Your Javascript appears to be disabled. In order to experience Universe, you need to turn your Javascript on.

CHOICES -NEW! Recovering From Benzodiazepine Use for Peer Specialists

411 RECO

411 S Cascade Ave, Colorado Springs, CO 80903, USA virtual event Colorado

38.8278091 -104.8252837

Description

Welcome to Embark PCA 's collaboration with CHOICES and the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group. This brand new 12 hour CHOICES training will cover the foundations of working with individuals who have lived benzodiazepine recovery, and places emphasis on the reduced power differential essential in peer service delivery. After an orientation to the underlying spirit and principles of support, practical exercises help participants to strengthen empathy skills, and gain an understanding of working with someone experiencing withdrawal symptoms from benzos as well as other drug specific characteristics of the recovery journey. This training was the work of the Benzodiazepine Action Work Group from the Colorado Consortium. Due to the special nature of this pilot training we are capping the registrations at 24. WHO SHOULD ATTEND: Peer Recovery Coaches Case Workers Community Workers Social Workers Family Court Workers Anyone who wants to improve their communication skills! Delivered virtually for two six-hour sessions. December 5th and 12th, 2022 from 9 am - 5 pm Must attend complete sessions and will receive 10 CEUs. Choices Trainings is a: NAADAC Approved Provider in 25 states, including Colorado. MACPB Approved Provider No. 65423-EP NYASP Approved Provider No. 21-006 Florida Certification Board Provider No. 5388 NAADAC Nov. 189704 New York Certification Board Provider No. 20210006 Choices Recovery Trainings is dedicated to providing intentional relatable trainings to increase knowledge around addiction and recovery and improve the outcome for everyone. For Medical Providers ● Approximately 58-100% of patients will experience symptoms upon benzodiazepine cessation, which validates the recommendation that prescribers limit initiation and duration of use as well as safe, supported discontinuation4. ● Approximately 10-15% of patients will experience protracted withdrawal symptoms.5,6 ● Many patients face a lack of support, and even disbelief, when seeking guidance from the medical establishment for benzodiazepine-related issues. This creates an environment of distrust between patient and provider which can be difficult to overcome. Listening to the patient and believing their recitation of withdrawal symptoms is key to gaining the patient’s trust and respect. ● While some benzodiazepine withdrawal symptoms can be attributed to the return of previous conditions, many of the symptoms that patients note are new, or have worsened, and are the result of benzodiazepine physical (or physiologic) dependence alone. Patients can become frustrated when a physician attributes all of their symptoms to previous conditions (relapse, rebound) or to new medical conditions unrelated to discontinuation. Individuals are discredited when their experience is implied to be psychosomatic. ● The decision to withdraw should be the patient’s decision and should not be forced. ● A slow taper is the most widely recommended approach to withdrawal. However, flexibility is KEY to success. The patient should be the one to control the pace of their taper with consideration to the ebb and flow in severity of symptoms. ● Abrupt cessation should be avoided due to the risk of seizures.7 ● Benzodiazepine withdrawal can be complex and can last months, even years in some cases. Optimally, the patient/provider relationship should be collaborative. A menu of options can be made available to the patient to provide support during the tapering and withdrawal process. This could include group support, peer support, psychological support, in addition to medication management. ** It is not uncommon for individuals going through benzodiazepine withdrawal to experience suicidal ideation and/or violent tendencies. It is important to monitor the mental health of your patient during withdrawal and provide additional support resources if needed. ** ● Many rehabilitation/detox facilities are focused on addiction, not physical dependence. For the Patient 1. Educate yourself — It is essential to educate yourself on benzodiazepines, how they work, and the basics of physical dependence and withdrawal. Be cautious of inaccurate information. The Ashton Manual is a widely trusted source for accurate information as are other resources listed below. 2. Work with your provider — It is critical to success to have a licensed provider who will support you through withdrawal. This person does not have to be a benzodiazepine withdrawal expert. Someone who will listen and is willing to work with you can be just as beneficial. 3. Manage your anxiety — It is valuable to develop and maintain tools for anxiety management. A stable mindset is a key factor to success in withdrawal. This can include counseling, meditation, breathing exercises, yoga, etc. 4. Build a support team — It is important to have people to support you through this difficult time. A successful support team can include (but is not limited to): Family/friends, individuals with lived experience, medical professionals, pharmacists, counselors/therapists, and alternative therapies. Resources ● The Ashton Manual (benzo.org.uk/manual/): A free online document which guides individuals and providers through benzodiazepine withdrawal. ● Benzodiazepine Information Coalition (benzoinfo.com): Educating about potential adverse effects of benzodiazepines taken as prescribed. ● The Alliance for Benzodiazepine Best Practices (benzoreform.org): Easily accessible evidence-based information about benzodiazepines. ● Easing Anxiety (easinganxiety.com): Information and support for those who struggle with anxiety and anti-anxiety medication. Home of the Benzo Free Podcast. References 1 Foster, D E. Benzo Free: The World of Anti-Anxiety Drugs and the Reality of Withdrawal. Erie, Colorado: Denim Mountain Press, 2018. https://www.benzofree.org/book. 2 We evaluate the research, literature, as well as lived experience to create a balanced understanding. Benzodiazepine peer support research is limited but promising, with an abundance of information from both research and lived experience. 3 Fixsen AM, Ridge D. Stories of Hell and Healing: Internet Users’ Construction of Benzodiazepine Distress and Withdrawal. Qualitative Health Research. 2017;27(13):2030-2041. doi:10.1177/1049732317728053 4 (Rickels K, Schweizer E, Case WG, Greenblatt DJ. Long-term therapeutic use of benzodiazepines. I. Effects of abrupt discontinuation. Arch Gen Psychiatry. 1990;47(10):899-907.) 5 Ashton, H. (2005). The diagnosis and management of benzodiazepine dependence. Current Opinion in Psychiatry, 18, 249–255. doi:10.1097/01.yco.00001655-94.60434.84 6 Ashton, Heather. "Protracted Withdrawal from Benzodiazepines: The Post-Withdrawal Syndrome." Psychiatric Annals 25(3)(1995):174-179. Accessed April 14, 2018. doi:10.3928/0048-5713-19950301-11. 7 (Hu X. Benzodiazepine withdrawal seizures and management. J Okla State Med Assoc. 2011;104(2):62-5), marked acceleration of withdrawal symptoms, and even death (luyau D, Revadigar N, Manobianco BE. Challenges of the pharmacological management of benzodiazepine withdrawal, dependence, and discontinuation. Ther Adv Psychopharmacol. 2018;8(5):147-68.) including that due to suicide (Murphy SM, Tyrer P. A double-blind comparison of the effects of gradual withdrawal of lorazepam, diazepam and bromazepam in benzodiazepine dependence. Br J Psychiatry. 1991;158:511-6).

This listing has no upcoming events

Start: 2022-12-05T09:00:00-07:00

End: 2022-12-12T17:00:00-07:00

Tickets

Benzo Peer Support 0.0 USD 24