Cannabis in the Clinic - A Toolbox for Therapists

Cannabis in the Clinic - A Toolbox for Therapists

Ms. Racheli Siegel is the director of the comprehensive training program for integrative addiction treatment at the Mifarashim Institute, and Dr. Daniel Feingold is the deputy director of the addiction clinic at the Lev-HaSharon Medical Center.

12.9- Monday between 8:00 PM-10:00 PM

The clinical evening is intended for mental health professionals who are interested in expanding their knowledge and toolbox regarding cannabis addiction in the clinic. The lectures will address the following topics:

• How to identify problematic cannabis use?

• How to talk to patients about their cannabis use patterns?

• Useful tools for safe cannabis use and preventing the development of cannabis addiction.

• Tools for treating cannabis addiction in the clinic.

As of 2016, a quarter of the adult population and 40% of young adults in Israel report using cannabis. Studies show that one in four cannabis users will suffer from cannabis addiction in their lifetime, a disorder characterized by compulsive use, dependence, and functional impairment as a result of substance use.

In recent years, significant changes have been taking place in the legal status of cannabis, in Israel and around the world: widespread use of cannabis for medical purposes, decriminalization of cannabis use for personal needs, and advancement of legislation towards the legalization of cannabis. Studies show that at the same time, there is a process of normalization of cannabis, which is perceived by the public as harmless.

These global changes in the status and perception of cannabis have resulted in a steady increase in the prevalence of cannabis use and addiction, alongside a decline in referrals for specialized cannabis addiction treatment. Cannabis use and addiction often occur in conjunction with mental distress, so many therapists encounter cannabis use in patients whose reason for referral is depression, anxiety, trauma, etc., and often feel at a loss when faced with the concomitant use of cannabis, its consequences, and how they should talk to patients about it and address it in treatment.

About the lecturers:

Ms. Racheli Zigel, a clinical social worker and certified family and couples therapist, instructor and lecturer. The academic director of the course. An expert in treating addicts and their families, and in trauma and crisis situations, loss and bereavement, and specializing in treating victims of sexual trauma. Owner of a private clinic in the Sharon area for personal, couple and family therapy. In the past, she was part of the addiction treatment team in the "Ilanot" community, and managed the hostel for the community's graduates. She also managed the addiction treatment unit in Kiryat Ono. She led the unit in the area of family, couple and dyadic treatment for addicts and their families. She also facilitates groups and workshops.

Dr. Daniel Feingold , a rehabilitation psychologist and expert deputy director of the addiction clinic at Lev Hasharon Medical Center. Specializes in the treatment and research of alcohol, drug and prescription drug addiction. Doctorate in psychology from Bar-Ilan University, internship and postdoctoral program in the field of addiction at Sheba Medical Center. Researches the psychosocial risk factors for the development of addictions, mainly cannabis (marijuana).

Mr. Slava Kovardinsky , MSW, social worker and psychotherapist. Specialist in the field of addictions, marginalized populations and youth at risk. In the past, he has been an individual and group therapist for many years in public service in frameworks such as the Association for the Prevention of Alcoholism, the Tel Aviv City Street Dwellers Treatment Unit, Youth Probation Service, the Eshach Association and the Elam Association. In recent years, he has been treating addicts and their families in the private sector within the framework of the Dr. Tal Center. He also guides and trains teams in the field of addictions and youth at risk in welfare services, youth shelters and therapeutic communities. He lectures and guides addiction courses and probation officer courses at the Central School for Social Workers. Throughout his years of work, he has led parent groups for adolescents who use psychoactive substances.

Dr. Hagit Boni-Noah , Senior Lecturer in the Department of Criminology at Ariel University. Member of the ILSAM Committee - the Israeli Society for Addiction Medicine and Treatment of the IRA. Former Advisor to the National Authority to Combat Drugs and Alcohol from 1996 to 2018.