Products and Resources Catalog

According to the National Survey on Drug Use and Health, cannabis use rates increased in 2020, with almost 50 million individuals 12 or older reporting use of cannabis in the past year. This increase is reflected in the state-specific data for HHS Region 8 in five of the six states (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Utah). With this data in mind, the Mountain Plains ATTC is sponsoring a ten-part webinar series that will address and review the latest science for cannabis including: prevention and treatment issues; public policy; medical marijuana; and special populations and cannabis (adolescents, women and maternal health, older adults, and individuals with Serious Mental Illness).   MPATTC Cannabis Series 2: The Neurobiology of Addiction and Prevention Webinar 12.15.21     Presentation slides available by request. Please reach out to [email protected]   This webinar is part of a series on the current science of cannabis, for more information on the other webinars in the series view the series homepage.

  Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder Toolkit now available!!   Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorders: Making the Connections merges the content on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use disorders (SUD) to expand capacity to address both issues in treatment. The author, Dr. Carolyn Lemsky, is a board-certified neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience working in rehabilitation settings in the U.S. and Canada. The toolkit provides valuable and practical information for advancing behavioral health providers’ capacity when serving persons who have brain injuries.   This toolkit is a collaboration between the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Mountain Plains ATTC), and the Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Mid-America ATTC).   Order a copy of the Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder Toolkit    

Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorder Toolkit now available!! Traumatic Brain Injury and Substance Use Disorders: Making the Connections merges the content on traumatic brain injury (TBI) and substance use disorders (SUD) to expand capacity to address both issues in treatment. The author, Dr. Carolyn Lemsky, is a board-certified neuropsychologist with over 25 years of experience working in rehabilitation settings in the U.S. and Canada. The toolkit provides valuable and practical information for advancing behavioral health providers’ capacity when serving persons who have brain injuries. Click here to download a free digital copy Click here to order a hard copy (shipping and handling fees apply)  This toolkit is a collaboration between the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators, Mountain Plains Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Mountain Plains ATTC), and the Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center (Mid-America ATTC).

This webinar will review the pharmacological characteristics of stimulant medications and also medications that provide a stimulant effect and review which medications are most effective in enhancing natural recovery and improving fatigue and cognitive functioning in TBI survivors. A discussion regarding the similarity of ADHD symptoms to TBI symptoms will be presented. Frontal lobe and temporal lobe syndromes will be described, and specific medications will be reviewed that are likely to have a positive impact on the TBI survivor. Case studies will also be presented exemplifying the complexity of brain injury, cognitive impairment and effective use of medications.   Learning Objectives: Review the definitions, similarities and differences between Stimulant medications Describe the symptoms of TBI following or during rehabilitation Differentiate levels of TBI cognitive severity Understand the Psychopharmacology of Stimulant Medications Describe atypical stimulants, non-stimulants and antidepressants Understand the complexity of choosing a stimulant medication in a patient with TBI   Presenter Information Dr. Sparadeo began his career as the Director of the Mayor’s Task Force on Substance Abuse in the City of Providence, R.I. and he was also the Director of Substance Abuse Services for the Providence Mental Health Center at that same time. After creating a system of clinical services for the City of Providence he was appointed as CEO of Talbot House. Talbot House was the largest residential substance abuse treatment facility in New England. Dr. Sparadeo then completed his doctoral studies with a residency at the Boston V.A. Medical Center followed by a 2-year fellowship at Brown University and Rhode Island Hospital (RIH). The focus of his clinical training was neuropsychology and chronic pain. He completed his fellowship and was appointed to the Brown University School of Medicine faculty and the Rhode Island Hospital medical staff in the position of Director of Rehabilitation Psychology. Dr. Sparadeo trained numerous interns and fellows at Brown University. As Director of Rehabilitation Psychology, Dr. Sparadeo created the first comprehensive outpatient rehabilitation program for survivors of traumatic brain injury. After 8 years in his position at RIH Dr. Sparadeo was appointed National Director of Substance Abuse and TBI rehabilitation services at New Medico Health Systems in Boston, Massachusetts. He created inpatient substance abuse treatment programs in 8 rehabilitation facilities throughout the U.S. He returned to RIH and Brown University to become the director of the Concussion Care Center in the Emergency Department at RIH. He was also the chief clinical consultant to the Trauma Center and Stepdown Unit, and he was the co-director of the Interdisciplinary Spine Center in the Neurosurgery Department at RIH for 5 years before opening a private practice specializing in the neuropsychological assessment, pain assessment and pain management. He developed a specialized substance abuse treatment program for people with both TBI and substance abuse. Eventually, he developed a specialized treatment program for people with chronic pain and opiate addiction. Over the many years of his career Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant to many agencies and healthcare programs throughout the U.S. He has also served on numerous boards of directors. He was the founder and president of the Brain Injury Association of Rhode Island. He was also the Chairman of the Governor’s Permanent Advisory Commission on TBI. He was also a member of the national committee on substance abuse and disability at SAMHSA in Washington, D.C. Most recently, Dr. Sparadeo has been a consultant and chief trainer on a federally funded grant at the Massachusetts Rehabilitation Commission. Dr. Sparadeo’s career has also included the publication of many scientific papers and book chapters, and he has been on the faculty of Salve Regina University graduate program in Rehabilitation Counseling where he teaches the Neuroscience of Substance Abuse and Mental Illness, Psychopharmacology for Counselors and the Neuroscience of Opioid Abuse.   Traumatic Injury & SUD: Implications of Stimulants on Traumatic Brain Injury

