A 50-Year Integrative Perspective on the Psychology and Psychotherapy of Substance Use Disorders
This webinar presents a psychological and psychotherapeutic approach to understanding and treating addiction, informed by the presenter’s five decades of experience working with diverse patient populations across a wide range of substance use disorders (SUDs) involving alcohol, opioids, cocaine, and other psychoactive drugs. His work spans multiple settings, from inpatient and outpatient programs to private office-based and internet-based practice. He will share insights into effective treatment strategies, focusing on how mental health professionals, regardless of theoretical background, can build on their existing skills to address both the behavioral and psychological dimensions of addiction.
For psychotherapists and others in the mental health field, it is well-recognized that behavior change alone often falls short in overcoming addiction. When complex psychological issues remain unrecognized and unaddressed, substance use frequently serves as a coping mechanism for managing overwhelming emotions and psychological distress, making relapse likely or even inevitable. This webinar explores how sustained abstinence, while beneficial, does not fully resolve underlying emotional difficulties. These unresolved issues, unless adequately identified and addressed, may continue to drive cravings and self-medication urges long after substance use has ceased.
This webinar will describe key principles and practices of treatment that blend together psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, client-centered, and pharmacological interventions. And, how key elements of seemingly disparate approaches can be blended together to provide effective individualized care. The integrated psychotherapeutic approach described in this webinar is transtheoretical in the sense that it does not view one conceptual framework or theoretical orientation as superior to all others. Rather, it appreciates that each has something to offer to greater or lesser degrees depending on the particulars of a given case. A flexible nondogmatic stance that gives priority to establishing and maintaining a positive therapeutic relationship with each patient is seen as the primary vehicle for delivering truly individualized care. Participants will learn how they can build upon the clinical skills they already have to engage and treat patients with SUDs more effectively in psychotherapy practice and/or other clinical settings.
Target Audience
This advanced workshop is ideal for psychotherapists who want to deepen their understanding of SUDs and improve their approach to individual psychotherapy with substance-using clients in private practice. Traditionally, individual psychotherapy’s role in treating SUDs has been undervalued relative to group counseling and self-help programs. This webinar addresses critical yet often-overlooked aspects of SUD treatment, including:
- Psychological factors contributing to addiction and chronic relapse
- The role of individual psychotherapy in SUD treatment
- Clinical challenges of supporting abstinence vs. harm reduction goals
- Differences between treating SUDs and other mental health issues
- Integrating cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, and other interventions to improve treatment retention and outcomes
- The role of adjunctive medication in SUD psychotherapy
Learning Objectives
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
- Explain contemporary psychological theories of addiction and treatment approaches.
- Identify common clinical dilemmas psychotherapists face when treating SUDs
- Describe the key elements of an integrated psychotherapeutic approach
Instructor Bio
Arnold M. Washton, Ph.D., is a psychologist, book author, and founder of The Washton Group, a private practice specializing on the treatment of substance use disorders in executives, professionals, adolescents, and young adults. He has served as Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at NYU School of Medicine, director of several nationally recognized addiction treatment programs, principal investigator of research grants from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, and consultant to professional sports teams, government agencies, media organizations, and major corporations. He has also served as substance abuse advisor to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, special committees of The U.S. Senate and House of Representatives, and the American Psychological Association. Dr. Washton has authored over 100 journal articles and nine books including "Treating Alcohol and Drug Problems in Psychotherapy Practice: Doing What Works" (2nd Edition, 2023).
Dr. Washton has no conflicts of interest for this program.
Contact Us
For questions, please contact: ce@gsapp.rutgers.edu
Continuing Education Information
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology (GSAPP) is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0123.
LMFT/MFT and LPC/LAC Licensed in New Jersey: Programs approved by the American Psychological Association are acceptable sources of continuing education credits. Please see https://www.njconsumeraffairs.gov/regulations/Chapter-34-Subchapters-10-31-Professional-Counselors.pdf, Section: 13:34-15.4 APPROVAL OF COURSES OR PROGRAMS on page 27. For all other professional licenses and certifications, please reference your issuing state board regulations regarding reciprocity of continuing education credits.
Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology is approved by the American Psychological Association to sponsor continuing education for psychologists. Rutgers Graduate School of Applied & Professional Psychology maintains responsibility for this program and its content.