Trauma and Addiction

Taught by Gordon Gray II, MC, LISAC, NCC

This course, offered by the Arizona Trauma Institute, explores the relationship between trauma and addiction behaviors. Attendees will receive a thorough overview of types of compulsions and addictions, biology and predisposition to addiction, Adverse Childhood Experiences, and the culture of addiction and treatment. Participants will receive fundamental information regarding how substances help people deal with trauma symptoms. Discussion will also look at typical assessment and treatment processes, and how they can be more trauma sensitive. The course will provide the foundational information to empower community professionals to design their work to more effectively prevent and address substance abuse.

This course meets the educational requirements for The Certified Clinical Trauma Specialist– Addiction (CCTSA) certification available through the Trauma Institute International.

Arizona Trauma Institute is approved by the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC) to grant Continuing education credit for live workshops.  ACEP number is 6677. CE Hours Awarded: 12

Participants will receive a lunch break each day to be taken ‘on their own.’

This training is made possible thanks to a State Targeted Response grant from the Governor’s Office of Youth, Faith and Family.

Trainer bio:

Gordon Gray II, MC, LISAC, NCC

Gordon Gray II is the Director of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services with Copper Sands, Inc., in Phoenix, Arizona. Gordon is an Arizona native with  over 25 years of experience in the substance abuse/mental health field. Gordon holds a Master of Counseling from the University of Phoenix and is a Licensed Independent Substance Abuse Counselor (LISAC), and Nationally Certified Counselor (NCC). Gordon recently completed his Certificate of Advanced Graduate Studies in Trauma, Abuse, and Deprivation through Ottawa University. Gordon has experience with adolescents, young adults, and adults. He has worked for the City of Phoenix Human Services Department, CLTatum & Associates, the Salvation Army Adult Rehabilitation Center, and Unhooked at the Heights Residential Treatment Center. Gordon has provided leadership to the Arizona Counselors Association, serves as a Counselor Educator with Ottawa University, served as the Chair of the LGBTQ Consortium of Maricopa County, is active with the LGBTQ/Gender and Sexual Minority State Advisory Board, and volunteers with OneNTen Youth Programs in Phoenix. Gordon has a passion for motivating individuals wanting to live a sober life. In his free time, Gordon spends time with his family and close friends. Gordon enjoys swimming, SCUBA, and cooking.