Straight Talk on the Opioid Crisis in Athletics: Sport Social Work on The Culture, Prevention, and Intervention

Course Description

Join our panel of experts who will provide attendees with the understanding of the unique needs of athletes and the risks that emerge as a result of being immersed in the sport culture, which may actually provide an ‘ease of access’ to opioid medications. The professional panel will introduce attendees to the prevalence of the opioid crisis among all levels of athletes and the many risk factors, including neurological impacts, associated with using. They will discuss several ways to identify the ‘red flags’ of abusing opioids, how addiction begins, and methods of utilizing practical, strengths-based prevention and intervention strategies to implement with individual athletes, their families, and sports organizations so they can be part of the solution to this on-going challenge.

Learning Objectives

At the conclusion of this course, participants will be able to:

• Identify how and why athletes are introduced to opioids, the path to addiction, the red flags of abuse, and the barriers to treatment/services.
• Describe the neurological effects of opioids on performance and list other neurological based skills to manage pain more effectively.
• Describe the role and the importance of involving families in the intervention process, and how to advocate for their child.
• Identify and explain how the culture of sports and opioids intersect. And finally, participants will learn and be able to identify ways to empower each role within the system of sports to be part of the solution to the opioid crisis.

Workshop Information:

Course Date:

December 3, 2021

Meeting Time:

12:00 p.m.–2:00 p.m.

Tuition:

• $70 Regular
• $50 Alumni, FI, Adjunct
• $25 VET

Current AUSSW Students Free with Promo Code

Instructor Bios

Jessica Joiner, LCSW, LAC, SAP, EMDR Trained

Jessica has over a decade of experience working with those afflicted with addiction, complex trauma, and co-occurring disorders. She is using that experience and her expertise to address the many issues that arise for athletes. Jessica works with all levels of athletic performers to address issues such as anxiety/depression, daily stress and pressure, substance abuse/addiction, adjusting from one level of play to the next, identity, injury, and overall mental health and wellness. She is a member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports and has been a presenter at their last two National Conferences. She is a Co-chair of the Clinicians Committee and is a member of the Pro Sports Committee. In addition, Jessica is an approved and listed provider on the Mental

Health Registries for both the National Football League Players Association (NFLPA),

and the United States Olympic and Paralympic Committee (USOPC). Jessica has a private practice in the Denver/Metro area of Colorado where, in addition to working with athletes, she also works with military personnel, first responders, as well as other individuals and couples. She has an integrated approach that includes a social justice, systems, and advocacy perspective. She values the importance of human connection and relationship with others and sees it as a powerful vehicle for change. She considers it an honor to help others on their journey to achieving their best life through recovery, healing, and empowerment. Jessica is a professional speaker and as part of her practice, she enjoys presenting material on various topics related to equity, diversity, and inclusion issues, as well as those related to substance abuse/addiction—both in general, and in the world of sports.

Kristina M Faimon, PhD

Dr. Faimon has taught as an adjunct instructor for the past 15 years at various colleges in the world. She is a full time professor in the Masters of Counseling program at Bellevue University. Dr. Faimon is a LICSW with a variety of clinical, teaching, and community work over the past 15 years. She received her PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision from the University of Wyoming in May 2018. Dr. Faimon is also certified in the Daring Way, based on the research of Dr. Brene Brown. This past year she also became a certified sports social worker and loves working with athletes at all levels. In my free time I enjoy being outside or spending time with my family, with two boys ages 14 and 13.

Alex Diaz, PhD, LCSW

Dr. Alex Diaz is a 20-year licensed psychotherapist who holds a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology. As certified in Performing Edge Coaching, his teaching focuses on two areas: improving competitive performance and enhancing mental health awareness by applying research-based neurophysiological and cognitive strategies that facilitate emotional regulation, resilience, focus, and wellness. He conducts his work in private practice serving school, collegiate, and professional athletes. Alex is a member of the Mental Health Registry for the US Olympic & Paralympic Committee and a Mental Wellness provider for US Cycling.

Dr. Diaz is a frequent speaker on sport psychology and mental wellness strategies to improve stress management, injury rehabilitation, team building, motivation, concussion, and coach-athlete relationships.

Dr. Stacy E. Kratz, PhD

Dr Stacy E. Kratz, PhD, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), and Certified Addiction Professional (CAP), is a Clinical Associate Professor at the University of Southern California (USC) Suzanne Dworak-Peck School of Social Work. As an award-winning researcher, community advocate and organizer, and international leader in the sport social work subspecialty, she focuses on social change and innovation in sport for development, social justice and peace. Dr. Kratz also serves as an Executive Board Member of the Alliance of Social Workers in Sports (ASWIS.ORG) and maintains a private practice focused on serving athletes across the lifespan, including those at professional and elite levels, their families, and the communities where they live. She loves to connect on LinkedIn and Instagram @stacykratz and on Twitter @socialworkpulse

Adelphi University School of Social Work is an approved provider for continuing education credits for the following:

• NYSED Social Workers
• NYSED LMHC
• NYSED LMFT
• CASAC Renewal
• APA Psychology,
• NYSED Psychology
• NYSED LCAT

Successful completion for the award of approved continuing education credits requires attendance at the entire training/workshop and submission of a completed evaluation form.

See full credentialing information and CEUs

Cancellation Policy

Unfortunately, we cannot provide refunds for cancellations made seven working days or fewer before the event for any reason—or for no-shows. We can provide credit towards a future workshop up to 24 hours before the event. After that, no credit will be issued.