Skip to main content
Not Found
Digital Seminar

High-Functioning Alcoholics and Substance Users


Average Rating:
   2
Faculty:
Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC
Duration:
6 Hours 05 Minutes
Format:
Audio and Video
Copyright:
Sep 06, 2018
Product Code:
POS054075
Media Type:
Digital Seminar


Description

What does addiction look like? Someone unkempt, unclean, and down on their luck? Disheveled and unshaven; sitting on the sidewalk with a bottle in hand? Chances are you didn’t envision a sharply dressed lawyer in the courtroom.

The reality is that many people struggling with substance use don’t fit the stereotypes. They effectively maintain personal and professional lives. Teachers, lawyers, doctors. Hidden in plain sight, these “functional addicts” are reliable at work, respected by acquaintances, and often the very picture of success.

But addiction is never functional. In truth, people “functioning” with a substance use disorder have merely managed to avoid obvious tragedy. They’re still someone in active addiction - just one who’s waiting for the bottom to drop out.

They need treatment - but treating high-functioning clients isn’t easy. Intense denial creates a formidable barrier to treatment. Avoidance including shame keeps clients from facing their addiction and fuels their defensiveness. Anxiety, depression, and trauma often co-exist as volatile partners to addiction that left untreated will likely lead to relapse. Accounting for all of these intersecting factors makes treatment planning challenging and complex.

Buy today and learn how to help these “hidden in plain sight” clients face their addiction, break through their denial, and end their silent suffering!

Key Benefits of Watching This Recording:

  • Learn how to break through the denial of high-functioning substance users
  • Dual Diagnosis assessment strategies that keep you from missing key co-occurring disorders
  • Integrated treatment/behavioral plans for addiction and related mental health issues like anxiety, depression and trauma
  • CBT-based interventions to modify cognitive distortions and challenge irrational beliefs in one-on-one therapy
  • Shame resiliency techniques that stop shame from derailing addiction treatment
  • Motivational and stage of change tailored strategies - help clients to commit to their recovery
  • How to integrate 12-step and clinical models for dual diagnosis clients

Credit


**

NOTE: Tuition includes one free CE Certificate (participant will be able to print the certificate of completion after completing the on-line post-test (80% passing score) and completing the evaluation). 

Continuing Education Information:  Listed below are the continuing education credit(s) currently available for this non-interactive self-study package. Please note, your state licensing board dictates whether self-study is an acceptable form of continuing education, as well as which credit types are acceptable for continuing education hours. Please refer to your state rules and regulations. If your profession is not listed, please contact your licensing board to determine your continuing education requirements and check for reciprocal approval. For other credit inquiries not specified below, please contact cepesi@pesi.com or 800-844-8260 before the event.

Materials that are included in this course may include interventions and modalities that are beyond the authorized practice of your profession.  As a licensed professional, you are responsible for reviewing the scope of practice, including activities that are defined in law as beyond the boundaries of practice in accordance with and in compliance with your profession's standards.  

For Planning Committee disclosures, please statement above.  For speaker disclosures, please see the faculty biography.


Counselors

This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from the activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.


California Counselors

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Florida Counselors

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits.


Montana Counselors

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


New York Counselors

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Mental Health Counselors. #MHC-0033. This self-study activity will qualify for 7.5 contact hours. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance


Ohio Counselors

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Counselors

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


South Carolina Counselors

This self-study program has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Provider #4540.


Texas Counselors

This self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Texas State Board of Examiners of Professional Counselors no longer approves programs or providers. PESI activities meet the continuing education requirements as listed in Title 22 Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 681, Subchapter J, Section 681.142 Acceptable Continuing Education. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.


Social Workers - National ASWB ACE

PESI, Inc., #1062, is approved as an ACE provider to offer social work continuing education by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB) Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE provider approval period: January 27, 2023 - January 27, 2026. Social workers completing this course receive 6.25 Clinical continuing education credits.

 

Course Level: Intermediate Format: Recorded asynchronous distance. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance.

 

Canadian Social Workers: Canadian provinces may accept activities approved by the ASWB for ongoing professional development.


