This webinar will provide an encompassing, but easy to understand summary of what the latest neuroscience research tells us about how to conceptualize addiction. We will start with a fundamental understanding of existing misconceptions that perpetuate stigma and relapse-prone treatment. Then we will cover the best-known studies that inform the most effective and constructive ways of understanding what drives the psychology and behaviors of substance use disorders and process addictions. Finally, the webinar will provide an approach that puts this all together in a simple framework that is founded on evidence-based care and shown to lead to the best rates of remission of substance use disorder. This presentation is designed to be useful for all levels of training and experience.

Learning Objectives

• List the most common misconceptions about substance use disorder and specific studies that refute them.
• Learn the highlight from the most evidence-based research we have on what drives addiction, including childhood experiences, parenting styles, cultural influences, and thought patterns.
• Understand an easy to use model that allows the participant to immediately practice addiction counseling techniques that are targeted to patient needs for optimized relapse prevention and outcomes.

Who Should Attend

Addiction professionals, employee assistance professionals, social workers, mental health counselors, professional counselors, psychologists, and other helping professionals that are interested in learning about addiction-related matters.