Instructor: Allison Dickens, LPC, LCADC, ACS 

Understanding substance use disorders means understanding that abstinence-only treatment does not work for all individuals seeking treatment.  Research shows that treatment-seeking individuals respond more positively when the treatment environment is non-coercive and non-judgmental, and assists the individual in meeting their personal goals in safe and effective ways, as opposed to insisting upon complete cessation of use.  As our country moves towards increased legalization of formerly illicit substances, clinicians must learn how to understand substance use within the context, assist our consumers in learning to reduce harmful consequences of their use, and educate these individuals on how to minimize these harmful consequences while still empowering them to make their own decisions about their substance use.  The purpose of this workshop is to explain the principles of harm reduction as it applies to substance use and how to incorporate these principles into clinical practice.  Further, this workshop will explore some stigma regarding harm reduction and will address harm reduction policy in practice.  Finally, this workshop will discuss the use of Motivational Interviewing to set meaningful goals for individuals in treatment, support all goals set by individuals, and explore motivation to change.

3 CE clinical