation will focus on a
behavioral change model that can be quickly utilized to examine risky behaviors.
Designer Drugs – Daniel J. Baker, PhD – Sterling Reference Laboratories (SC 206A 2pm-2:50pm)
With catchy nicknames like ‘Meow Meow’, SPICE/K2, ‘Bath Salts’ and NRG-1, designer drugs are often sold online as
‘legal highs’. They typically come in powder form and can be snorted, licked or packed into tables and create highs that
mimic drugs ranging from cocaine to ecstasy, which some narcotics experts say has become less available amid a worldwide effort to blunt production. Although more prevalent in Europe, they have found their way into the US market and
drug culture. This workshop will explore the current trends of designer drugs including origins, behavioral and
pharmacologic effects and available methods of detection.
Engaging Dual Diagnosis Adolescents into Addiction Treatment – Jason King, LPC – Clinical Director, Life
Enhancement Center (SC 206B 2pm-2:50pm)
Current treatment of adolescents with substance abuse and dual disorders is acute, ignores family and community
factors, and occurs in controlled environments. This session presents the emerging treatment paradigm of alliancebased motivational strategies to produce systems of care that are recovery focused and community-based. Participants
will review the topics of recovery-oriented systems of care (ROSC), motivational enhancement strategies and
multisystemic therapeutic community efforts.
Medication Assisted Therapies – Dr. Michael O. Measom (SC206C 2pm-2:50pm)
Dr. Measom will explore the various medications available for treatment in the areas of alcohol dependency, tobacco
dependency, narcotic dependency and prescription drug dependency. There will time dedicated for question and
answer from participants.
Addict II Athlete – Blu Robinson, Utah County Division of Substance Abuse Outpatient Care (SC 206A 2pm –
2:50pm)
There is a deception that is creating a lot of havoc in the lives of our community – the belief that you have no choice,
once an addict – always an addict. What happens to an individual in life is not nearly as important as what happens
within them. Happiness is a choice, and can be the way to create other great things in life. It is the pursuit of this
happiness that allows the addict to become the agents of their lives, rather than the victims of addiction. So, how can
the addict adopt a choice for happiness and leave their victim role behind? How can service providers help them make
this choice? Blu will describe his ideas on how to help recovering addicts realize that they always have a choice – and
that they can choose happiness.
Fostering Collaboration Between Substance Abuse Treatment and Domestic Violence Intervention Programs – Benton
W. Granville, M.A. (SC 206A 3pm-3:50pm)
This presentation will focus on how to better foster collaboration between people working in substance abuse
treatment, and domestic violence intervention programs. Traditionally these two fields have not worked well together,
despite their considerable overlay in client populations. Participants will explore how each field can benefit from the
other’s expertise by cooperating and sharing knowledge which will pave the way for a more coordinated system of care.
We will discuss some of the basic differences in philosophy and terminology that have blocked collaborative care which
is critical for treating substance abusing clients who are survivors or perpetrators of family violence.
Treating Veterans with Co-occurring Substance Abuse Disorders and Combat Related PTSD – Debbie Robertson, VA
Medical Center – SUD Clinic (SC 206B 3pm-3:50pm)
With our service men and women returning to civilian life, the need for emerging treatment options is high. This
workshop will discuss what co-occurring substance abuse disorders and combat related PTSD looks like, what
presentations those who work with our veterans are seeing and what does and doesn’t seem to work. There will also be
a general discussion on some of the new research that is being conducted around PTSD.
My Personal Journey Through Addiction – Dr. Terry Sellers, MD (SC 206C 3pm-3:50pm)
Dr. Terry Sellers will share his personal story of addiction and recovery.
Sexual Addiction in the 21st Century: This Crazy Little Thing Called Porn – Gordon Bruin, MA, LPC (SC 213A – 3pm3:50pm)
Sexual Addiction has become a major mental health issue in the 21st century literally affecting millions of individuals.
Come learn why sexual/pornography addiction negatively affects a person’s capacity to develop healthy relationships.
Gordon will also explore why denial surrounding this issue is so prevalent, and discuss the latest strategies and tools that
are helping addicts heal.
AA – The Original 12-Step Program – Dr. David Yells, Dean College of Humanities and Social Sciences, UVU – (SC213B
1pm – 1:50pm)
Alcoholics Anonymous is generally regarded as the original 12-step self-help group. For over 70 years it has provided a
solution for countless individuals suffering from alcoholism. This presentation will discuss the origins of the program, the
importance of the Big Book of Alcoholics Anonymous, as well as some of the misconceptions about the program.