Understanding AUD & Best Practices for Supporting Members

Estimated watch time: 1 hr 19 minutes

Presentation Materials:

Hannah Elmore, MSW

Community Outreach Coordinator for the IAFF Center of Excellence for Behavioral Health Treatment and Recovery through Advanced Recovery Systems

The International Association of Fire Fighters (IAFF) represents more than 331,000 fire fighters throughout the US and Canada. The IAFF Center of Excellence offers PTSD and trauma-focused treatment with a full continuum of mental health and substance use care. Traveling throughout the nation and Canada to provide clinical presentations.

Objectives and Summary:

This presentation is intended for first responders and peer support team members interested in learning more about Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD), its impact on members, and how to support others throughout the treatment and recovery process. AUD is a chronic disease characterized by uncontrollable drinking and preoccupation with alcohol. It’s a common challenge faced by first responders and members of the general public, so it’s important that we understand how and why it develops, best practices for accessing treatment, how to support peers who may be struggling, and identify resources to aid in recovery. Join us to learn more about the basics of AUD, how to identify and access appropriate levels of care, and review tips for supporting others who may be struggling.

Presentation Materials:

Molly Jones, LSW is a Clinical Education Coordinator for Advanced Recovery Systems. In this role, Molly is responsible for providing clinical education and training to various client populations, treatment providers, and other behavioral health stakeholders across the country. Molly provides in-person, virtual, and on-demand behavioral health education and is able to cover a wide variety of topics under the behavioral healthcare umbrella.

Molly is a Licensed Social Worker in the State of Colorado and based out of Denver, Colorado. Prior to joining the ARS Community Outreach Team in August 2019, Molly worked in a variety of social work settings. She has worked in direct practice, counseling older adults, adolescents, high acuity clients, and other populations struggling with various mental health and substance abuse related issues, as well as a Permanency Planning Worker for the Department of Human Services, Child Welfare Division in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma. Molly has worked in the field of Social Work since 2013, and holds the philosophy that all individuals, with proper support and awareness, possess the ability to learn, change, and grow to achieve the highest quality of life and sense of self possible.

Molly earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Family Life Education with a focus on Gerontology from the University of Central Oklahoma and a Masters of Social Work from the University of Oklahoma. In her time with Advanced Recovery Systems, Molly has primarily worked with first responders and their families, as well as the International Association of Fire Fighters and various municipalities across North America. Molly is the Peer Team Clinician for the IAFF’s 9th District Peer Support Team, has been featured in news publications and mental health podcasts, and provided clinical oversight to local non-profits in Colorado.