2023 Conference

Wednesday, August 30, 2023

4:00 – 5:30 p.m. — Registration Opens

5:30 – 6:00 p.m. — Networking Dinner

6:00 – 8:00 p.m. — Announcements, Welcome, and Opening Plenary 

Announcements & Welcome
Kenny House, NCATOD President

Enhancing Motivation, MAT Adherence & Retention with Contingency Management
Dr. David Gastfriend

Thursday, August 31, 2023

7:45 – 8:30 a.m. — Registration & Networking Breakfast

8:30 – 10:00 a.m. — Morning Plenary

Announcements & Welcome
Kenny House, NCATOD President

How New Regulatory Changes May or May Not Change What We Do
Eric Morse, MD

10:00 – 10:15 a.m. — BREAK

10:15 – 11:45 a.m. — Concurrent Breakout Sessions I

Session A: Methamphetamine; Overview of the drug and interventions | Wanda Burger, LPCS, NCC, LCAS, CCS, ICCS, ICAADC, MAC, CCMC, SAP, PhD

Session B: Counselor Burnout: “I’m O.K.” (Not really) | Melissa Enoch

Session C: HIV Today | Liz Ramseur

Session D: Cultivating Resilience and Recovering Authenticity on the Journey to Long-term Recovery | Garret Biss

11:45 – 1:15 p.m. — Luncheon Session:  State Opioid Treatment Authority Update

1:15 – 2:45 a.m. — Concurrent Breakout Sessions II

Session A: Fentanyl; A complete Overview | Wanda Burger, LPCS, NCC, LCAS, CCS, ICCS, ICAADC, MAC, CCMC, SAP, PhD

Session B: Ethics In the 21st Century: Analog and Digital | Ed Johnson, LPC, LAC, LACS, MAC, CCS

Session C: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Diversity Tab Scotty | Tab Scott

Session D:  Harm Reduction for Professionals | Greg Berry

2:45 – 3:00 p.m. — BREAK

3:00 – 4:30 p.m. — Concurrent Breakout Sessions III

Session A: Living not Dead Safer on Meds | Dr. Andy Halberg

Session B: The ASAM Criteria—More than Justification | Daniel Rhodes

Session C: Overview of SUD/MOUD Treatment Implementation in Correctional Settings | Tremaine Sawyer and Tammy Vaughan

Session D: Engagement and Retention Following the Great Resignation | James Campbell

OPENING PLENARY: Enhancing Motivation, MAT Adherence & Retention with Contingency Management

David Gastfriend, MD

An addiction psychiatrist, Dr. Gastfriend has held clinical, research, technology development, and policy roles. At Harvard, he directed MGH’s addiction research program. As VP at Alkermes, he directed scientific communications on Vivitrol. His research led most states to endorse the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) Criteria. His 150 publications include The ASAM Criteria and Addiction Treatment Matching. His ASAM Criteria CONTINUUM® software is being adopted nationwide. He co-founded DynamiCare Health™, a Contingency Management technology awarded by Harvard Business School, Massachusetts, Ohio, and the New York Times. He has consulted to Belgium, China, Iceland, Israel, Norway, Russia and the US.

Session Description: In substance use disorder, contingency management (CM) is the best-researched, most effective – and yet least utilized approach. Unlike medications and talk therapies, CM targets the brain’s motivation system. After a half-century of research, however, clinicians still have concerns: ethics, resources/funding, testing and management burdens. Technology has now surmounted these obstacles. Technology boosts effort in cognitive behavioral therapy, MAT adherence, attendance and retention. Studies show CM (vs. usual care) doubles abstinence rates from alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and tobacco. Data from thousands of patients demonstrate feasibility: in substance use disorders from tobacco to opioids; subpopulations from pregnant women to re-entry to corporate executives; and settings from medical centers to recovery homes to national insurance companies. Large dataset AI yields imminent dropout and relapse alerts to cue providers to intervene — even before a relapse. Policy progress and new funding offer a path to sustainable implementation of motivational incentives in routine care.

