Dr. Henry will be collaborating with Christina Dent, from End it For Good, to offer a workshop at the upcoming American Association of Christian Counselors (AACC) in Nashville in September 2025. They will be doing this same talk locally at Parkway Hills United Methodist Church on September 24th. Dinner will be served at 5:45 (cost around $10/person) and their presentation at 6:15-7:15. Go here to reserve dinner.
FROM ADVERSE CHILDHOOD EXPERIENCESS TO ACTION: REDEFINING ADDICTION TREATMENT THROUGH HARM REDUCTION
PRESENTERS
Branden Henry, Ph.D., Christina Dent, B.A.
SUMMARY
Extensive research has established that trauma, attachment insecurity, and emotional dysregulation are key drivers of substance use disorders, necessitating a comprehensive approach to treatment. This presentation, designed for psychologists and licensed mental health professionals, will examine the profound impact of Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) on addiction vulnerability and the critical need to address these underlying factors in clinical practice. The session will also critique punitive responses to substance use, demonstrating how such approaches often exacerbate the very conditions that contribute to addiction. In contrast, the presentation will advocate for harm reduction strategies, highlighting evidence-based interventions that prioritize public health and client-centered care. Through a review of contemporary research and policy analysis, participants will gain insight into the effectiveness of harm reduction models and their potential to improve both clinical and systemic outcomes in addiction treatment.
LEARNING OBJECTIVES
1 Analyze how ACEs contribute to addiction vulnerability and explain the importance of addressing these factors in effective treatment.
2 Identify three types of harm associated with the war on drugs, classify harm reduction methods, and evaluate their successes and failures.
3 Compare harm reduction responses in various industries, contrast them with current drug policies, and formulate strategies for improving outcomes in addiction treatment through these approaches.