Download the slides for the first session of the Traumatic Brain Injury & SUD Series: Brain Injury 101. This session will provide participants with an overview of brain injury including information on what brain injury is and the prevalence within the general population. The session will then describe brain injury in the context of high-risk populations such as intimate partner violence and criminal and juvenile justice. Finally, participants will gain an understanding for how to screen for brain injury and they will learn strategies for supporting individuals with brain injury within the addictions setting. Learning Objectives: Participants will be able to describe the prevalence of brain injury in the general and within special populations. Participants will learn about best practices for screening individuals for brain injury. Participants will learn how to support individuals identified with brain injury.   Presenter Information: Judy Dettmer has been working in the field of brain injury for 30 years. Ms. Dettmer is currently the Director for Strategic Partnerships and a Technical Assistance Lead for the Traumatic Brain Injury Technical Assistance and Resource Center at the National Association of State Head Injury Administrators. Ms. Dettmer has worked extensively with adults, children and family members of individuals with brain injury. She has provided direct and systems consultation to improve the lives of individuals with brain injury. Judy has also assisted with research efforts related to brain injury and has conducted countless presentations, classes and seminars on brain injury both in the state of Colorado and Nationally. Ms. Dettmer has provided technical assistance to numerous states including but not limited to; screening on brain injury, developing infrastructure within state systems such as departments of education, criminal justice, and in developing and managing advisory boards and councils. Ms. Dettmer is currently a co-facilitator for the National Collaborative on Children’s Brain Injury.

      This virtual presentation is sponsored by the Southeast ATTC Regional Center and will focus on central nervous stimulants and their impact on the user's brain, body, and behavior in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina. Treatment providers, peer support communities, and community-based organizations in Region 4 are encouraged to register for free.     List at least three types of stimulants Describe the patterns and trends of stimulant use. Identify at least three impacts of stimulant use on people who use them. Summarize at least two specific treatment interventions that have proven effective in treating people with a stimulant use disorder.   .........................................   James E. Campbell, LPC, LAC, MAC, CACII has worked professionally in the human services field for over twenty-five years in a wide range of clinical settings, currently serving as the Training and Technical Assistance Manager for Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center.  His passion is helping individuals and families heal and build on the strengths they possess.  He’s a member of both NAADAC and ACA and is a past president of APSC/SCAADAC.  James is a nationally recognized, author and speaker.  