OPENING PLENARY: How New Regulatory Change May or May Not Change What We Do
— Eric Morse, MD

Dr. Eric Morse is an Addiction and Sports Psychiatrist. Dr. Morse is the CMO of the Morse Clinics – Johnston Recovery Services in Clayton, Morse Clinics of Asheboro, Durham, Roanoke Rapids, North Raleigh, Dunn, Zebulon, Chatham Recovery in Siler City, and Vance Recovery in Henderson. All of the Morse Clinics proudly accept Medicaid and Medicare. After his residency in psychiatry at the UNC, he completed an addiction psychiatry fellowship at the University of Maryland. He won the Fred Glazer Award in 2021 and the Nyswander-Dole ‘’Marie’’ Award in 2022 from AATOD for lifetime achievement in treating opioid use disorder.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS I-A: Methamphetamine; Overview of the Drug and Interventions

Wanda Burger, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, CCMC, ICCS, ICAADC

Bio: After a near death accident; Wanda returned to college and became a therapist. In 2004 she and her family relocated to North Carolina, her birth state. She and her therapy dogs assist other professionals to work with trauma and dual diagnosis as a supervisor and trainer.

Session Description: This session will take a look at the origin of methamphetamines including how it is brought into the United States. Next, the session will take a detailed look at the effects on those misusing methamphetamines including the impacts on their families. The session will conclude with a discussion on interventions and outcomes of treatment.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS I-B: Counselor Burnout: “I’m O.K.” (Not really)

Melissa Enoch

Ms. Enoch is the Owner/CEO and Administrative Director of Trinity Counseling Services LLC, Charlotte NC and Burlington NC, a private outpatient substance use treatment facility, which utilizes Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Motivational Interviewing, and Stages of Change to assist clients in fulfilling their goals. Melissa is a Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist, North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board, Licensed Professional Counselor Associate, the North Carolina Board of Licensed Clinical Mental Health Counselors and Master Addictions Counselor, NAADAC. Melissa graduated from Walden University February 2014 with Master’s of Mental Health Counseling. Melissa graduated from University of Phoenix in April 2008 with a Masters of Business Administration. Melissa graduated from UNC Charlotte May 1993 with Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, minor in Sociology. She has worked in the Mental Health/Substance Use Disorder field for nearly 30 years in various capacities including Detoxification, Corrections and Treatment. During this time, she has developed curriculums in order to convey the information in the most effective way for the understanding of the consumers. Consumers have included clients, colleagues and now corporations regarding Therapy principles and practices, Substance Use Disorder Education, and other specific topics including Anger Management, Stress Management and assisting other organizations in the creation of Standard Operating Procedures and Curriculums.

Session Description:
Long term stress can lead to Burnout; defined as mental and physical exhaustion. During this session participants will discuss signs of burnout, identify personal stressors, discuss how burnout is a professional impairment its organizational impact, and learn steps to reduce and/or avoid burnout by gaining the knowledge of strategies to appropriately address these issues allowing them to be more effective in their respective practice.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS I-C: HIV Today

Liz Ramseur, MPH CHES RCP

Liz Ramseur is the Senior Director of Programming with the ADIS Leadership Foothills-area Alliance (ALFA). Liz has worked in HIV prevention and care for the last 7 years and is credited with establishing many community programs including a harm reduction program and mobile testing unit. Liz holds a Master of Public Health from Lenoir-Rhyne University as well as several certifications including the Certified Health Education Specialist and Recovery Coach Professional designation.

Session Description:
This presentation will outline the latest information on HIV care and prevention as well as the intersection between HIV transmission and opioid use. The presentation will cover coinfections and how SUD facilities can partner with prevention and care agencies to educate and provide access to services.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS I-D: Cultivating Resilience and Recovering Authenticity on the Journey to Long-term Recovery

Garret Biss, CPRC

Garret Biss is a retired Marine Corps Pilot. Transitioning from military service was a traumatic chapter of Garret’s life; one defined by a struggle with substances and alcohol. While surviving this chapter, Garret began a journey of personal discovery and meaning which led to studying the science of human flourishing and emotional wellbeing as it pertains to recovery from addiction. Garret leverages his personal and professional experience as a presenter, certified recovery coach, and as a founder a recovery residence. His mission is to empower others towards their best recovery through curriculum development, online programs and recovery mindset coaching.

