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Paradigms for Framing Addiction: Disease Model versus Biblical Worldview

Brian Wind, PhD, SPE, CBSM
Sarah Keel, MA, CRC
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Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Summarize at least three core neurobiological concepts and describe the three stages of the Brain Disease Model of Addiction and their standard clinical applications.

  • Identify at least three philosophical assumptions of the Brain Disease Model (e.g., scientism, reductionism) and explain two ways these assumptions can affect patient agency and care decisions.

  • Explain at least three elements of a biblical anthropology of addiction, including Imago Dei, moral agency, and the interaction of nature, nurture, and choice.

  • Apply moral injury and biblical compassion concepts, specifying how they would shape clinical assessment, therapeutic language, and treatment planning.

  • Formulate an integrated treatment plan containing at least four interventions that address brain, mind, and soul, and critically appraise at least two harm‑reduction strategies through a worldview lens.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to equip behavioral healthcare clinicians to examine addiction through both the Brain Disease Model and a Biblical worldview. Attendees will explore neurobiology, treatment implications, philosophical assumptions, moral injury, and whole-person care, then apply an integrated framework that addresses brain, mind, and soul with compassion, accountability, and clinical discernment.

Description

This session examines competing frameworks for understanding addiction by comparing the Brain Disease Model of Addiction with a Biblical worldview for behavioral healthcare practice. The Biblical worldview perspective is examined from sociological and cultural competency perspectives to aid individuals who hold these beliefs. Participants will review core neurobiology and clinical applications of the disease model, evaluate its philosophical tenets, and explore concepts such as Imago Dei, moral agency, and moral injury. The training concludes with an integrated care approach that addresses brain, mind, and soul while helping clinicians apply compassionate, person-centered, and theologically informed treatment principles in assessment, language, and care planning. As a disclaimer, this program evaluates worldview as a component of cultural competency and does not require participants or clients to accept or adhere to any specific religious principles.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Brian Wind, PhD, SPE, CBSM
Dr. Brian Wind earned a Bachelor’s degree in psychology from the University of Virginia, and a PhD in clinical psychology from Palo Alto University. After completing a post-doctoral fellowship and becoming board certified in sleep disorders medicine, he spent years doing innovative work in that field. Since the beginning of his career, Dr. Wind has also specialized in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of addiction. In 2014, he launched NOVOS Behavioral Health Solutions, LLC, a clinical consulting company with an emphasis on the treatment of addiction, as well as the three “pillars of health” – sleep, nutrition, and exercise. In this position, Dr. Wind served as a clinical consultant with multiple healthcare facilities including adolescent and adult treatment centers, and during this time he developed pioneering healthcare-related software applications. Dr. Wind has served as co-chair of the American Psychological Association’s Advisory Committee on Colleague Assistance, with an emphasis on furthering the national movement of professional wellness. He holds the position of Executive Director of the Tennessee Colleague Assistance Foundation, Tennessee’s state-contracted peer support program for mental healthcare providers, in addition to serving as an adjunct faculty member in Vanderbilt University’s Department of Psychology. Since 2015, Dr. Wind has been with JourneyPure, a company specializing in the treatment of addiction and mental health disorders, where he serves in the role of Chief Clinical Officer. In that role he oversees the operations of 35 treatment facilities in nine states. Dr. Wind currently lives in Tennessee and Florida with his wife, and spends his free time enjoying music, golf, hiking, and kayaking.
Sarah Keel, MA, CRC
Sarah Keel is a person in long-term recovery from drug addiction and incarceration who is now an Executive Leader for a Christ-centered addiction recovery rehab facility for women. She has been working in the Mental Health/Addiction Recovery field for nearly 15 years, including Executive Leadership in addiction treatment for 7 years. Sarah has helped start up several treatment centers and recovery homes in Knoxville (TN), Woodbury (TN), and Honduras (TN). She has a Bachelors Degree in Applied Behavioral Science and a Masters Degree in Applied Apologetics from Colorado Christian University. She is a certified Recovery Coach and a Transformational Leadership Trainer. Sarah lives in Murfreesboro, TN, with her husband and three children.

Financially Sponsored By

  • S2L Recovery