The Dangers of Over-Using Mental Health Buzzwords
As mental health professionals, we are acutely aware of the gap between the number of people with diagnosable, verifiable and treatable psychological and mental health issues versus the number that actually receive appropriate care. Sadly, while the former is on the rise the latter is just not catching up. We are woefully behind, both in access to care and in the number of people that are receiving appropriate care.
One of the true challenges in comprehensive mental health treatment revolves around the concept of stigma. It is something that we see every day when treating patients of all races, colors and creeds. To be sure, cultural influences play a role in the societal stigma associated with mental health treatment, but across virtually every demographic, we are seeing that mental health issues are being discussed and recognized by more people than ever before.
This Ain’t Your Parents’ Marijuana
The debate over the efficacy and safety of marijuana has raged for decades. On one side is the quintessential, lovable “pothead” that could never hurt a fly. He is totally chill and acts like a kid while eating strange snacks late at night. On the other hand, we have those with serious concerns about marijuana use and legitimate hesitations about negative effects on our bodies and questions about whether it is a gateway drug to harder substances of abuse.
The truth is probably somewhere in between…or it used to be anyway.
Today, marijuana is more widely available than ever before. More importantly it is legal to use recreationally in some states and legal for medicinal use in many others. This has prompted a major scale-up of marijuana production and associated paraphernalia.
One of the challenges we have, as clinicians treating those with substance abuse disorders, is convincing both our clients and their loved ones and family members that marijuana, especially the “weed” we find today can by far more harmful then the stuff our parents smoked back in the day. Let’s dive in:
Trauma Informed Care – What it Means and Why It Is Important
Trauma informed care or TIC is a critical part the substance abuse and mental health treatment process. While there’s no dedicated section of the Florida Certification Board curriculum for TIC, our understanding of trauma and how it relates to behavioral health care issues is always evolving. As we understand more about trauma and its effects, it is clear that substance abuse and associated trauma is a significant part of our jobs.
5 New Year’s Resolutions for Being a Better Counselor
Being a substance abuse counselor comes with a great deal of responsibility. Responsibility to clients, the facility for which you work (or your employees if you are a manager or self-employed) and even to yourself. The stresses of the year can build up and reach fever pitch. Counselors that have been at it for years or decades with little regard for their own mental and emotional health can find themselves at a breaking point. What was once an exciting job helping others can quickly become a chore that not only stresses the counselor, but makes treatment less effective. To welcome 2019, we want to take a moment to review some tips to avoid burnout and start the new year refreshed.
Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia Approved Education Provider
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is very proud to announce that we have been approved as a continuing education provider for the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia. Approval Number #: 20-01-21-1217
With this approval, those looking to enter the field of addictions as well as existing professionals who wish to complete continuing education or enhance their career with new certifications can take the courses offered by the Academy.
Certified Behavioral Health Technician Dates Announced
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is pleased and excited to announce our newest Certified Behavioral Health Technician (CBHT) course dates. Our next course spans two weekends:
- Saturday, October 6th, 2018
- Sunday, October 7th, 2018
- Saturday, October 13th, 2018
- Sunday, October 14th, 2018
at our classroom in Fort Lauderdale. We are also pleased to extend our special pricing to students who sign-up and pay in full by September 20.
Individualized Treatment Plans vs Connecting with A Client
Log on to most treatment center’s websites and invariably you will find them touting “individualized treatment plans” as one of the key ingredients that sets their treatment center apart from the countless thousands of others nationwide. On the surface this may seem innovative and downright progressive, but is it really?
Before we dig deeper, bear in mind that individualized care is critical to the success of a client’s time in rehab and it must be considered when entrusting the well-being of your loved one to a particular facility. However, there are, arguably, equally or more important factors to be considered.
Welcoming Our Newest Instructor – Carlee!
The Academy for Addiction Professionals is very excited to welcome Carlee Pollard to our family of instructors. Carlee is currently a BHT at Destination Hope, a South Florida treatment center, where she assists the psychiatric ARNP and nursing staff in the medical department
Carlee was inspired to become a part of the treatment industry, in part, by her father, who has spent over 40 years of his career in the field. Her brother also works for a detox center in Southern California.
Carlee also takes a keen interest in health and fitness. She is an NASM certified personal trainer, fitness nutrition specialist, and CrossFit coach.
Carlee is currently teaching her first CBHT class and we look forward to having you meet her at an upcoming Certified Behavioral Health Technician weekend session in our classroom.
Hiring Recovering Addicts in the Behavior Health Industry
One of the most unique parts of the behavioral health Industry is the fact that those recovering from substance abuse problems have excellent job prospects within the industry. In fact, the experience of having been addicted to, and then recovering from, a drug of choice is often an experiential quality that employers are looking for. Indeed, recovering addicts can offer a wealth of first-hand experience that can help other patients find hope in a seemingly bleak situation. Further, employment in the industry allows the recovering addict to have a second chance, while also helping those experiencing the darkest moments of their lives.
Addiction Professionals: Finding the Right Employer In The Field
Once a candidate has completed their education and received their addiction certification, the hunt for a job is on. Many of our students are surprised to see how strong the demand is for their qualifications, as demand for certified professionals in the addiction field is high. And while it may be exciting to be in demand, this is where the hard decisions have to be made. Not all addiction treatment facilities are created equally and not all will be appropriate for every employee.
