Addiction and trauma are two of the most common and difficult issues that people face. In this presentation, leading expert Lisa Najavits explains the link between addiction and trauma and presents science-based self-help strategies that one in can use no matter where one is the recovery journey. This presentation will offer skills and strategies to help others: Build coping skills, safety plans, and support systems, Set goals, and plans for achievement, Choose compassion over self-blame and shame. This model was designed as self-help however can be conducted by a counselor in group or individual format. It is a very flexible model that can be delivered by any clinician, to any client, in any setting, including criminal justice. Much like Najavits’ well-known model Seeking Safety, this one too strives to increase hope through emphasis on ideals; it offers exercises, emotionally-evocative language, and quotations to engage patients; and provide concrete strategies to build recovery skills. It differs from Seeking Safety in being able to be done as self-help or counselor-led, and offers updated and new topics.

Learning Objectives:

1. Describe current understanding of trauma, addiction, and the combination
2. Identify how to use “Finding Your Best Self” in counselor-led format
3. Describe how to engage clients based on their clinical needs related to trauma, addiction, or both
4. Identify how to apply the model in a broad range of criminal justice settings
5. Describe adaptation with respect to culture
6. Identify key principles of the model
7. Identify how topics relate to phase-based treatment for trauma and/or addiction
8. Describe resources for trauma and addiction

Lisa M. Najavits, PhD is director of Treatment Innovations and adjunct professor, University of Massachusetts Medical School. She is a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts and conducts a psychotherapy practice. She received her PhD in clinical psychology from Vanderbilt University and her bachelor’s degree with honors from Barnard College of Columbia University. She was on the faculty of Harvard Medical School for 25 years and was a research psychologist at Veterans Affairs Healthcare System, Boston for 12 years. Her major clinical and research interests are substance abuse, trauma, co-morbidity, behavioral addictions, veterans’ mental health, community-based care, development of new psychotherapies, and outcome research. She is author of over 190 professional publications, as well as the books Seeking Safety: A Treatment Manual for PTSD and Substance Abuse; A Woman’s Addiction Workbook; and the self-help book, Recovery from Trauma, Addiction or Both: Finding Your Best Self.

Substance Use Disorders impact every aspect of the lives of those who have them. Likewise, effective treatment should engage every aspect of the individual as they enter recovery. Few would deny that addiction has a spiritual aspect, yet many clinicians are reticent to engage in addressing spirituality in their practice. This session offers practical tools in discussing and engaging spirituality as it relates to the addiction and recovery of those we serve. Specific emphasis is given to the role of spiritual empowerment within treatment, recovery, fostering resiliency, avoiding recidivism, and making healthy life choices.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify distinctions between religion and spirituality
2. Enhance understanding of both the strengths and limitations of insight and awareness in changing behavior and be able to articulate them
3. Explore the role of mindful practice as a tool for emotional regulation, craving management, and recovery
4. Evaluate past patterns of behavior for common risk and resiliency factors
5. Discuss intentionality and empowerment as a means for reducing relapse/recurrence of substance use disorders and recidivism

James Campbell has been working professionally in the human services field with addictions, children, and families for over twenty-three years. His passion is helping people, families, and relationships to heal and assisting them in building on the strengths they possess. James received his B.A. in Psychology from Anderson College and obtained his M.A in Management in Leadership and a second M.A. in Community Counseling from Webster University. In addition, James has studied Multi-Systemic Therapy with the Medical University of South Carolina and Cognitive Behavior Therapy through the Department of Alcohol and Other Drug Abuse Services. He is a Licensed Professional Counselor, a Certified Addictions Counselor II through the South Carolina Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors, and a Master Addictions Counselor through the National Association of Alcoholism and Drug Abuse Counselors. James is also a certified as an instructor of De-escalation Techniques. He is the current President-Elect of SCAADAC.

James has worked extensively with diverse programs including High Management Group Homes, Supervised Independent Living Programs, Clinical Day School Programs, Outpatient Services, In-Home Services, and Adolescent Residential Substance Use Disorder Treatment Facilities throughout his years in the field. He currently serves as the Director and Lead Trainer for Family Excellence Institute, LLC in South Carolina.