A: Engaging Families in Treatment

Although addiction is often described as a “family disease,” standard treatment modalities rarely actually include families. But families have unique influence and connection for our patients and can provide very impactful support, encouragement and leverage to improve outcomes. This session will highlight practical approaches to involving families in addiction treatment across the lifespan, including advantages, barriers and overcoming barriers, navigating confidentiality and communication, shared CH decision-making, and innovative models that engage concerned significant others to improve treatment adherence and retention.

Marc Fishman, MD

Addiction Psychiatrist

Maryland Treatment Centers, Mountain Manor

Marc Fishman, MD is an addiction psychiatrist, and leads Maryland Treatment Centers / Mountain Manor, a regional behavioral healthcare provider, which offers programs for residential and outpatient SUD and co-occurring treatment for youth and adults. He is a member of the psychiatry faculty at Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine. His academic and research work has focused on addiction pharmacotherapy; models of care for youth, particularly with OUD; and treatment placement and matching strategies. Dr. Fishman served as a co-editor for the most recent editions of the ASAM Criteria for the Treatment of Substance-Related Disorders. He served as a past President of the Maryland Society of Addiction Medicine, and is a current member of its Board.

Kevin Wenzel, PhD

Clinical Psychiatrist & Director of Research

Maryland Treatment Centers, Mountain Manor

Kevin Wentzel, PhD is a clinical psychologist and the director of research at Maryland Treatment Centers. There, he oversees a portfolio of clinical research related to substance use disorder. Dr. Wenzel has served as a principal or co-investigator on a number of NIH-funded clinical trials related to the treatment of opioid use disorder with a special focus on initiation and retention on relapse prevention medications. In addition to his primary research endeavors, he oversees a clinical training program for psychology students at MTC and provides regular trainings for clinical staff. 

Delores Rowlette (Moderator)

Moderator