Exploring Harm Minimisation, Neurophysiology, and Trauma-Informed Strategies for Comprehensive Healing.
Harm Minimisation & Optimal Health: In-depth look at various harm minimization strategies within the framework of international health promotion, specifically focusing on the Ottawa Charter and the National Drug Strategic Framework in Australian Drug Policy. Key topics include a detailed exploration of pharmacotherapies for substances like opiates and alcohol and their alignment with different stages of change in addiction treatment. Participants will gain access to quick reference charts for drugs and psycho-pharmacology, and delve into the realms of Orthomolecular Science and Functional Medicine, with insights from Dr. Natasha Campbell-McBride on Gut and psychology Syndrome and Dr. William Walsh on Nutrient Power and biochemical therapy.
Brain Works - Neurophysiology: Neurophysiology of the brain, focuses on brain cells, memory building, synaptic connections, and the brain's reward pathway. It features insights from Dr. Carolyn Leaf and Dr. Kevin McCauley, covering topics like the neurophysiology of addiction and the efficacy of psychotropic medications. The module also examines the role of neurotransmitters, the distinction between psychosis and dissociation with Dr. Colin Ross, and the impact of medical errors on health. Dr. Daniel Amen's work on changing the brain to change one's life is also explored, integrating concepts from Orthomolecular Science, Functional Medicine, and Integrative Psychiatry.
Trauma Model & Keys to Healing & Treating Ambivalence: We will address the trauma model, focusing on the locus of control shift and understanding the underlying issues that cause anger and substance abuse. It covers a range of topics, including grief, loss, boundaries, guilt, shame, and the impact of negative emotions like bitterness, resentment, and revenge. The module dives into neuroplasticity, exploring how memory and thought processing can be rewired for addiction, learning, anger management, and achieving happiness. Additionally, with contributions from Dr. Carolyn Leaf, it looks at cross-cultural and indigenous issues, understanding how thoughts and belief systems drive behavior, and the neurophysiology of memory building and thought processing.
Dual Diagnosis Consultant
George Patriki has over 7 years lived experience as an ex-addict himself and spent over 10 years accessing various treatment and recovery programs to work through the underlying issues. Soon after exiting the drug culture in 1983, George began reaching out to people with substance abuse issues and has 27 years of clinical experience as a counsellor, educator and clinical supervisor. Since 1992, he has developed this commitment into a full time vocation and career as a Dual Diagnosis Consultant on the Gold Coast and throughout Australia. George has spent countless hours helping thousands of people affected by drug & alcohol issues as well as concurrent mental health concerns. George is committed to reaching out to people struggling with addictive behaviours, particularly those with severe life controlling problems due to significant trauma. He works in areas of court advocacy, counselling, outreach, running community forums, seminars and recovery groups for drug users (including dual & multiple diagnosis) and their loved ones. George has been delivering training in Dual Diagnosis since 2002. Since then, he has 17 years of experience as an educator to Government and Non-Government organisations in Australia and in 61 countries worldwide through his online Dual Diagnosis Training (www. dualdiagnosistraining . com . au). This training equips workers to be able to deliver brief and early interventions to people struggling with substance abuse and mental health issues, as well as advanced psychotherapeutic skills. He has also developed an Anger Management Program (www . anger . org .au) that is delivered live and online.
