EP13 Dialogue 05 – Addiction – Daniel Amen, MD and Claudia Black, PhD
- Average Rating:
- Not yet rated
- Topic Areas:
- Addiction | Psychotherapy | Dialogues | Ethical Practice | Therapeutic Relationship | Therapist Development | Neuroscience
- Categories:
- Evolution of Psychotherapy | Evolution of Psychotherapy 2013
- Faculty:
- Daniel Amen, MD | Claudia Black, PhD
- Duration:
- 59 Minutes
- Format:
- Audio Only
- Original Program Date:
- Dec 13, 2013
- License:
- Never Expires.
Description
Moderated by Michael Munion
Description:
Educational Objectives:
- Given a topic, describe the differing approaches to psychotherapy, and identify the strengths and weaknesses of each approach.
*Sessions may be edited for content and to preserve confidentiality*
Outline:
Introduction and Speaker Backgrounds
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Michael Munion introduces Claudia Black and Dr. Daniel Amen.
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Both speakers share they are naturally shy and driven to please.
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Claudia begins with client stories to illustrate clinical themes.
Client Story: Jan
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Jan, 34, grew up with a violent, alcoholic mother and absent father.
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After her mother’s death, Jan lived in chaos and developed substance abuse and mental health issues by college.
Client Story: Jake
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Jake, 18, in treatment for criminal behavior.
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Grew up with a substance-abusing father; a car accident killed his mother and separated his family.
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Lived in instability and entered the justice system with low recovery prospects.
Dr. Amen’s Background and Research
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Dr. Amen reflects on Claudia’s influence on his work.
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Notes the intergenerational effects of addiction, including high rates of OCD and substance abuse in grandchildren.
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Introduces “kindling” – how chronic stress increases trauma sensitivity.
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Shares insights from brain imaging in understanding trauma and addiction.
Addiction: Brain and Behavior
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Addiction affects brain chemistry, especially pleasure and reward systems.
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Effective treatment must address both biological and psychological roots.
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Trauma is often at the core of addiction development and relapse risk.
Spiritual and Social Aspects of Recovery
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Claudia emphasizes recovery routines and accountability.
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Dr. Amen discusses the healing role of purpose and spirituality.
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Both support a holistic recovery model: biological, psychological, social, and spiritual.
Technology’s Impact on Youth
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Dr. Amen warns of negative brain changes from overuse of video games and social media.
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Claudia highlights the need for family routines (e.g., shared meals) to reduce risky behaviors.
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Both advocate for setting tech boundaries to protect child development.
Treatment Methods
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Question raised on heroin-assisted treatment.
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Dr. Amen is skeptical of long-term success using substitution therapies.
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Claudia agrees: short-term use may help, but deeper trauma work is critical.
Advice for New Therapists
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Claudia: prioritize self-care and emotional boundaries.
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Dr. Amen: stay open to diverse therapeutic approaches and model mental wellness.
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Both emphasize continued learning and holistic practice.
Closing Reflections
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Claudia underscores involving the family in treatment and recovery.
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She reiterates addiction is treatable and transformation is possible.
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Dr. Amen stresses the importance of brain-based understanding in therapy.
Credits
Faculty
Daniel Amen, MD Related Seminars and Products
Dr. Daniel Amen is a physician, double board certified psychiatrist and ten-time New York Times bestselling author. He is the Founder and CEO of Amen Clinics in Costa Mesa and San Francisco, California, Bellevue, Washington, Reston, Virginia, Atlanta, Georgia and New York City. Amen Clinics have the world’s largest database of functional brain scans relating to behavior, totaling nearly 100,000 scans on patients from 111 countries. Dr. Amen is a Distinguished Fellow of the American Psychiatric Association, the highest award they give members, and is the lead researcher on the world’s largest brain imaging and rehabilitation study on professional football players. His research has not only demonstrated high levels of brain damage in players, he also showed the possibility of significant recovery for many with the principles that underlie his work.
Claudia Black, PhD Related Seminars and Products
Claudia Black, Ph.D., is internationally recognized for her pioneering and cutting-edge work with family systems and addictive disorders. Her work with children impacted by drug and alcohol addiction in the late 1970s fueled the advancement of the codependency and developmental trauma fields. Dr. Black’s passion to help young adults overcome obstacles and strengthen families built the foundation of the Claudia Black Young Adult Center. Not only is Dr. Black the clinical architect of this groundbreaking treatment program, she is also actively involved with the treatment team, patients, and their families.
Claudia is the author of It Will Never Happen To Me, Changing Course, My Dad Loves Me, My Dad Has A Disease, Repeat After Me, It's Never Too Late To Have A Happy Childhood, Relapse Toolkit, A Hole in the Sidewalk, Depression Strategies, Straight Talk, The Stamp Game, Family Strategies, Anger Strategies, Deceived: Facing Sexual Betrayal, Lies and Secrets, The Truth Begins With Youand her newest title, Intimate Treason: Healing the Trauma for Partners Confronting Sex Addiction. She has produced seven audio CDs addressing issues of addiction and recovery. They are A Time for Healing, Putting the Past Behind, Triggers, Emotional Baggage, Trauma in the Addicted Family, Imageries and Letting Go Imageries. She also has over 20 DVDs for professionals to use working with families and clients.