The Hijacked Brain

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Understanding the Neurobiology of Addiction and The Implications to the Addictive and Recovery Process

 

GOALS & OBJECTIVES OF EDUCATION OFFERING

PURPOSE OF PRESENTATION (GOALS):
To introduce addiction as “Affect Regulation Behavior”; learning to recognize “unlearned” behavior and its role in addiction and recovery. Identifying distorted personal realities and intervention strategies to improve personal functions.

COURSE CONTENT AND DESCRIPTION:
The neurobiology of addiction will be discussed to help participants gain an understanding of the implications of the “hijacked brain”. Healthy emotional function versus trauma/shame bound function. Identify flight, fight, freeze reactions and to learn healthy self-mastery through skill building strategies and definitive exercises.

INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS (VIDEO USE, ETC.):
Didactic presentation, video, group I experiential discussion and handouts.

EDUCATIONAL OBJECTIVES (LISTED NUMERICALLY)

• Achieve a functional understanding of brain memory systems, how they interact and when and how to intervene to improve cognitive processing.

• Be able to teach and use a model of communication that facilitates self awareness, understanding and self accountability.

• Utilize course content to help clients assess developmental deficits, survival mechanisms and missing skills necessary to enhance their adult function.

• Identify shame and trauma based distorted thinking and utilize shame reducing techniques to decrease regressive behaviors and relapse potential.

• TIdentify the impact child abuse and neglect on neurological development and develop treatment strategies to acquire affect regulation skills.

• Utilize and teach a model of toxic shame as the core of addictive and compulsive behavior and a stage oriented model of recovery that provides clients with both understanding and direction in their individual recovery programs.

DIDACTIC PRESENTATION TIME:
3.5 Hours

EXPERIENTIAL PRESENTATION TIME:
2.5 Hours