According to the 2019 National Survey on Drug Use and Health, almost 10% of people aged 12 or older in Region 8 (Colorado, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Utah, and Wyoming) had a substance use disorder in the past year, which is higher than the national average. In addition, data from this survey show that 403,000 people in the Region had an illicit drug use disorder, with stimulants, opioids, and cannabis named as three of the major illicit drugs used. Certainly, stimulant use (especially methamphetamine) rates are increasing nationally as well as in Region 8. A recent study by Jones, Compton, and Mustaquim (2020) found that 1.6 million adults (over 18) reported past-year use of methamphetamine; over a quarter reported using methamphetamine on more than 200 days; over half had a methamphetamine use disorder; and over 1/5 had injected methamphetamine. In response to these stimulant use trends, representatives from the regional Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTCs), led by the ATTC Network Coordinating Office, created a day-long curriculum titled <i> Stimulants and their Impact on Brain and Behavior: Best Practices and Approaches for Effective Treatment and Recovery. Due to the Public Health Emergency (PHE), this day-long curriculum was re-packaged into a three-part webinar series by the ATTC Stimulant Workgroup. The MPATTC is pleased to sponsor the following events:   • Part 1: Stimulants: What Are They and Who Uses Them?, March 9, 2021 • Part 2: Impact of Stimulant Use on the Brain and Body, March 16, 2021 • Part 3: Effective Treatment Approaches and Recovery Supports, March 23, 2021

      This virtual presentation is sponsored by the Southeast ATTC Regional Center and will focus on the reasons addiction is considered a disease, challenge some of the ideas about substance use disorders that are prevalent in many faith communities, and also honor some of the many wonderful, effective ways that faith communities can help individuals on their path towards recovery in Alabama, Georgia, Florida, Kentucky, Mississippi, Tennessee, North Carolina, South Carolina. Treatment providers, peer support communities, and community-based organizations in Region 4 are encouraged to register for free.   1.    Verbalize the prevalence of substance use disorders in the general United States population,  2.    Identify four criteria of any disease, 3.    Articulate two reasons choice and will power alone are not an effective strategy for recovery, 4.    Describe two ways faith communities can help support recovery. ======================================     James E. Campbell, LPC, LAC, MAC, CACII has worked professionally in the human services field for over twenty-five years in a wide range of clinical settings, currently serving as the Training and Technical Assistance Manager for Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center.  His passion is helping individuals and families heal and build on the strengths they possess.  He’s a member of both NAADAC and ACA and is a past president of APSC/SCAADAC.  James is a nationally recognized, author and speaker. 

        S2 Ep3: Parenting Through Your Recovery Journey In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Technology Transfer Specialist and President and CEO of Inentional Begginnings, LLC, Sharon Hesseltine. We turn our attention to the stigma and barriers that women face while parenting or pregnant while being challenged with substance use disorder (SUD). Sharon highlights her personal journey as a mother while plowing through her road to recovery. She also debunks some common myths of being pregnant with a SUD.  Listeners will get an overview of her newest project, "Providing Peer-Based Recovery Support Services for Pregnant and Parenting Families".        Sharon Hesseltine, BSW is the President and CEO of Intentional Beginnings Consulting & Training, a small non-profit with the mission of strengthening organizations and individuals serving those who experience substance use disorders, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), and trauma. Sharon received her Bachelor of Science in Social Work from Southern Illinois University in 1981, and in 2011 completed a two-year post-graduate Certificate in Infant and Early Childhood Mental Health from the University of Minnesota. For over 30 years Sharon has worked in Public Health and specialized in early childhood development, women’s health, and addiction. Her career has ranged from providing direct services to women through managing two sober living residences to designing and facilitating statewide and local collaborative initiatives that call on her skills in public policy, strategic planning, cross-sector collaboration, program assessment, and marketing. She is a national trainer, Technology Transfer Specialist, and facilitator for multiple organizations including the Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation, the Addiction Technology Transfer Centers (ATTC), and the Opioid Response Network. In 2018, Sharon took the lead in developing SUD specific training for Peer Support Specialists and Supervisors for the Commonwealth of Kentucky. Sharon is passionate about reducing the stigma associated with addiction and developing the capacity of communities, organizations, and individuals to better meet the needs of individuals with substance use disorders. With her husband, Scott Hesseltine, she currently resides in Louisville, KY.   Sponsorships: off for this episode                        

