Dr. Kevin McCauley - The Pathway from Treatment to Recovery

Since its debut in the 2010 film Pleasure Unwoven, the “Periodic Table of the Intoxicants” has served treatment providers as a humorous and insightful tool for summarizing the primary neuroscientific framework used to explain addiction: the Dopamine Hypothesis.

Dr. Kevin McCauley has recently updated the Table to reflect the evolving understanding of dopamine’s role in motivation, reward learning, and addiction.

This lecture examines how the Dopamine Hypothesis establishes common rules that all drug classes follow, while also highlighting the unique characteristics of individual intoxicants.

For example, why fentanyl poses far greater risks than traditional opioids like heroin, how cannabinoids can lead users from therapeutic to problematic use, and how the distinctive properties of psychedelics have led to the current enthusiasm over their role in psychotherapy.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe how the updated “Periodic Table of the Intoxicants” reflects current neuroscientific understanding of dopamine’s role in motivation, reward learning, and addiction—identifying the shared neurobiological principles that unify all major classes of intoxicants.
• Differentiate the unique pharmacological and behavioral risk profiles of specific intoxicants—including fentanyl, cannabinoids, and psychedelics—and explain how these properties influence patterns of use, therapeutic potential, and addiction vulnerability.

Dr. Amber Deckard - Neurocognitive Assessment and Neurorestorative Care for SUDs

This session, led by Dr. Amber Deckard, will explore the critical role of neurocognitive assessment in the treatment of substance use disorders (SUDs). Dr. Deckard will discuss how advanced neurocognitive evaluation techniques can identify cognitive impairments associated with SUDs and inform personalized treatment strategies. The presentation will also highlight emerging neurorestorative care interventions designed to support brain recovery and improve patient outcomes, using real-world case examples to illustrate key concepts.

Learning Objectives:

• Describe the importance and methodology of neurocognitive assessment in diagnosing and treating individuals with substance use disorders.
• Identify current and emerging neurorestorative care approaches that can enhance cognitive recovery and support sustained recovery in SUD patients.

Jaime Vinck - Heroes, Villains, and Everything In-Between: The Reality of Treatment

We are in a mental health crisis that has been going on since before COVID yet only 1:10 people who need treatment get it. We get the reasons, Finances, Insurance, Stigma, etc.

There is another reason. Fear. Fear of the unknown, fear of our own demons, fear of giving up our coping strategies. Fear of the treatment process itself.

There are “haters” out there who highlight the negative experiences and focus on the bad actors in our industry. The recent book “Rehab – an American Scandal” is just one example. There are good guys and bad guys in every industry, and the treatment space is no different. Focusing on the handful of negative experiences is irresponsible – it can in fact impact someone’s decision to go to treatment.

It’s time to pull back the curtain and provide the tools and steps to thrive in treatment and experience the joy of recovery!
There are also many of us who devote our lives to the work. Let’s introduce some of them, and their stories, and make treatment more relatable – as well as to inspire others to join us in our mission.

Learning Objectives:

• Identify key fears and misconceptions that prevent people from seeking treatment and recognize how negative narratives influence willingness to engage in mental health and recovery services.
• Describe practical tools and inspiring provider stories that demystify treatment, increase engagement, and motivate both clients and professionals to embrace and support the recovery process.