Description: The medical model approach to treating addictions has been utilized since Substance Use Disorders were identified as Disease processes and therefore requiring medical approaches and interventions. This program aims to offer an alternative to our traditional approaches in treating addictions and will cover many new approaches and well know but less utilized interventions. There is a need to individualize treatment for each Substance Use Disorder and addictive behavior and not rely on just the traditional approaches. This program does not aim to minimize or discount the benefits of traditional approaches but will offer a shift in paradigms as to how we see addictions and explore new approaches and models. The value of connection and social recovery will be emphasized and alternative approaches and methods will be featured. Many in recovery continue to feel disconnected and want more than traditional approaches have offered. This program will equip the clinician treating substance use disorders and addictive behaviors with new approaches and tools and techniques that will insure better outcomes and prognosis for long term recovery.

Learning Objectives:

1. Examine the traditional approaches utilized today in treatment
2. Discuss reasons as to why traditional approaches can only go so far in a person’s recovery
3. Explore the power of connection and vulnerability
4. Examine the new approaches and models utilized today in treatment
5. Address barriers to recovery and connection
6. Provide strategies to work through shame shields
7. Provide a treatment plan and roadmap to customize with your client
8. Provide a template to provide a pro-active relapse model
9. Provide a treatment plan that incorporates teaching worthiness and belonging
10. Develop more effective and realistic approaches to offer client’s who have a history of recidivism

Speaker Bio: Nigel B Darvell, MSW, LCSW, ACSW, is a licensed Clinical Social worker in private practice for over 35 years. He specializes in the treatment of addictions and Dual Diagnosis and is senior Assistant professor of Psychology at McKendree University. Mr. Darvell has conducted several hundred workshops and trainings over the years and developed the widely utilized anger management program called TAME which has been utilized by law enforcement and schools and companies. Mr. Darvell has written and developed several new curriculums for local universities in new and alternative approaches to treating addictions and Substance use Disorders. He is currently on the Social Work Ethics Committee for the Missouri National Association of Social Workers and has provided workshops to Missouri NASW chapter for several years and is a much sought after speaker. Mr. Darvell’s number one goal of every workshop and presentation is that the attendee can put into practice what was learned in the workshop quickly and effectively in the work they do with their clients. He is currently completing two manuscripts for publication on Anger related Disorders and treatment approaches and the Therapeutic Values of Tattoos and why they matter for clinical practice.