Description: In this one-hour presentation, Debra Collins provides legal professionals with advice on how to recognize potential or existing problems with addiction and how to best go about addressing any such problems. She discusses the unique stressors of the legal profession and how to take practical steps to prevent stress from developing into addictive or unhealthy behavior. With a focus on the Harm-Reduction Model, Ms. Collins explains why and how addictive behaviors, of many types, may arise, and her practical strategies on how to cope with emotions such as anger, fatigue and depression are invaluable to anyone feeling the stress which comes with the territory of the practice of law.
Course Agenda:
A review of the different types of behavior, such as chemical, alcohol, drugs, and compulsive behaviors, and how the practice of law has unique stressors which result in coping strategies. A review of recommended coping strategies, such as regular medical checkups, focus on health issues, exercise, sleep and relaxation techniques.
A review of mental illness and other disorders: One in four people has a diagnosable disorders, such as depression: Most common: inability to work, sleep, enjoy activities; prevents functionality. How to enhance recognition of symptoms to help self-identify problems.
What is Abuse? What is Addiction? Addiction: A chronic, relapsing brain disease; A compulsive craving to do a drug or behavior despite known, adverse consequences.
A discussion of the "Harm Reduction" model: Know the risks of any type of behavior. Must be aware of yourself, the substances, your behavior and your general health. People move in and out of levels, not always chaos. Can be temporary, without need for help.
What harm is the use, e.g., alcohol, causing? Harm Control model is taking control and understanding the role it plays.
A discussion of the stages of change in the Harm Reduction model.
A discussion of the Abstinence Model (e.g. A.A.).
A discussion of the common issues raised in therapy to prevent substance abuse, such as: What is a safe level of drinking and how certain professions have more pressure or require specific limitations; a review of other common addictions (gambling, internet),
What triggers abuse and a review of stressors.
Review of alternatives to addictive behavior and strategies to cope.
 | | Online Media Type: | | Video | | | | State Hours: | | AK, AZ, CA, MO, CO, NY, NC, NV, TN, IL, MS, VT | |
| Debra Collins
Debra Collins draws on more than a decade of experience as a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist. Debra is the Program Director for Services for Addiction Recovery at Family Service Agency of Marin, an affordable outpatient program for individuals and families dealing with issues of substance abuse and behavioral addictions. She also has a private practice in Marin County in Northern California.
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