Course Description:

This presentation will explore the impact that the neurobiological basis of the 12 steps can have on Reward Deficiency Syndrome (RDS) despite addiction risk gene polymorphisms. This exploration has already been accomplished in part by Dr. Ken Blum. The purpose of this research outlines the neurobiological and genetic links, especially as they relate to the role of epigenetic changes that are possible in individuals who regularly attend mutual help meetings. It begs the question as to whether “12 steps programs and fellowship” does induce neuroplasticity and continued dopamine D2 receptor proliferation that leads to recovery one day at a time.

Understanding the neurobiological underpinnings of the 12 steps and the work of various groups such as Al-Anon may indeed be a new and important step on the road to becoming and remaining clean and sober. Embracing principles of molecular neurobiology could ultimately lead to a better quality of life in recovery.

Course Goals:

Participants will:

• Gain an understanding into the neurobiological brain’s response to attending 12 step meetings.
• Learn about the improvement of the brain’s memory and pleasure systems of 12 step attendees.
• Explore the evidence that through the 12-step program and fellowship cross-talk between the Pre-Frontal Cortex-Cingulate (site of decision-making) and the Nucleus Accumbens (NAc) [site of craving behavior] is developed

Notes:

• NAADAC Counselor Group Skills: Clinical Intake and Screening, Counseling Services, Case management, Treatment plan, Discharge, Continuing Care and Professional Development
• Contact Hours & CEUs: 3.0 hours Cost: $30
• Approved by: NAADAC, TDMHSAS, TCB and CPRS.
• Is Lunch Provided? No, Snacks
• Handouts: will be given out at the training

Presenter

Dr. Merrill Norton is an EMMY winning Clinical Associate Professor Emeritus of the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy with his specialty areas to include psychopharmacology and addiction pharmacy. He was most recently honored by the Georgia Addiction Counselors Association’s Board of Directors and Certification Board with being bestowed the first Certified Master Addiction Counselor (CMAC) credential in the state. His book, Understanding Substance Use Disorders Pharmacology, has been used to train thousands of mental health professionals nationally and his latest book, and The Pharmacist’s Guide to Opioid Use Disorders was released in December 2018.

Dr. Norton completed his undergraduate and graduate work at the University of Georgia College of Pharmacy. He accomplished a three-year addiction medicine fellowship under the direction of Douglas Talbott MD at Ridgeview Institute and has state, national, and international credentials in the treatment of mentally ill/addicted/chronic pain individuals. He has also been a faculty member of the Fairleigh-Dickinson University Postdoctoral Training Program in the Masters of Psychopharmacology, Alliant International University of San Francisco College of Psychology, University of Georgia School of Continuing Education, and Berry College in the areas of Psychopharmacology and Addiction Pharmacy. His areas of specialty in addiction pharmacy are the management of chronic pain in patients dealing with substance use disorders, and the neuroscience of substance use disorders.

Since his recent retirement from University of Georgia Athens, Dr. Norton’s primary focus is to provide the latest scientific information to communities, educators, healthcare professionals, prevention specialists, treatment providers, and especially families, on the disease of substance use disorders.