An abundance of research has pointed to poor treatment outcomes for people with co-occurring trauma and addiction. Traditional addiction treatment has ignored the significant impact of trauma on personal recovery and subsequently people have continued to struggle as a result. With recent advances in understanding the impact of trauma, it is time for a change in the approach taken toward trauma and addiction. This interactive and experiential presentation offers an overview of the impact of trauma on the recovery process from a social, biological, psychological, and spiritual perspective and will provide clinicians with skills to work with  people affected by trauma throughout their recovery, as well as, understanding the conceptual framework of trauma-informed practice.

This is a training on Trauma Integrated Addiction Treatment.  

The March 2020 Dialogue contains articles on: Addiction: The Value of Social Work | Mental Health: Brain Awareness | Prevention: Substance Use Prevention and Preventing Problem Gambling | ORN: Partnering with Schools to Impact Addiction | Region 3 Spotlight: 185aDay and Mental Health and Intimacy. Additional sections include upcoming training and webinar events, behavioral health observances, new resources, and Region 3 news. The Dialogue is designed to inform behavioral and mental health professionals of news and upcoming events in the Central East states. This electronic newsletter is disseminated on the first Tuesday of each month. You are encouraged to provide us with any feedback or submit articles and topics for discussion in future issues of the newsletter. Sign up to receive the Dialogue in your mailbox.

    Drugs can alter the way people think, feel, and behave by disrupting neurotransmission, the process of communication between neurons (nerve cells) in the brain. Many scientific studies conducted over decades have established that drug dependence and addiction are features of an organic brain disorder caused by drugs’ cumulative impacts on neurotransmission. Scientists continue to build on this essential understanding with experiments to further elucidate the physiological factors that make a person prone to using drugs, as well as the full dimensions and progression of the disorder. This infographic is to assist special populations, providers and organizations in explaining specific neurotransmitters, their affects, and specific drugs that affect them. 

This presentation by Professor Katherine Sorsdahl discusses the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training model with applications in the South African context. Katherine Sorsdahl is a Professor and the Co-Director of the Alan J Flisher Centre for Public Mental Health at the University of Cape Town. She also serves as Expert Curriculum Development Advisor for the South Africa HIV ATTC.

This presentation by Professor Bronwyn Myers discusses the Screening, Brief Intervention, and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) training model in application to substance use disorders. Professor Bronwyn Myers is a Chief specialist scientist in the Alcohol Tobacco and Other Drug Use Research Unit at the South African Medical Research Council. Professor Myers also serves as an Expert Technical Assistance Advisor for the South Africa HIV ATTC.

Monthly electronic newsletter

Presenter Harold Gates offers best practices for sustaining professional and organizational commitments to cultural competence and effective application of CLAS.

Electronic newsletter

This webinar provides an overview of the Substance Use Disorders Initiative, a program developed at Massachusetts General Hospital to improve the quality, clinical outcomes, and value of addiction treatment by implementing a chronic disease model of care across the system. The Initiative includes inpatient and outpatient clinical services, SUD specific treatment services in the ED, integration of addiction services into primary care, and more.

Monthly electronic newsletter highlighting Great Lakes ATTC training events and other topics.

This presentation was created and delivered by Mr. Kgalabi Ngako, a National Department of Health representative for the Mental Health and Substance Abuse Directorate. It discusses adopting Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT) curriculum as a strategy to combat substance use disorders.

Monthly electronic newsletter featuring Great Lakes ATTC training events and other topics.

Brochure overview of the mission and vision of the Ukraine International PEPFAR ATTC.

Fact sheet offers tips and information resources for securing buy-in for medication assisted treatment