Health & Society

Co-founder of Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic to speak on addiction relapse, recovery Oct. 5 at SU

Thursday, September 24, 2009, By Michele Barrett

Noted author and speaker Darryl S. Inaba will present “The Evolving Science of Relapse and Recovery,” an in-service program designed for current and future professional counselors, healthcare workers, educators, lawyers and law enforcement personnel. The program, which is free and open to the community, will take place Oct. 5 from 2-5 p.m. in the Peter Graham Scholarly Commons (ground floor of Bird Library), 222 Waverly Ave.

InabaInaba co-founded the Haight Ashbury Free Medical Clinic in San Francisco during the social revolution of the 1960s to help the thousands of young people on the street in the Haight Ashbury district whose lives were affected by drug and alcohol abuse and mental and physical problems. Since then, the clinics have grown to become one of the largest multi-service providers in Northern California. Inaba is also the author of the book, “Uppers, Downers and All-Arounders” (CNS Publications, 6th edition, 2007), a publication that is considered a ‘must-read’ for students taking addiction studies courses across the country, including classes taught currently at SU.

This presentation is sponsored by Syracuse University’s College of Human Ecology and the Department of Health and Wellness, which offers an undergraduate minor and, beginning Spring 2010, a graduate Certificate of Advanced Studies (CAS) in addiction studies. The minor and the CAS are important steps for meeting the New York State Office of Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) educational requirements for the Credentialed Alcoholism and Substance Abuse Counselor (CASAC) certification. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, substance abuse and behavioral disorder counseling is one of the fastest growing fields of practice today.

It is estimated that approximately 23,000,000 Americans suffer from addiction. “The impact of this disorder affects every segment of society. Recovery is a lifelong pursuit and relapse is an insidious specter waiting in the wings to derail the journey. Join us for an exciting exploration of the science of relapse and recovery,” says Dessa Bergen-Cico, assistant professor in the Department of Health and Wellness.

During the program, Inaba will share new research while delving into the neurobiology of the brain’s memory function. This program will cover the following areas:

  • Overview of neurochemical and neurocellular mechanisms that promote interruptions in recovery;
  • Presentation on the brain’s memory process of dendritic spines and their role in triggering cravings that lead to resumption of drug use or compulsive behaviors;
  • Overview of the four phases of recovery;
  • Discussion of the major challenges to continued abstinence during recovery;
  • Discussion of effective relapse prevention tools.

Participants will also screen a new film on relapse and recovery. Three hours of continuing education credit through the New York State Office of Alcoholism & Substance Abuse Services (OASAS) will be available for participants. Parking for a nominal fee is available at the Booth and Irving garages on the SU campus.

No registration is required. For more information, contact the College of Human Ecology’s Department of Health and Wellness at (315) 443-9233.