Understanding Alcohol Use Disorder & Best Practices for Supporting Members

Estimated watch time: 2 hrs 2 minutes

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW

Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.

Objectives and Summary:

This presentation is intended for first responders and peer supporters interested in learning more about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), its impact and how to support others throughout the treatment and recovery process. Alcohol Use Disorder is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable drinking and preoccupation with alcohol.
 
AUD is a behavioral health challenge faced by the general public and public safety professionals, so it’s important to understand how and why it develops, best practices for accessing treatment, how to support peers who may be struggling and identify resources to aid in recovery. Participation in this training will foster a greater understanding of AUD, the spectrum of usage, symptoms of AUD and identify treatment options, including inpatient, outpatient, and community-based options. Additionally, this presentation will provide peer supporters with tips and strategies for supporting colleagues in need of treatment, currently in treatment and those returning home from to being their recovery.
 
Objectives: 
 
  • What is Alcohol Use Disorder 
    •  Spectrum of AUD 
    •  Risk factors 
    •  Protective factors 
  •  Diagnostic criteria for AUD
  • Treating AUD 
    • Behavioral treatments
    •  Support groups 
    •  Medications 
  •  Supporting members 
    •  Pre-treatment 
      •  Approaching a peer with concerns 
      •  Accessing treatment 
  •  During treatment 
  •  Post-treatment 
    •  Aftercare plan support/accountability 
    •  Importance of connection and ongoing support 

Presentation Materials: