Counselor Toolbox Podcast with DocSnipes

Latest Episodes:

Relapse Prevention with the Addicted Offender May 30, 2016

Show notes

Relapse prevention is similar across most populations, but there are some unique issues and challenges facing people in recovery who have a criminal record. Learn how to identify and address these issues. In this episode, we will: Define relapse in terms of addiction as well as mental health Examine relapse prevention techniques Explore the unique psychological, interpersonal, and biological needs of the addicted offender

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Exploring Addiction and Criminal Behavior May 30, 2016

Show notes

Why do some people commit crimes repeatedly? Why does it feel like a revolving door for some people? Get answers to these questions and more in this presentation. Examine the parallels between addiction and criminal behavior. In this episode we will: Discuss benefits to both. Identify drawbacks to both. Describe what an effective, comprehensive re-integration model would look like.

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What are Co-Occurring Disorders and How Do They Impact Treatment Part 3 May 30, 2016

Show notes

Many people struggling with addictions also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Likewise, many people with depression or anxiety may have an addiction. We refer to this as a co-occurring disorder. Some people will try to argue that symptoms of depression and anxiety are caused by drug use, and once you are clean and sober those symptoms will go away. While this may be true for some, these symptoms that are still present in early recovery can cause a relapse. After all, how long will someone stay clean and sober if they are constantly depressed or anxious. Regardless of whether you self-medicated a mental health issue with your addiction, or your addiction caused your mental health issues, BOTH need to be addressed. In this episode wee will: Develop a broad biopsychosocial definition of co-occurring disorders. Learn about the reciprocal interaction between mental health, physical health and addiction. Discuss the multiple contributing factors of mood disorders to include physical issues and issues stemming from addictive behaviors. Explore ways to simultaneously address multiple disorders.

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What are Co-Occurring Disorders and How Do They Impact Treatment Part 2 May 30, 2016

Show notes

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Triggers And Cravings May 30, 2016

Show notes

Triggers are those things that remind you of something else. There are triggers for depression, anxiety and addiction. In this episode we will: Define a trigger Define a craving Explore the concept of stimulus generalization Discuss the function of triggers Explore triggers in terms of mental health symptoms Explore how cravings can lead to obsessive thinking Review the stages of the recovery process Identify potential relapse triggers at each phase and appropriate interventions

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What are Co-Occurring Disorders and How Do They Impact Treatment Part 1 May 30, 2016

Show notes

Many people struggling with addictions also have mental health issues such as depression or anxiety. Likewise, many people with depression or anxiety may have an addiction. We refer to this as a co-occurring disorder. Some people will try to argue that symptoms of depression and anxiety are caused by drug use, and once you are clean and sober those symptoms will go away. While this may be true for some, these symptoms that are still present in early recovery can cause a relapse. After all, how long will someone stay clean and sober if they are constantly depressed or anxious. Regardless of whether you self-medicated a mental health issue with your addiction, or your addiction caused your mental health issues, BOTH need to be addressed. In this episode wee will: Develop a broad biopsychosocial definition of co-occurring disorders. Learn about the reciprocal interaction between mental health, physical health and addiction. In this 3-part series, we will: Discuss the multiple contributing factors of mood disorders to include physical issues and issues stemming from addictive behaviors. Explore ways to simultaneously address multiple disorders

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Pharmacology of Designer Drugs May 30, 2016

Show notes

Designer drugs are those that are lab created. Thousands exist and more are being created all the time. Unfortunately, there is no quality control or standardization process with these drugs, which are often made in back-room labs. In this episode we will: Define designer drugs. Review the effects of some of the most common designer drugs. Learn about resources to stay up to date on designer drugs. Identify which “designer drugs” may still be legal. Discuss ways of handling “legal” drug use in your programs

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Pharmacology of Stimulants, Depressants and Hallucinogens May 30, 2016

Show notes

Stimulants, Depressants and Hallucinogens are available by prescription, in over the counter medications and as illicit substances. Learn more about the effects of these types of drugs, how they impact your brain chemistry and signs and symptoms of intoxication and withdrawal. In this Episode, we will: Define stimulants, depressants and hallucinogens  Discuss their ◦ Mechanism of action ◦ Symptoms of intoxication ◦ Symptoms of withdrawal ◦ Short and long term effects ◦ Common street names  Explore the process of differential diagnosis

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Mental Health Medications: Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers, and Antipsychotics May 30, 2016

Show notes

Hundreds of thousands of people are on medications to address mood and mental health disorders. Many people try one medication, and when it doesn't work, they feel hopeless. What they do not realize is that, since we cannot accurately measure the levels of neurochemicals in your brain, diagnosis and prescribing is part art, and part science. A variety of different chemical imbalances besides low serotonin can cause depressive symptoms, for example. In this episode we will discuss three common classes of medications: Antidepressants, Mood Stabilizers and Antipsychotics, the neurotransmitters on which they are believed to work and the symptoms of insufficiency and excess of each of these neurotransmitters.

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Introduction to Neurochemicals: Your Mood and Motivation System May 30, 2016

Show notes

Do you ever wonder what is going on when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed? Why is it that some people just seem naturally happier or more motivated or driven? In this episode we will take a closer look at some of the main neurochemicals responsible for mood, motivation, learning, libido and hunger.

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