Explore the relationship between exposure to traumas and the often resulting addiction. Those individuals who work in the “helping professions” are statistically at a greater risk for developing addictions. The use of alcohol, drugs and other activities as a means of self-medicating overwhelming job-related stress and chronic exposure to emotionally charged events is often common place. Personality traits and the human culture of “helpers” are looked at, as well as issues of enabling and family dynamics. Good critical incident stress management MUST include an addictions component which addresses these dangers, and gives you the tools necessary to address these dependencies.

This course is for those in the “helping professions” who are at a greater risk to crisis and the potential for substance abuse and additions and those who work with this specialized population.

Program Highlights:

• Addiction Issues of Concern
• Generalized Adaptation Syndrome
• PTSD, Alcoholism and Addictions
• Extremes of Human Stress
• Assessing Incidents
• Addiction and Suicide
• Enabling, Jackpots & Co-Dependency
• Belief Systems and Recovery
• Roads to Living Clean and Sober
• Living with Someone in Recovery

Successful completion of the Approved Instructor Candidate Program will allow you to teach this curriculum to others. Continuing education will be required to maintain your instructor status.

Prerequisites for Participation in the Approved Instructor Candidate Program:

• Completion of the following ICISF courses as taught by ICISF or by an approved ICISF instructor. (Copies of certificates of completion are required to accompany the application.)
  • Advanced Group Crisis Intervention
  • From Trauma to Addictions
• ICISF Approved Instructor in good standing for:
  • Individual Crisis Intervention and Peer Support
  • Group Crisis Intervention
• A working understanding of addictions either through a 12 step program, or training in other successful recovery program(s).
• A minimum of five years critical incident/traumatic stress experience.
• A letter of recommendation from a local, state or regional CISM team or agency / institution dated within three months of application due date.*
• A letter of endorsement from a local, state or regional CISM coordinator or clinical director dated within three months of application due date.*

* At least one of the letters of recommendation must attest to the instructor candidate's teaching ability. If neither of the aforementioned letters can do so, a third letter must be submitted.

• Active membership on a crisis intervention team.
• Current ICISF membership.
• A copy of a current CV or resume.
• Official course application form.
• A brief statement outlining:
  1. Your crisis intervention/CISM experience.
  2. Your instructional experience.
  3. Reasons for applying for ICISF Approved Instructor Training.
  4. Your understanding of 12 step and / or other recovery programs.