During the 2024 ORR Survivor of Torture Recipient Meeting, held in Washington, DC on March 20th, 2024 there were three Peer Learning Sessions. These sessions allowed different programs to inform those at the meetings, of the specific work they were doing to assist survivors on specific topics. Two programs took the spotlight during this Peer Learning Session, delving into prevention and treatment services for individuals contending with substance use disorders in the context of survivorship. The presenters, comprising Farid Alsabeh, ACCESS and Timothy Stickle, NESST, provided a comprehensive exploration of innovative approaches, evidence-based interventions, and holistic support mechanisms aimed at addressing the unique needs of survivors in overcoming substance misuse challenges.
Presentation One: Timothy Stickle on Substance Use: Addiction, Substance Use Disorder, Stigma, and SOT
Description: This presentation aims to explore concepts such as destigmatizing substance use, fostering dialogue, educating communities, and facilitating access to resources, treatment, and recovery. Addressing stigma surrounding addiction and substance use, emphasizing the importance of language and perspectives. Specific focus on application to refugee/SOT communities, including cultural outreach and challenges/successes in education and referral efforts.
Presentation Two: Farid Alsabeh on Navigating Paradox: Providing Treatment for Substance Abuse among Muslim Refugees
Description:The treatment of substance abuse disorders (SUD) among Muslim refugees presents unique challenges to providers. This presentation will provide an overview about the incidence of SUD among Muslim refugees, discuss specific considerations that are relevant to his population, and make treatment recommendations. It will also show how the Arab Community Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) has been providing treatment for SUD among Muslim refugees as part of its Survivor of Torture (SOT) program.
Presenter Bios:
- Farid Alsabeh is a Master’s-Level Psychologist (LLP) who works as a psychotherapist for the Survivor of Torture (SOT) program at the Arab Center for Economic and Social Services (ACCESS) in Dearborn, Michigan. In addition to individual therapy sessions, he leads weekly support group meetings in which SOT clients share their stories, develop solidarity, and benefit from an empowering environment.
- Dr. Stickle is a professor of psychology and licensed clinical psychologist with more than 4 decades of experience in psychology, social work, psychotherapy, research, and program evaluation. His work has encompassed international projects with the United Nations, The Violence Against Women Act, Juvenile and Adult Justice, Substance Use, Mental Health, and Health Care. He has authored 50 publications on methodology, mental health, substance use, and developmental psychopathology. An integrative theme to Dr. Stickle’s works across fields is understanding strengths and vulnerabilities in order to develop and implement prevention and intervention programs to improve well-being and quality of life among individuals and populations who have experienced trauma, are marginalized, and exhibit particular vulnerability to poor life outcomes.
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