Session Description:
In our lives, we are often forced to make choices between living authentically and seeking a connection with others. Sadly, sacrificing one’s authenticity can lead us down the treacherous path of substance use disorder or behavioral addiction. The only sure way out is committing to finding authentic fulfillment – through self-acceptance, love for oneself, greater meaning in life and purposeful pursuits. This journey plays an integral role not just in recovery but also overall life satisfaction. Unlock the doorway to authenticity and connection with those close to you. As a peer, coach, or mentor, discover simple tools to help others express their authenticity and enjoy the connection, self-worth, and fulfillment that an authentic life provides.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS II-A: Fentanyl: A Complete Overview

Wanda Burger, LCMHCS, LCAS, CCS, CCMC, ICCS, ICAADC

After a near death accident; Wanda returned to college and became a therapist. In 2004 she and her family relocated to North Carolina, her birth state. She and her therapy dogs assist other professionals to work with trauma and dual diagnosis as a supervisor and trainer.

Session Description:
This session will take a look at the origin of Fentanyl including how it is brought into the United States. Next, the session will take a detailed look at the effects on those misusing fentanyl including the impacts on their families. The session will conclude with a discussion on interventions and outcomes of treatment.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS II-B: Ethics In the 21st Century: Analog and Digital

Ed Johnson, LPC, LAC, LACS, MAC, CSS, CPRS

Ed Johnson obtained a Bachelor’s Degree from Auburn University and a Master’s Degree in Clinical Counseling from the Citadel. He is currently the Associate Director for Training and Technical Assistance with the Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC). He has worked in the field of Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery for thirty years in both frontline and supervisory positions, eighteen of which were with individuals with opioid use disorders. He has provided numerous trainings throughout the Southeast on Addiction Prevention, Treatment and Recovery related topics.

Session Description: Social Networking Sites, Text Messages, Google, Email and the Internet; these digital media have become ubiquitous in the everyday life of Addiction Professionals and the people they serve. They open up multiple issues with respect to self-disclosure, confidentiality and professional boundaries. This didactic and experiential training will allow participants to gain an increased understanding of the dynamics of these various digital media and how to safely navigate them in a Professional and Personal setting.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS II-C: LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Diversity

Tab Scott

Tab Scott is a Clinical Supervisor at Williamson Comprehensive Treatment Center in Williamson, West Virginia. They are a graduate of Lindsey Wilson College, and are actively pursuing independent licensure in the state of West Virginia. Tab has given several trainings on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Diversity at the clinic, region, and division level. As a member of the LGBTQ+ community, it gives them great honor to be presenting on this topic.

Session Description:
Presentation will provide information on LGBTQ+ Inclusivity and Diversity and how to implement these with patients and fellow staff members. Presentation will detail the difference between diversity and inclusion, the difference between implicit and explicit bias, key terms, barriers faced, and best practices in the clinical setting.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS II-D: Harm Reduction for Professionals

Greg Berry, NCCPSS
Greg Berry is a North Carolina Certified Peer Support Specialist and SMART Recovery facilitator, working as the Cumberland County Linkage to Care Coordinator, with the North Carolina Harm Reduction Coalition. He has an associate degree from Fayetteville Technical Community College and is currently a student at Fayetteville State University, where he is pursuing a degree in Psychology. Greg is also the Project Coordinator for the Fayetteville Cumberland Opioid Response Team, a member of the Post Overdose Response Team and the Fayetteville Law Enforcement Assisted Diversion program, and a critical link in connecting Fayetteville’s syringe service program participants to care.

Session Description:

Harm reduction refers to a range of public health policies designed to reduce the harmful consequences associated with
drug use, sex work and other high-risk activities. In practice, harm reduction is a set of strategies and principles that work to prevent the spread of disease and promote health by “meeting people where they are” rather than making judgments about where they should be in terms of their personal health and lifestyle. While it may not be feasible for many professionals to provide harm reduction services, professionals can apply the principles and philosophy of harm reduction into their practices.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS III-A: Living not Dead Safer on Meds

Dr Andy Halberg

Dr. Halberg is a Physician and Medical Director of Acadia Comprehensive Treatment Center, an opioid treatment program in Asheville, NC. He is also; co-founder and Medical Director of Mayrx, a Medication Assisted Treatment clinic. Dr. Halberg is passionate about reducing the harm surrounding the disease of addiction, particularly opioid use disorder and strives to reduce the stigma around addiction. He enjoys community partnership and networking.

Session Description:
This session will review the data and cased studies around medication assisted therapies and the impact they have on the quality of life of individuals who with the disease of addiction.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS III-B: The ASAM Criteria—More than Justification

Daniel Rhodes
Daniel worked directly in OTPs from 2015-Feb 2022. He worked as a counselor, a Clinical Supervisor, and a Clinic Director. He is currently working in a Utilization Review capacity, helping providers get credit for the great care they are providing. His primary interests focus on providing patient-centered care in order to create and maintain the relationship necessary to help the client build a firm foundation in recovery. Whatever gets in the way of that relationship, whether outdated thinking and language or stigma—internal to the clients or in the larger community—is something he is interested in addressing.

Session Description:
As treatment providers, we all have some idea of The ASAM Criteria and their various levels of care. However, very few of us interact with ASAM as anything more than an annual justification sheet or a series of questions we use to justify the level of care we provide. Used as intended, however, The ASAM Criteria actually drive care. As treatment moves nationally closer to alignment with ASAM, we need to understand how The Criteria work, and how they integrate into our treatment planning and execution.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS III-C: SUD/MAT in Correctional Settings

Tammy Vaughan, MSW, LCAS 
Tammy Vaughan is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (Associate) and a Licensed Clinical Addictions Specialist (Associate). Tammy has over ten years working in mental health and addiction counseling specializing in government, private, and the Christian community. Her work is to encourage mental health support and reduce mental health and substance use stigma. She is a certified Mental Health First Aid Instructor teaching the community how to identify, understand and respond to signs of mental health and substance use challenges. She is the Founder/CEO of GracePoint Recovery Services providing mental health and substance use treatment to Alamance County community residents. She is the Senior Pastor of Freedom Christian Center located in Alamance County. She is currently employed as the Licensed Clinician for the Sheriff’s Medication Assisted Reclamation Program (S.M.A.R.T.) in the Durham Detention Center, providing opioid treatment to detained individuals. Tammy is passionate about providing quality services to individuals and families in the community to which she services.

Tremaine Sawyer, LCSW, LCAS-A
Tremaine Sawyer is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker, Licensed Clinical Addiction Specialist-Associate, and STARR program supervisor with Durham County’s Criminal Justice Resource Center. CJRC’s STARR (Substance Use Treatment and Recidivism Reduction) program is a trauma-informed, gender specific and comprehensive substance use disorder and behavioral health treatment program housed in Durham County’s Detention Center. Tremaine has worked with a variety of vulnerable populations in the social work field over the years and has found his passion to address health disparities and improve the continuum of care of justice-involved individuals. Tremaine provides administrative, clinical, and technical support for the Durham Detention Center’s Medication Assisted Treatment program. In addition, to being a SAMHSA Trauma Trainer for Criminal Justice Professionals, he is an Adjunct Clinical Instructor for NC Central’s Department of Social Work.

Session Description:

Overview of SUD/MOUD treatment implementation in correction settings.

