Chasing Other Dragons – Atypical Intoxicants

The treatment literature typically hasn't paid much attention to "gateway drugs" other than nicotine and cannabis. But often, early experimentation with altered consciousness and intoxication involves substances we don't necessarily think of. Especially for persons too young to access more common drugs – or living in areas where they are not readily available – these atypical substances may be a wide open door to intoxication. Substances like kratom, "whippets" (NO2 cartridges), aromatic hydrocarbons (eg, glue, acetone, butane, and gasoline), K2-Spice, and air duster are often used in the absence of more usual drugs of abuse. We will explore each of these categories with regard to abuse potential, adverse effects, vulnerable populations, and treatment options. 

Presenter:

Mike Bricker, MS, CADC-II, NCAC-II, LPC, is a consultant on "dual recovery " from substance use and mental disorders through the STEMSS Institute, specializing in blending research-based treatment with other wisdom traditions. Bricker is also a behavioral health clinician in Eugene, Oregon, specializing in providing trauma -responsive care for chronic pain, methamphetamine, and medication-assisted treatment . He has educated and trained counselors in Alaska, Oregon, and the Navajo Nation. Bricker is a seasoned trainer who presents regularly at national conferences, serves as an invited reviewer for SAMHSA grants, is a consultant for the Tribal Opioid Response Network, and is a NAADAC Approved Education Provider. He has been a clinician, consultant, and teacher for over 40 years.

Learning Objectives:

• Participants will be able to identify three main categories of atypical intoxicating agents.
• Participants will be able to verbalize risk factors and vulnerable populations for each.
• Participants will be able to suggest research-based treatment interventions for each category.