HYBRID EVENT: You can participate in person at Orlando, Florida, USA or Virtually from your home or work.

6th Edition of Global Conference on

Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry

October 20-22, 2025 | Orlando, Florida, USA

GAB 2025

Step one therapy

Speaker at Addiction Medicine, Behavioral Health and Psychiatry 2025 - Ashton Christopher
Center for Recovery, Canada
Title : Step one therapy

Abstract:

In 1939, Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) World Services Inc. published its text which, remarkably, is still in broad use today and shows no signs of losing popularity. Within the profession of caring for people suffering from addictions of all types in residential and ambulatory care sites, the Twelve Steps still remain a gold or, at minimum, a comparison standard. On the other hand, the field of addiction counselling is emerging in response to significantly growing population needs. Addiction Counsellors have developed professional certifications and licensing through embracing well developed therapeutic modalities and the scientific method. For the most part, the two approaches are believed to complement each other.

Nonetheless, the two predominant approaches to care for persons, counselling and twelve step programs differ significantly from each other and do not directly reinforce one another. This presentation outlines the neurobiological veracity of Step One, which gives a robust and comprehensive novel understanding of addiction and unites the two approaches. We have developed a remarkably successful educational program which employs proven counselling methods to help clients integrate science with their experience. Additionally, the science of recovery helps clients navigate the characteristic challenges through early and later recovery.

Biography:

For over 3 decades, Chris has worked as a healthcare and interdisciplinary professional as a primary care practitioner, innovation research consultant and current program designer and lead at TEDDs On Chapel Recovery Residence. Educated in engineering physics, medicine and business (BEng, MD, MBA (Finance) and CE (Harvard)), Chris brings a unique perspective and personal story to the understanding and treatment of substance use disorder and assessing what is truly evidence-based and best practices. 

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