Essentials of Traumatic Brain Injury for the Addictions Counselor

Approximately 80% of those with co-occurring disorders have screened positive for lifetime exposure to traumatic brain injury (TBI). Many counselors are uncomfortable with the complex neurological sequelae that can serve as a complicating factor in treatment. In this session, we will explore the basics of TBI, including the relationship between TBI and substance use disorder (SUD). We will also discuss strategies that can be used to engage the client and how to address challenging issues that may emerge when working with individuals with TBI and SUD.

Time: 3PM - 4:30PM Eastern Time

Presenter:

Timothy J. Legg, PhD, PsyD, MAC, PMHNP-BC, has over 30 years of experience in providing mental health care and services to individuals across various settings. His work includes those with dual diagnosis, neurodevelopmental disorders, and those who have experienced a variety of traumas related to disaster as well as combat veterans. Legg is a licensed psychologist and nurse practitioner. He is also certified as a master addictions counselor (MAC) and is also a certified brain injury specialist (CBIS) through the Academy of Certified Brain Injury Specialists (ACBIS).

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to describe three basic principles of TBI, including causes, prevalence, and risk factors.
• Participants will be able to explore behavioral emanations that can result from TBI and the potential challenges to treatment they can pose.
• Participants will be able to identify approaches that can be used to engage clients with TBI in treatment for substance use disorders.