Open help menu
Live Webinar

When Abstinence Is Not the Patient’s Goal

Karen Wolownik Albert, LCSW
|

Information

Date & Time

Description

Clinicians are often taught that in treating substance use disorder, abstinence must come first, but for many patients, a firm abstinence-only stance can deter engagement and increase risk. This course challenges that assumption, encouraging clinicians to meet patients where they are. We will draw on ASAM criteria and clinical experience to examine how rigid abstinence requirements can create barriers to care, and how harm reduction approaches can reduce judgment, shame, and stigma. Participants will reflect on their own beliefs and biases around treatment, recovery, and abstinence, and leave with practical strategies to support patient safety even when abstinence isn't the goal.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to challenge clinicians to rethink abstinence as a prerequisite for care and examine strategies to support patient safety when abstinence is not the patient's goal.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Identify at least two personal or clinical biases related to harm reduction and abstinence-only treatment models.

  • Describe at least three systemic and clinical barriers to recovery that impact patient engagement.

  • Apply at least two strategies or interventions to increase patient safety and reduce the risk of substance use–related harms.

Target Audience

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

Presenters

Karen Wolownik Albert, LCSW
Karen Wolownik Albert, LCSW, CEO of Recovery Centers of America at St. Charles, has over 25 years of experience in progressive behavioral health leadership. As a frequent public speaker and advisor regarding local, state, and federal behavioral health issues and initiatives, she is also a subject matter expert on substance use issues and treatment, juvenile justice and child welfare, therapeutic intervention, and case management. Karen was the recipient of the 2018 Dr. C. Vincent Bakeman Memorial Award presented by the Illinois Association for Behavioral Health for her work in connecting patients to treatment and improving the system of care for persons struggling with Substance Use Disorder. Karen serves on the Board of Directors of the Lake County Opioid Initiative and Live4Lali. She worked on the core team of Task Force members in the development and launch of the nationally recognized A Way Out Program, a law enforcement deflection program for persons seeking Substance Use Disorder treatment. Since joining RCA in 2020, she has led the implementation of a full continuum of addiction treatment services across three locations in Illinois.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Recovery Centers of America