VIRTUAL-Intertwined Issues Series- Pain and Substance Use

VIRTUAL-Thursday, April 15, 2027, 9:00 AM-12:00 PM-$119 including CEUs
Intertwined Issues Series- Pain and Substance Use
Jean Brickman, LADC I

Did you know that between 50-60% of people diagnosed with a substance use disorder also experience chronic pain? Because of this, substance use treatment providers need both a working knowledge of the impact of physical pain, both generally, and on recovery, and interventions to address these two interconnected issues.  This training will provide background information and a review of the evidence-based modalities that can address these two issues in concert, to help decrease stigma, and help people engage in treatment. 

Following this training the participants will:

• Understand physical pain and the ways in which substance use and pain impact one another.
• Understand the impact of stigma on accessing support for physical pain in individuals with a substance use disorder.
• Identify strategies to improve engagement for individuals who experience co-occurring substance use and chronic pain.       

Identify clinical strategies for addressing substance use and chronic pain simultaneously, including use of MI, Harm Reduction, CBT and other non-medical strategies to navigate management of chronic pain.

Jean Brickman LADC I, RCPF, is the Clinical Director for the Behavioral Health Services Division at Open Sky Community Services and previously served as the Clinical Supervisor for Co-Occurring Disorders.  She has overseen the provision of services for supporting individuals with co-occurring mental health and substance use challenges.  She has also provided supervision, training and consultation organizationally to support staff teams in providing recovery-oriented, person-first care and to enhance the capacity of specialty practitioners in delivering these services.

Ms. Brickman has over 15 years of experience, specializing in supporting individuals who are navigating co-occurring disorders, providing direct care across a variety of residential, community-based and outpatient settings. 

Ms. Brickman is passionate about the use of evidence-based practices and has driven agency-wide practice implementations that support multiple pathways to recovery and enhance equitable access to these supports.  These practices include: Harm Reduction strategies, Motivational Interviewing and the use of Seeking Safety and Recovery Life Skills groups, to provide care to individuals at any stage of change. 

Ms. Brickman is a graduate of City University of New York, John Jay College of Criminal Justice, where she earned an MA in Forensic Psychology.  Jean is a licensed alcohol and drug counselor and licensed social worker.  She holds the designation of Recovery Coach Professional Facilitator through Connecticut Community For Addiction Recovery.