Specialization Track: Biblical Counseling for Addiction and Recovery

$598.00

The Addiction and Recovery Counselor Training Program is designed to help build the skills, expertise and confidence necessary to be better equipped to work with substance and behavior addictions. This course offers insight and refinement into the growing problem of addictions and the way to understand them. With the application of spiritual transformation and renewal, it can offer real hope for healing and restoration.

Continuing Education
This course includes 30 Continuing Education (CE) credits approved for counselors, life coaches, and crisis responders who are credentialed through the International Board of Christian Care (IBCC) or one of its affiliate boards: the Board of Christian Professional and Pastoral Counseling (BCPPC); the Board of Christian Life Coaching (BCLC); the Board of Mental Health Coaching (BMHC) and the Board of Christian Crisis and Trauma Response (BCCTR). 

$299.00
$299.00

Course Lessons and Descriptions

UNIT 1: ADDICTION AND ADDICTS: FOUNDATIONAL PRINCIPLES

ADAR 101 Addictions and Recovery: An Introduction
Tim Clinton, Ed.D.
Dr. Tim Clinton describes the epidemic of bondage regarding the issues of addiction, what puts people in bondage, and what keeps them from enjoying the freedom God wants them to have in this life. He also discusses how the brain is impacted in that journey because of an addiction, and why people have such a difficult time breaking free. This includes the addiction pattern, the pathway to change, barriers to change, and a message of hope that can be found despite troubling circumstances.

ADAR 102 Theology and Addiction
Ron Hawkins, Ed.D., D.Min.
Dr. Ron Hawkins outlines a biblical theology of addiction and recovery. Every person in the background of their minds/spirits has memories of the way they were, and God has placed eternity in the heart of man. However, the beauty that God created has been defaced and vandalized, and people do wrestle with pain. Dr. Hawkins will discuss the transition from beautiful to vandalized, the problem of pain, and the way to achieve freedom and recovery from addictions.

ADAR 103 Models of Addiction
David Jenkins, Psy.D.
Addiction is a very complex area of study – psychologists and doctors have been trying to
conceptualize, treat, and make sense of this destructive cycle for years. Dr. David Jenkins
identifies ways in which people have tried to understand addiction. Students will be able to
develop systematic ways of looking at addiction in order to point the way towards more
effective treatment.

ADAR 104 The Neurobiology of Addiction
Mark Lasser, Ph.D. and Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Laaser and Dr. Clements teach students the importance of understanding how the brain
works regarding the problem of addiction. They discuss SPECT imaging, the chemical side of
addiction, and how various medications can help. They give a message of hope to those
struggling with addiction, as well as helpers who are working with addicts.

ADAR 105 The Addictive Cycle
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise provides a thorough survey of addiction and related factors culminating in the
explanation of the addictive cycle. He discusses terminology as well as the numerous factors
which lead to addictive behavior. Dr. Scalise also expounds on the unmet needs that result in
addictive behavior and the categories of addiction and drug abuse. The addiction cycle is
developed to aid counselors in understanding the addictive process as it occurs at various
stages within the mind of addicts.

ADAR 106 Trauma and Addiction
Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.; Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.; and Daniel Amen, M.D.
Jennifer Cisney, Dr. Sibcy, and Dr. Amen discuss the impact of trauma and traumatic stress on
brain function, memory and emotional regulation. This includes addictive tendencies and
behaviors. The links between the brain, trauma, and addictions are explored. The panel focuses
on the need for thorough triage and assessment along with effective counseling interventions.

UNIT 2: CHEMICAL DEPENDENCY AND ADDICTION

ADAR 201 Biological Aspects of Chemical Dependency and Addiction
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles describes the neurological factors and processes that occur in the brain during
addiction and chemical dependency. He describes the complications of substance abuse and
the protective variables that deter drug use and eventual addiction. Dr. Lyles also provides
extensive attention to the actual biological and physiological responses to various substances.

ADAR 202 Depressants
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles presents a comprehensive overview of the major depressants counselors may
encounter when working with individuals struggling with addiction. Dr. Lyles provides an
extensive survey for introducing the caregiver to general information and treatment
recommendations for clients dealing with marijuana, alcohol, opiates, and barbiturates.

