Journal of Addiction Research & Therapy
Open Access

Abstract

The necessity to accurately screen, assess and diagnose co-occurring substance abuse and bipolar disorder in the treatment center environment is the foundation upon which all treatment rests. The diagnostic criteria updated in the DSM-5 better represents the spectrum of both disorders. This examination of effective intensive outpatient treatment as a step down from residential or therapeutic community treatment and as an initial treatment approach integrates the traditional cognitive behavioral with psychodynamic and somatic elements. Clients who are able to demonstrate abstract reasoning have been proven to benefit from dream analysis, active imagination and shadow work. This addresses the foundational underlying need for processing that can only be done after the client is stabilized, behavioral cravings and cues adjusted and cognitive dysfunction treated. This presentation will bring evidenced-based treatment to one of the most difficult client populations.

Biography

Charles W Graham has completed his Psy-D from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology and graduate work at The University of North Texas. He is the Chief Operating Officer/Executive Director of CoreVision Network, a premier dual diagnosis treatment organization based in Colorado Springs, CO. He is one of the leading professionals in the field of recovery and co-occurring disorders. He was the Program Director at Sober Living by the Sea, one of the premier treatment centers in America, for five years, and for the past five years he has been the Executive and Clinical Director at Behavioral Health Synergy where he has started up numerous sober living homes, treatment centers and counseling centers. He is currently an Adjunct Professor of Psychology at the Community College of Aurora.

Email: charles_graham98@yahoo.com