NEW! V-STEP TRAUMA INTEGRATED ADDICTION, AND COMPASSION FATIGUE (PART 1)

DATE and TIME:

Friday October 31, 2025 ~ 9:00AM - 12:00PM EST

DESCRIPTION: Join Dr. Michael Barnes for an in-depth exploration of addiction and its multifaceted nature. This presentation will delve into the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward Pathway and its critical role in the development and maintenance of addictive behaviors. Participants will gain insights into evidence-based models and interventions, enhancing their ability to apply these strategies in practice. The session will also address the ongoing debate about conceptualizing addiction as a chronic disease, weighing its pros and cons. Attendees will learn to utilize the DSM-V-TR for accurate assessments of substance use disorders and identify common co-occurring mental health diagnoses. Additionally, the presentation will emphasize the importance of integrating societal factors and influences into the treatment planning process. This comprehensive session aims to equip professionals with the knowledge and tools to effectively address addiction in their clinical practice.

OBJECTIVES:

1. Participants will be able to describe the role of the Mesolimbic Dopamine Reward Pathway in the development and maintenance of addiction behaviors.

2. Participants will be able to describe and utilize evidence-based models and interventions.

3. Participants will discuss the pros and cons of conceptualizing addiction as a chronic disease.

4. Participants can use DSM-V-TR to assess substance use disorders.

5. Participants will be able to identify mental health diagnoses that are commonly co-occurring with addiction.

6. Participants will be able to integrate societal factors/ influences within treatment planning process.

PRESENTER: Dr. Michael Barnes

Dr. Michael Barnes is a Licensed Addiction Counselor, Licensed Professional Counselor, and Diplomate in the American Academy of Experts in Traumatic Stress. He is the Senior Clinical Advisor for NRT Behavioral Health, Founder/Director of the Michael Barnes Family Institute, and owner of Barnes Education and Consulting, LLC. In the past 40 + years, Dr. Barnes has worked at numerous addiction treatment centers and psychiatric hospitals, and he spent 10 years as a full-time faculty member at various university counselor and marriage and family therapist educator programs. Dr. Barnes speaks nationally on Families, Trauma, and Addiction, Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment, and Compassion Fatigue. He received his BA in Psychology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania, his M.Ed. in Rehabilitation Counseling from the University of Pittsburgh, and his Ph.D. in Marriage and Family Therapy from Florida State University. He published his first book, “When the Solution Becomes the Problem: Helping Families Who Struggle with Addiction and Trauma” in 2023.

TRAINING CONTACTS:

Anne Milun (Litecky), VASIII, Program Manager, 410-837-5055, alitecky@ubalt.edu; Cherie Peay, Program Coordinator at 443-600-1621, cpeay@ubalt.edu; and Nicole Feldhaus, Technician, 410-274-4655, nfeldhauslitecky@ubalt.edu

Certificate of Training, Social Work CEUs and Academic Credits:

RVAAM selected curriculum has been approved for specific professions (e.g. social work, law enforcement, corrections, probation/parole) Upon completion of an online evaluation form, participants are welcome to request a Certificate of Training; Social Work Category I Continuing Education Units (CEUs), and/or academic credits. All participants are eligible to receive a Certificate of Training (1 credit per training hour).

2025 V-STEP

Regional Victim Services Advanced Trainings are held virtually and in 5 regional locations across Maryland. Please contact Anne Milun, V-STEP Program Manager for information or to schedule a training for your agency or organization.