California Social Workers

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Colorado Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Colorado Chapter of the National Association of Social Workers. Provider #1413. This self-study course has been approved for 6.3 continuing education hours. 

 

COLORADO PARTICIPANTS ONLY: If you did not answer YES to be reported to the Colorado Chapter of the NASW on the evaluation, please contact cepesi@pesi.com and provide the full title of the webcast, speaker name, date of live broadcast, your name and your license number in the email.


Florida Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits. 


Illinois Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Illinois, Department of Financial and Professional Regulation, Division of Professional Regulation. License #: 159-000154. Successful completion of this self-study activity qualifies for 6.0 contact hours.


Kansas Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board. Provider #14-006. This self-study course has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours.


Minnesota Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Minnesota, Board of Social Work. Provider #: CEP-140. This self-study package has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours. This certificate has been issued upon successful completion of a post-test.


Montana Social Workers

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


New York Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0008. This self-study activity will qualify for 7.5 contact hours. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance. 


Ohio Social Workers

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Social Workers

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Canadian Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Canadian Psychological Association to offer continuing education for psychologists. PESI, Inc. maintains responsibility for the program. This program is approved for 6.0 self-study continuing education hours. Full credit statement at: www.pesi.com/cpa-statement


Illinois Psychologists

 

PESI, Inc is an approved provider with the State of Illinois, Department of Professional Regulation. License #: 268.000102. Full attendance at this self-study course qualifies for 6.0 contact hours.


Kentucky Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists, approved provider #202312H. PESI maintains responsibility for this program and its content. This self-study activity will qualify for 6.25 contact hours.


Ohio Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Ohio Psychological Association, Provider #263896894, to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. PESI, Inc. maintains responsibility for this program and its content. PESI is offering this self-study activity for 6.25 Standard hours of continuing education credit.


Pennsylvania Psychologists

PESI, Inc. is approved by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology to offer continuing education for psychologists. Provider #PSY000211. PESI maintains responsibility for the program(s). This self-study program qualifies for 6.25 continuing education hours.


Marriage & Family Therapists

This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save this course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from this self-study activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements. 


California Marriage & Family Therapists

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Florida Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage and Family Therapy and Mental Health Counseling. Provider Number 50-399. This self-study course qualifies for 6.25 continuing education credits.


Illinois Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. has been approved as a provider of continuing education by the State of Illinois, Department of Professional Regulation. Provider #:168-000156. Full attendance at this self-study activity qualifies for 6.0 credits.


Montana Marriage & Family Therapists

The Montana Board of Behavioral Health no longer pre-approves any courses or sponsors. Each licensee is responsible for taking courses which contribute to their competence and directly relate to their scope of practice as defined in board statute (MAR 24-219-32). Licensees must keep CE documentation for three years in case of an audit. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of instruction.


New York Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's (NYSED) State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists. #MFT-0024. This self-study activity will qualify for 7.5 contact hours. Full attendance is required; no partial credits will be offered for partial attendance


Ohio Marriage & Family Therapists

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider with the State of Ohio Counselor, Social Worker and Marriage & Family Therapist Board. Provider approval #:RCST071001. Full attendance in this self-study course meets the qualifications for 6.25 clock hours of continuing education credit. 


Pennsylvania Marriage & Family Therapists

The Pennsylvania State Board of Social Workers, Marriage and Family Therapists and Professional Counselors accepts many national association CE approvals, several of which PESI offers. For a full list, please see your State Board regulations at https://www.dos.pa.gov/ProfessionalLicensing/BoardsCommissions/. This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


South Carolina Marriage & Family Therapists

This self-study program has been approved for 6.0 continuing education hours by the South Carolina Board of Examiners for Licensure of Professional Counselors, Marriage and Family Therapists, and Psycho-Educational Specialists. Provider #4540.


Texas Marriage & Family Therapists

This self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Texas State Board of Examiners of Marriage and Family Therapists no longer approves programs or providers. PESI activities meet the continuing education requirements as listed in Title 22 of the Texas Administrative Code, Chapter 801, Subchapter K, Section 801.264 Types of Acceptable Continuing Education. Please retain the certificate of completion that you receive and use as proof of completion when required.


California Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors (CCAPP-EI)

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the CCAPP-EI, Provider #: OS-03-036-1025. This activity meets the qualifications for 6.0 CEH's (continuing education hours).


California Alcoholism & Drug Abuse Counselors (CADTP)

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the CADTP, Provider #: 201. This Category H activity meets the qualifications for 6.0 CEU's (continuing education hours).


Connecticut Addiction Counselors

Provider #120924. This course has been approved as a CCB approved training and has been awarded 6.25 hours by the Connecticut Certification Board.


Addiction Counselors - NAADAC

NAADAC

This self-study course has been approved by PESI, Inc., as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for 6.0 CE in the Counseling Services skill group. NAADAC Provider #77553. PESI, Inc. is responsible for all aspects of their programming. Full attendance is required; no partial credit will be awarded for partial attendance.


Nurses, Nurse Practitioners, and Clinical Nurse Specialists

This self-study activity consists of 6.25 clock hours of continuing education instruction. Credit requirements and approvals vary per state board regulations. Please save the course outline, the certificate of completion you receive from this self-study activity and contact your state board or organization to determine specific filing requirements.


California Nurses

PESI, Inc. is a provider approved by the California Board of  Registered Nursing, Provider #: 17118 for 6.0 self-study contact hours. 

** You will need to provide your license number to PESI. PESI must have this number on file in order for your hours to be valid.


Florida Nurses

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the Florida Board of  Nursing. Provider #: FBN2858. These materials qualify for 6.0 self-study contact hours.

CE Broker


Iowa Nurses

PESI, Inc. is an approved provider by the Iowa Board of Nursing. Provider #: 346. Nurses successfully completing these self-study materials will earn 6.3 self-study contact hours. Please email cepesi@pesi.com with your license number, include the title, speaker name and date. PESI must have this number on file in order for your hours to be valid.


California Licensed Educational Psychologists

The California Board of Behavioral Sciences accepts CE programs that are approved by other approval agencies, including several that approve PESI and its programs.  A full list of approval agencies accepted by the BBS can be found at www.bbs.ca.gov/licensees/cont_ed.html under “Where to find CE Courses.” This intermediate level self-study activity consists of 6.0 clock hours of continuing education instruction.


Other Professions

This self-study activity qualifies for 6.25 continuing education clock hours as required by many national, state and local licensing boards and professional organizations. Save your activity advertisement and certificate of completion, and contact your own board or organization for specific requirements.



Handouts

Faculty

Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC's Profile

Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC Related seminars and products


Sarah Allen Benton, MS, LMHC, LPC, AADC is the author of the book Understanding the High-Functioning Alcoholic and has been featured frequently in the media, including the New York Times. She has appeared on “The Oprah Winfrey Show”, “The Today Show”, “The CBS Early Show”, NPR, and is a blogger for www.PsychologyToday.com.

A Licensed Mental Health Counselor and co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC, Sarah is a clinical consultant for Aware Recover Care and the former director of clinical services at Aware Recovery Care, a home-based addiction treatment in North Haven, CT. She is also a clinical consultant for The Strathmore House transitional sober living for men in Boston, MA. She worked previously as an outpatient therapist specializing in addiction treatment at Insight Counseling in Ridgefield, CT, Turnbridge young adult male addiction treatment in New Haven, CT and at McLean Hospital at McLean Brook transitional living program for dual diagnosis in Belmont, MA.

Sarah approaches addiction from the position of a counselor with lived experience, having been in long term recovery from alcoholism since February 2004.

 

Speaker Disclosures:
Financial: Sarah Benton is the co-owner of Benton Behavioral Health Consulting, LLC and has an employment relationship with Aware Recovery Care. She is a published author and receives royalties. Sarah Benton receives a speaking honorarium and recording royalties from PESI, Inc. She has no relevant financial relationships with ineligible organizations.
Non-financial: Sarah Benton has no relevant non-financial relationships.


Additional Info

Access for Self-Study (Non-Interactive) Access never expires for this product.