ADAR 203 Perscription Drug Abuse
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles provides students with a survey of prescription drug abuse in the United
States. He cites these highly addictive substances as one of the top threats in terms of addiction
due to the accessibility in communities. Dr. Lyles also presents the various types of prescription
drugs utilized in abuse including narcotic pain medications, amphetamines and
psychostimulants, and tranquilizers.

ADAR 204 Stimulants
Michael Lyles, M.D.
Dr. Michael Lyles presents a comprehensive overview of the major stimulants counselors may
encounter when working with individuals struggling with addiction. He also provides an
extensive survey for introducing the caregiver to general information and treatment
recommendations for clients dealing with cocaine, amphetamines, methamphetamine, and
nicotine.

ADAR 205 Hallucinogenics
Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Todd Clements provides students with a thorough introduction to substance abuse through
hallucinogenic drugs. He elaborates on the forms, reactions, and dangers of LSD, ecstasy,
ketamine, and PCP in a survey of the primary hallucinogenic drugs abused in the United States.
Dr. Clements concludes with a discussion of the addictive nature of the hallucinogenic
substances of abuse.

ADAR 206 Inhalants
Todd Clements, M.D.
Dr. Todd Clements provides a thorough introduction to substance abuse through inhalant
drugs. He elaborates on the forms, reactions, and dangers of the common everyday items often
used in inhalant abuse including spray paint, markers, and gasoline in a survey of the primary
abused inhalants in the United States. Dr. Clements concludes with a discussion of the dangers
and treatment of inhalant substances of abuse.

UNIT 3: BEHAVIORAL AND PROCESS ADDICTIONS

ADAR 301 Sexual Addiction
Mark Laaser, Ph.D.
Sexual addiction is a complex problem. Dr. Mark Laaser discusses the problems in the church,
the characteristics of sex addicts, as well as addresses the neurochemistry of the brain that sex
addicts experience. He also describes the sexual health model, as well as the stages of
addiction. Dr. Laaser integrates biblical principles while explaining the key concepts of sexual
addiction.

ADAR 302 Eating Disorders and Food Addiction
Linda Mintle, Ph.D.
Eating disorders are often discussed within the mental health community regarding the
addictive and impulsive nature of its various conditions. Dr. Linda Mintle presents compelling
biological and statistical evidence to define eating disorders as addictions. She presents the four
types of eating disorders in addition to various treatment methodologies.

ADAR 303 Gambling Addiction
Greg Jantz, Ph.D.
The face of gambling is changing and it can destroy individuals and families. Dr. Gregory Jantz
addresses the issue of gambling, the forms of gambling, how to know if someone has a
problem, the gambling addiction continuum, and how to overcome and treat gambling
addiction.

ADAR 304 Adrenaline Addiction
Arch Hart, Ph.D.
Dr. Archibald Hart discusses the issue of adrenaline addiction, and he reveals the heart of the
matter behind this particular phenomenon. He explains the basic physiology of adrenal glands,
the reasons for adrenaline addiction, and the effects and causes, as well as providing hope and
practical suggestions for overcoming adrenaline addiction.

ADAR 305 Spiritual Addiction/Abuse
Ken Nichols, Psy.D.
There are significant differences between toxic religious behavior and trusted relationships. Dr.
Kenneth Nichols describes religious addiction and its underlying contributors. After reviewing
specific examples and illustrations, Dr. Nichols discusses true faith, spiritual warfare, and how a
person can be set free from toxic addiction.

ADAR 306 Performance Addictions: The Search for Significance
Eric Scalise, Ph.D. and Jennifer Cisney Ellers, M.A.
In this lesson, students will learn about performance addiction – specifically, how it affects
people, how it manifests itself, and how it is directly related with one’s core beliefs. Dr. Eric
Scalise and Jennifer Cisney give detailed examples about the root problems and describe both
the reality of performance addiction and how people can experience breakthroughs in their
lives.

UNIT 4: TREATMENT ISSUES AND PROTOCOLS

ADAR 401 Models of Treatment
David Jenkins, Psy.D. and Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Dr. David Jenkins and Dr. Paris Finner-Williams provide an overview of the primary models of
treatment used in working with addiction and recovery. Special emphasis is given to the
medical treatment, community-based, spiritual, detoxification, and pharmacotherapy models of
treatment. Dr. Finner-Williams concludes by looking at ethical and cultural considerations.

