Recovery-Oriented Care, Recovery-Oriented Communities
April 30-May 1, 2012
Earle Brown Heritage Center, Brooklyn Center, MN
For the first time, the 2012 Minnesota Conference on Problem Gambling took place over a two-day period. In addition to the usual full day program for the professional audience, this year’s conference included an evening program in which the general public was invited to partake.
The theme of this year’s conference was Recovery-Oriented Care, Recovery-Oriented Communities. The goal was to highlight the concept of recovering communities being all-inclusive, regardless of the specific substance or activity and behaviors involved. We touched on questions such as the following: Can problem gamblers find help in AA, Alanon or other fellowship groups? Can family members receive help from Alanon? What self care resources effectively cross-over from one addiction or behavior to others?
Dr. Jon Grant presents the Neurobiology of Addiction.
Monday, April 30
Consistent with the conference theme, the evening program opened with an “All Recovery” meeting led by Nell Hurley, MA, executive director of the Minnesota Recovery Connection. Modeled on traditional twelve-step meetings, the session participants included those in recovery from problem gambling, alcohol and drugs, as well as family members and counseling professionals.
A second presentation included an enlightening discussion on the current science on the neurochemistry of addiction by Jon Grant M.D., J.D., M.P.H, from the University of Minnesota. Recognized as a national expert on impulse control disorders, Dr. Grant provided insights into the current thinking about how addictive impulses are seen in the brain. A copy of Dr. Grant’s presentation may be requested directly from Dr. Grant via email.
Jim Wuelfing’s Keynote Presentation was on the topic of building recovery oriented communities and systems.
Tuesday, May 1
The Role of Community Organizations and Recovery Support Services in a Recovery-Oriented System of Care
The conference’s keynote presentation was given by Jim Wuelfing, CPR-R, NRPP, owner and CEO of the New England Center in Boston, and consultant to the Massachusetts Council on Problem Gambling. Jim is a national leader in recovery coaching, facilitating the development of recovery community organizations and the prevention of problem gambling. Jim’s presentation, “The Role of Community Organizations and Recovery Support Services in a Recovery-Oriented System of Care,” explored how prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support professionals work collectively to establish a supportive system for long-term recovery from addiction and co-occurring disorders. A copy of Jim’s PowerPoint presentation can be obtained here.