Objectives

  1. Explore how the DSM-IV TR® and DSM-5® diagnostic criteria relates to high-functioning users of alcohol and other substances.
  2. Assess how the unique characteristics and treatment challenges of working with high-functioning alcoholics informs clinical approach with this population.
  3. Formulate a treatment plan for working with high-functioning drug users based on the stages of change model of overcoming addiction.
  4. Investigate how evidence-based integrated treatment approaches can be employed by clinicians working with dual diagnosis clients.
  5. Assess the benefits and limitations of 12-step programs on dual diagnosis treatment and employ strategies for effective integration into client care.
  6. Communicate how shame can negatively impact therapy for substance use disorders and analyze the role of compassion and forgiveness in the addiction treatment process.

Outline

Level of Functioning and Populations at Risk
  • How stereotypes hide functioning alcoholics and drug users
  • The profile of the high-functioning person in active addiction
  • Challenges of diagnosing and working with high-functioning young adults
  • Early recovery patterns – low functioning vs. high functioning
Break the Cycle of Shame and Addiction In High-Functioning Alcohol and Drug Users
  • The myth of shame as a motivator for recovery
  • The latest research on shame and addiction
  • Compassion-based communication techniques to:
    • Bring shame into the light
    • Break down defensiveness
  • The role of self-compassion in addiction treatment
  • Recovery pride
Dual Diagnosis:
Integrated Strategies for Co-Occurring Disorders
  • The impact of co-occurring disorders on addiction treatment outcomes
  • DSM-5® and diagnosing high-functioning alcoholism and addiction
  • Initial screening approaches
  • Assessment tools to identify
    • High functioning alcoholics and substance users
    • Presence of co-occurring disorders
    • Readiness for change
    • Strengths that support recovery
  • Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome vs. mental health symptoms
Move Clients Toward Post-Traumatic Growth With Interventions Informed by Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
  • Shattered Vase Exercise – plant the seeds of possibility
  • Creating narratives
  • Letter writing
  • Positive remembering and repositioning
  • Reframe the meaning
Clinical Tools Tailored to Functional People Experiencing an Alcohol or Drug Problem
  • Crisis intervention – when and how
  • How to establish rapport and trust
  • Collaborative goal setting
  • Establishing a behavioral plan
  • Targeted treatment approaches for Dual Diagnosis clients
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
    • Identify and challenge cognitive distortions about substance use
    • Create positive reframes
  • Motivational Interviewing
    • Treatment strategies based on readiness for change
    • Motivational tools – keep clients in treatment
    • Harm reduction – meeting clients where they are at
  • Narrative Therapy and case example
    • Personal stories of change and forming non-addiction identities
  • Non-traditional addiction treatment
  • Using family system leverage to motivate change
  • Family agreements and contracts
Where 12-Step Programs Can Fall Short And How to Make them Work for Your Client
  • 12-Step programs – benefits and limitations with high functioning clients
  • Program models and language
  • Supporting dual diagnosis treatment
  • Effective strategies for integrating 12-Step models into treatment
Research, Research Limitations and Potential Treatment Risks
  • Research and research limitations
  • How private pay care keeps the high-functioning population under the radar
  • When clients don’t identify as being alcoholic

Target Audience

  • Social Workers 
  • Counselors 
  • Psychologists
  • Addiction Counselors
  • Case Managers
  • Nurses 
  • Public Health Department Staff
  • Marriage and Family Therapists
  • Other Mental Health Professionals

Claim your FREE listing

Need referrals? List your practice in the directory for FREE!

Reviews

5
4
3
2
1

Overall:      5

Total Reviews: 2

Comments

Jeffery H - Cookeville, Tennessee

"Excellent presentation. I learned a lot. "

M L - DENTON, Texas

"This course is very up-to-date on the information presented and brought in a lot very relevant examples, especially with the Chris Harren Story and the other examples from Brenet Brown and the People in Recovery. I use all of these in my practice and have found them to be extremely relevant to helping people see themselves and work towards recovery."

Satisfaction Guarantee
Your satisfaction is our goal and our guarantee. Concerns should be addressed to: PO Box 1000, Eau Claire, WI 54702-1000 or call 1-800-844-8260.

ADA Needs
We would be happy to accommodate your ADA needs; please call our Customer Service Department for more information at 1-800-844-8260.

Please wait ...

Back to Top