- Recorded Webinar
Is Addiction A Mental Illness: An Overview of the Science of Addiction
Sean Knowles, MD
- Recorded Webinar
Overview:
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disorder characterized by compulsive drug seeking and use despite adverse consequences (DSM-5, 2013). It is a brain disease because it involves structural and functional changes to brain circuits involved in reward, stress, and self-control. Addiction is a lot like other diseases, such as heart disease or diabetes, as these conditions disrupt the normal, healthy functioning of organs in the body, have serious harmful effects, and are, in many cases, preventable and treatable. If left untreated, all of these diseases, including addictive disorders, can last a lifetime and may lead to premature death.
Recently, our understanding of the brain’s role in addictive behaviors has improved dramatically. Because addiction is a consequence of fundamental changes in brain function, the goal of treatment must be to reverse or compensate for those brain changes. Therefore, a thorough understanding of the brain’s role in substance addiction and behavioral addictions such as gambling disorder is vital for the development and implementation of effective treatments.
This presentation provides an overview of the science of addiction. It discusses the brain and its role in addiction, the parts that genetics plays, the behavioral effects of addiction, the impact of substance use on the developing brain, and the addiction cycle, focusing mainly on the role of dopamine in maintaining these addictive disorders. The presentation also provides treatment options for persons battling addictions and discusses the importance of eradicating stigma, which impedes treatment and recovery.
Objectives:
- Define essential terms such as mental health, addiction, and stigma;
- Discuss why addiction is a brain disease;
- List the common types of addictions;
- Explain how genetics may play a role in persons who are vulnerable to developing an addiction.
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Sean Knowles, MD
Dr. Sean Leonardo Knowles, MD, is a physician at the Sandilands Rehabilitation Centre in Nassau, Bahamas, where he works in the Substance Abuse wards. With an impressive academic background, he obtained his Bachelor of Arts degree in Biology from Saint John's University in Minnesota, followed by a Master of Science degree in Mathematics & Statistics from Youngstown State University in Ohio. He also completed a Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) from the University of the West Indies and earned a Master of Science degree in Immunology of Infectious Diseases from the London School of Hygiene & Tropical Medicine. Dr. Knowles has received numerous awards throughout his career, including The Dr. Mortimer Moxey Most Outstanding Performance in Community Medicine Award in 2013 and the Most Outstanding Graduate Student in the Department of Mathematics & Statistics Award in 2005. He is also a member of the National Council on Problem Gambling (NCPG) and has completed the University of Minnesota – Duluth and the North American Training Institute’s Studies in Gambling Addiction: Counseling the Pathological Gambler Certification course. Dr. Knowles' ultimate career goal is to serve the public health sector of The Bahamas as a physician, health policymaker, and educator, utilizing his background in psychiatry, clinical medicine, mathematics, and immunology of infectious diseases. He is a man of faith, having been raised by his maternal grandmother, who instilled in him the values of hard work, believing in oneself, and having faith in God. Dr. Knowles' dedication to his community is evident in his mentoring of young men and his desire to become a Minister of Health in The Bahamas someday.
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Additional Board Information:
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- Nevada CPC’s and MFT’s accept ASWB-approved training
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- Washington State Department of Mental Health MHC’s accept ASWB approved training
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States that Accept NAADAC-Approved Courses: |
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Other Board Approvals:
- California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP): E Care BHI is recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-22-344-0424
- Connecticut Certification Board (CCB Approved): E Care BHI is recognized & approved by the Connecticut Certification Board.
- Georgia Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Alcohol and Drug Abuse Certification Board of Georgia as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselors (ADACBGA) #19-12-17-1212.
- Florida Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Florida Certification Board as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselor (FCB) #5387-A.
- Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling: The Florida Board of Clinical Social Work, Marriage & Family Therapy & Mental Health Counseling accepts courses from ASWB & NBCC-approved providers. E Care Behavioral Health Institute is an ASWB and NBCC-approved provider.
- Minnesota Certification Board accepts CCAPP. E Care is an approved training provider by California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP): E Care BHI is recognized by the California Consortium of Addiction Programs and Professionals (CCAPP) Provider Number OS-22-344-0424
- Oklahoma Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Oklahoma State Board of Licensed Alcohol and Drug Counselors as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselors (OBLADC) #20220136.
- Ohio Addiction Counselor: E Care BHI is recognized by the Ohio Chemical Dependency Professionals Board as an approved education provider for Addiction Counselor (OCDP)#50-29024
- South Carolina Professional Counselors, Marriage & Family Therapists and Psycho-Educational Specialists licensing board, Provider #462
- The Ohio Counselor, Social Worker, and Marriage and Family Therapist Board accepts courses from ASWB & NBCC approved providers. E Care Behavioral Health Institute is an ASWB and NBCC approved provider.
- Texas Certification Board (TCB): E Care Behavioral BHI is recognized by the Texas Certification Board. Provider Number 2041-19
- VA Mental Health Employee: E Care BHI VA COMMERCIAL VENDOR # 81-3353387-01
Who This Training is For:
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