Description
* Approved for 2hrs CEU by CACCF
Objectives
At the end of this session, participants will be able to:
1. To explain the interplay between shame and addiction recovery.
2. To determine differences in levels of shame for various addictive behaviours.
3. To explore the past and present status of the Recovery Pride movement.
4. To understand how social connection can decrease shame in addiction treatment.
5. To learn shame resiliency coping strategies.
Description:
People with substance dependency often report feelings of guilt and shame. Research from the National Institute on Alcohol Abuse and Alcoholism (NIAAA) indicates that guilt may help overcome addictive behaviour, but shame does not, and, that it is the largest barrier to individuals getting treatment. This presentation will begin by defining shame and stigma. The various types of shame for clients and their loved ones with Substance Use Disorders (SUD) and other addictive behaviours will be explored. The positive impact of self-help and other forms of group connection in the recovery process are discussed. The history and present-day status of the Recovery Pride movement and its impact are processed. Strategies are offered for supporting clients in developing shame resiliency coping skills.
Who Should Attend?:
• Physicians, Psychologists, Mental Health Nurses,Therapists
• All Staff in Addictions Settings
• Social Workers & Allied Professional Staff in Mental Health settings
• Primary Care Physicians & Nurses; MH Staff in Community Settings
• Intake & Frontline Staff; Mental Health Managers and Educators
• Mental Health Nurses and Staff in Correctional & Forensic Settings
• Mental Health Staff in Adolescent Settings; Selected Staff in Harm Reduction
Sarah Allen Benton, LMHC, LPC, LCPC, AADC
Sarah Allen Benton is a Licensed Mental Health Counselor and Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor. She is Co-Owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting and Waterview Behavioral Health. She was the Clinical Strategy Advisor and Director of Clinical Services for Aware Recovery Care currently operating in 11 states. She has been a therapist and consultant at various levels of care. Sarah was a Therapist at McLean Hospital in Belmont, MA at The Brook dual diagnosis transitional living program, Klarman Center for eating disorder treatment and the Obsessive-Compulsive Disorder Institute.
Sarah has presented internationally to a wide variety of audiences on many unique behavioral health topics. She is author of the books “Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic” and “Parents in Recovery: Navigating a Sober Family Lifestyle” (2024). She has been featured in the New York Times, on The Oprah Winfrey Show, The Today Show, CBS Early Show, SiriusXM, NPR and writes a blog on PsychologyToday.com.
