Studies have shown that people in the LGBTQ+ community are four times more likely to struggle with a substance use disorder. Although this population is at much higher risk, there has been a significant shortage of affirming services explicitly designed to meet their needs. This presentation will show how the new EABT substance use disorder curriculum designed specifically for the LGBTQ+ community is helping to fill that void. Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy has demonstrated positive treatment outcomes around the nation for individuals with substance use disorders. Participants will learn how this new curriculum addresses the unique challenges, including attachment wounds, experiences of stigma, discrimination, social isolation, and the stress of hiding one’s identity. We will also discuss the difficulties of building a recovery support system when substance use is often more prevalent in LGBTQ+ social environments.

Time: 12PM US Eastern Time

Presenters:

Doug Smith, BS, CADC II, has 20 years of experience in behavioral health services, including as a direct clinician, clinical director, and director of clinical development. He has innovated many modern approaches to treatment services, including new patient-centered treatment models. Smith developed the Emotional Attachment Behavioral Therapy (EABT) model and speaks nationally to professionals about its positive outcomes. He is the recipient of the Oregon Association of Addiction Professionals’ 2023 Innovator of the Year Award and the 2018 Addiction Professional of the Year Community Service Award. Smith is a member of the Oregon NAADAC Board (ORAAP) and is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. Smith has previous presentation experience with the NAADAC National 2024 Webinar Series, NAATP National 2024 Conference, ARHE/ARS/AAPG 2024 Annual Conference, and New York State Recovery Conference 2024.

Gus Raymond, tLMHC, NCC, CADC, is currently based in Iowa, where he runs a private practice and is a doctoral student and community advocate. Raymond is the former Director of Prevention and Intervention Services for Storm Lake Community Schools and an adjunct professor of psychology. In addition to his academic roles in K-12 and higher education, Raymond has provided professional development instruction in academic and clinical environments. He is a member of GLSEN's Educator's Advisory Council, contributing to shaping LGBTQ+ inclusion in school communities nationwide, a 2021 MFP-AC alum and advisory council member, and a NALGAP board member. Additionally, he serves as the co-chair for the NAADAC committee for LBTQIA2S+, and serves on the JEDI Committee.

Learning Objectives:

• The participant will be able to describe why individuals that identity as LGBTQ+ are at higher risk of substance use disorder and mental health difficulties.
• The participant will be able to evaluate the unique challenges facing this population that increase unhealthy outcomes. 
• The participant will be able to interpret how this new EABT curriculum has been designed to address these specific areas in an affirming way.