2025 Fall Registration Brochure

14 NJAMHAA's Fall Conference 2025 Afternoon Session Number and Type of Credits: Clinical Harm Reduction and Healing: Addressing Anxiety in Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders, Course #6434 is approved by the Association of Social Work Boards (ASWB). Approved Continuing Education (ACE) program to be offered by the New Jersey Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA) as an individual course. Regulatory boards are the final authority on courses accepted for continuing education credit. ACE course approval period: 8/19/2025 - 8/19/2027. Social workers completing this course will receive 1 clinical continuing education credit. This course is approved by the NJ Association of Mental Health and Addiction Agencies (NJAMHAA), as a NAADAC Approved Education Provider, for educational credits. NAADAC Provider #87719, NJAMHAA is responsible for all aspects of the programming. Malachi Walton, LPC, LCADC Clinical Workforce Trainer NJ Prevention Network COURSE DESCRIPTION: This session will explore the complex challenges of treating individuals with co-occurring substance use disorders (SUDs) and anxiety-related mental health conditions. Participants will be introduced to a harm reduction framework as a foundation for building rapport, enhancing client insight, and supporting readiness for change. Through a combination of clinical education and practical application, the session will examine the underlying roots of both SUDs and anxiety disorders. We will explore how anxiety can contribute to substance use, how specific substances may temporarily alleviate but ultimately worsen anxiety symptoms, and how these patterns can lead to addiction. The workshop will also address the risk factors associated with continued use of mood-altering substances or behaviors. Participants will gain tools to support clients in identifying and managing anxiety symptoms while promoting overall wellness. Emphasis will be placed on strategies such as stress reduction techniques, establishing self-care routines, and building healthy self-esteem to support recovery and long-term change. Learning Objectives: At the end of this session, attendees will be able to: 1. Describe the relationship between anxiety disorders and the development of substance use disorders, including the role of specific substances in symptom management and escalation. 2. List harm reduction principles to engage clients, assess readiness to change, and support therapeutic connection. 3. Identify risk factors that contribute to ongoing substance use in individuals with co-occurring disorders. Target Audience: Mental Health Practitioners Harm Reduction and Healing: Addressing Anxiety in Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders SESSION 2.5 . ................................................................... 1:00 PM – 2:00 PM Audience Target Levels: Beginner, Intermediate and Advanced Anthony Polizzi, LPC, LCADC Clinical Workforce Trainer NJ Prevention Network