ADAR 402 Screening, Assessment, and Referral
Marian Eberly, RN, MSW, LCSW and Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Marian Eberly and Dr. Paris Finner-Williams address a holistic orientation to problems in
counseling, addictions, addiction screening tools, and how counselors assess for denial,
resistance, and motivation in the recovery process. They also discuss considerations and factors
associated with the treatment of addictions.

ADAR 403 Dual Diagnosis and Comorbidity
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Dr. Gary Sibcy presents a thorough overview of the topics of dual diagnosis and comorbidity in
addiction. He further expands the concept of developmental pathways by highlighting the
characteristics of the early and later starter pathways in the context of addiction and substance
abuse. Dr. Sibcy concludes this lesson with an informational interview investigating the issues of
dual diagnosis and comorbidity.

ADAR 404 The Obsessive-Compulsive Continuum
Gary Sibcy, Ph.D.
Dr. Gary Sibcy provides the counselors with an excellent model for conceptualizing the
differences between obsessive-compulsive anxiety disorders and addictive disorders. He
provides a survey of the orthogonal relationship between impulsiveness and compulsivity.
Finally, Dr. Sibcy provides various treatment methods that illustrate the differences between
obsessive-compulsive and addictive disorders.

ADAR 405 Adolescents and Addictions
Leroy Scott, Jr., M.S., M.Div., LHMC
Counselors are given information concerning adolescents and the use of addictive substances.
Leroy Scott provides various statistics illustrating the surprisingly high substance abuse seen
among adolescents in both the church and secular communities. He also elaborates on the
signs of drug use in adolescents while highlighting the roles of the counselor, parent, and pastor
in utilizing therapeutic interventions. Leroy concludes by focusing on treatment and assessment
recommendations for adolescent substance abusers.

ADAR 406 Spiritual Applications
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise examines the spiritual dimension in its relationship to the topic of addiction. He
focuses on the concept of the “stronghold” and the Christian’s response to various strongholds
through faith and commitment to Christ. The lesson continues through the delineation of the
origins of five dysfunctional rules that often keep addicts from challenging personal
strongholds. Dr. Scalise provides an extensive survey of factors related to addiction
management concluding by offering important considerations regarding the addict’s
relationship to God.

UNIT 5: RECOVERY AND TRANSFORMATION

ADAR 501 Beyond Codependency
Jennifer Cisney, M.A. and Debra Laaser, B.S.
Jennifer Cisney and Debbie Laaser examine the concepts of codependency and dysfunction in
the realm of addiction. They also discuss the “losing of self” characteristic within codependent
relationships as well as the various treatment recommendations for both codependents and
addicts.

ADAR 502 The Family and Recovery
David Stoop, Ph.D.
Dr. David Stoop examines the dynamics of addiction as it relates to the family. He discusses
various genetic and generational arguments in considering the nature of addiction in families.
Dr. Stoop also provides a model for analyzing the family dynamics of addiction and concludes
that addiction is a family issue

ADAR 503 Marital Recovery from Addiction
Mark Laaser, Ph.D. and Debra Laaser, B.S.
Dr. Mark Laaser and Debbie Laaser provide a personal testimony of marital recovery from
addiction. They also highlight the key lessons learned and recommendations for addiction
counseling. The Laasers discuss various difficulties encountered in working with marriages in
addiction while developing a model of marital recovery and additional useful resources for
study.

ADAR 504 Step-based Approaches and Relapse Prevention
John Baker, M.B.A.
A thorough understanding of the rationale and concepts of the Celebrate Recovery program are
presented by founder, John Baker. Baker describes the Christian heritage of the Alcoholics
Anonymous program, develops a Christ-centered step-based alcoholic recovery program, and
discusses various issues that lead to relapse and intentional relapse prevention.

ADAR 505 Legal/Ethical Issues & Social Policy
Paris Finner-Williams, Ph.D., J.D.
Dr. Paris Finner-Williams describes areas of addiction and how legal/ethical issues and social
policy relate to these areas. She discusses the legal/ethical issues directly related to alcohol,
drugs, and other illicit drugs. Finally, Dr. Finner-Williams addresses cultural competency issues
as they relate to addiction and recovery

ADAR 506 Biblical Transformation and Renewal
Eric Scalise, Ph.D.
Dr. Eric Scalise discusses the dynamics of biblical transformation and renewal as it relates to the
process of change. He describes common factors regarding the change process, forgiveness,
and a balanced understanding of God as a Father.

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