CONCURRENT SESSIONS III-D: Engagement and Retention Following the Great Resignation

James Campbell, LPC, LAC, MAC
James Campbell has worked professionally in the human services field for over twenty-five years in a wide range of clinical settings and currently serves as the Training and Technical Assistance Manager for Southeast Addiction Technology Transfer Center at Morehouse School of Medicine. His passion is helping individuals, families, and communities heal and build on the strengths they possess. He is a
member of both NAADAC and ACA, is a past president of APSC/SCAADAC, and is a nationally recognized author and speaker.

Session Description: Among the many trials that grew out of Covid, one that seems to be lingering in the staffing shortage among clinicians and human service professionals. “Now Hiring” seems to be the constant mantra of programs and services during a time when the demand related to behavioral health supports is at its highest. What factors contributed to this challenge? More importantly, what are some ways to begin to address it and move towards greater stability? This session will take an honest look at how we got to where we are and how we can begin to move forward in terms of engagement and retention.

The North Carolina Association for the Treatment of Opioid Dependence once again presents the 2023 Conference for Best Practices in Opioid Treatment: Voices for Recovery, August 30th – August 31st in Greensboro, NC. Three tracks have been customized to meet specialized needs in the areas of Nursing, Administration, Clinical and Leadership.

Join us by registering now. Please register early! Conference participation will be limited.

North Carolina Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board  

NCATOD has applied to NC Addiction Specialist Professional Practice Board (NCASPPB) for up to 9 hours of credit. Individual credit will be awarded for each session attended, and NCASPPB credit is included with conference registration

All conference related questions need to be made to: Registration@NCATOD.org.

Embassy Suites
204 Centreport Drive
Greensboro, NC 27409

The Embassy Suites in Greensboro, NC offers such great meeting rooms as well as excellent accommodations for those who need housing. The number of available rooms will meet our conference needs quite well and the negotiated price for participant housing is outstanding.

The Embassy Suites is located in the center of the Triad, just 6 miles from the Piedmont Triad International Airport at the intersection of Interstate 40 and Highway 68. They are the premier center for hospitality in the area, with a full range of services to meet every traveler’s needs. The 219, all-suite property has an elegant 7-story atrium where the fresh scent of lush greenery fills the senses. Water cascades from a luxurious fountain and sunlight radiates through the skylights overhead.

Each suite is beautifully decorated with a private bedroom and spacious living room. All of the suites have a refrigerator, microwave oven, individual cup coffee maker, two flat screen televisions, two telephones, high speed Internet and a very functional dining/work table with ergonomic chair. Choose a suite with 2 double beds or 1 king bed; in addition each suite is equipped with a queen size sleeper sofa for extra guests.

Since the NCATOD Conference registration fee does NOT include housing/lodging, special daily rates of $135.00 + tax (Two Double Beds or One King Bed, Non-Smoking), have been negotiated with the Embassy Suites. This room rate includes breakfast on Thursday morning, plus a complimentary reception Wednesday and Thursday evenings.

All lodging/housing arrangements must be made directly with the Embassy Suites no later than August 1, 2023

CLICK HERE TO BOOK YOUR ROOM ONLINE NOW!

Or call 336-668-4535 to make your hotel reservation.
Use Booking Code: NCATOD Meeting. 

2023 NCATOD PLATINUM CONFERENCE SPONSORS

2023 NCATOD GOLD CONFERENCE SPONSORS

2023 NCATOD SILVER CONFERENCE SPONSORS

2023 NCATOD CONFERENCE EXHIBITORS

• Trinity Counseling Services

• NC Drug Council/Know Hope NC

• Crossroads Treatment Centers

• Lochness Medical Supplies

• MedStat

• CARF

• Wake Diagnostic

• Mallinckrodt

• Millennium Health

• Netalytics

• Alkermes

• First at Blue Ridge

• Governor’s Institute

• VistaPharm

• Pinnacle Treatment Centers

Interested in Exhibiting at NCATOD?  Become a Sponsor Today!

Download the Sponsor/Exhibitor Form Now
Pay for Sponsorships Online via the Conference Registration Link