Workforce Development
The Bureau of Substance Abuse Services (BSAS) has developed the first version of a Substance Use and Addictions Workforce and Organizational Development Strategic Plan (PDF) 
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. This Plan is a "living plan," and the recommendations and links herein are intended to be used by individual and institutional stakeholders to prompt action at all levels.
Training and Continuing Education
BSAS sponsors trainings, conferences, forums, and other continuing education events through a contract with AdCare Educational Institute, Inc.
These events are open to anyone working in substance abuse prevention, intervention, treatment and recovery support across the Commonwealth. You can check AdCare's training calendar to find upcoming events and register on line.
The following organizations also contract with BSAS to provide trainings for the substance abuse providers in MA:
- Health Imperatives (SPHERE): HIV/AIDS, Opioid Overdose Prevention, etc.
- Institute for Health and Recovery: Trauma Informed Care, Family Support, Nicotine Addiction, etc.
- Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling: Gambling Addiction
BSAS also partners with the Addiction Technology Transfer Center of New England and the New England Institute of Addictions Studies. Both the ATTC and NEIAS provide workforce development and training information and events across the region. NEIAS runs the New England School of Addictions Studies (NESAS) and School of Best Practices every summer. ATTC offers free trainings on NIDA Blending Products, as well as a variety of online CEU courses, throughout the year.
Links
Brief Treatment has been shown to be effective for treating a broad range of substance use disorders. The MASBIRT Brief Treatment manual, Comprehensive Addiction Treatment: A Cognitive-Behavioral Approach to Treating Substance Use Disorders, emphasizes client motivation, cognition, and behavior. It uses motivational interviewing and cognitive behavioral therapy techniques in 6 - 12 formatted sessions that focus on building client skills to positively change and maintain unhealthy behaviors.
Brief Treatment was found to be helpful for people who may be unwilling to enter into a traditional treatment process, but who are interested in learning new skills over a brief period to change their current pattern of substance use.
Screening, Brief Intervention and Referral to Treatment (SBIRT)
AdCare Educational Institute
AdCare Educational Institute offers a complete calendar of trainings and conferences related to substance abuse, addiction, and other public health issues. Trainings on Basic and Advanced Competencies as well as Evidence Based Practices are offered throughout the year.
Addiction Technology Transfer Centers
(ATTC) is a nationwide, mutli-disciplinary resource that draws upon the knowledge, experience and latest work of recognized experts in the field of addictions.
Trainings on Problem Gambling
The Massachusetts Council on Compulsive Gambling offers regional one-day trainings, online trainings, and an annual conference on understanding, assessing and treating compulsive gambling.
Inhalant Abuse Training - 20 Minute online class
New England Institute of Addiction Studies
The New England Institute of Addiction Studies is dedicated to the education of professionals, volunteers, and the general public concerning alcohol and drug prevention and treatment issues.
This information is provided by the Bureau of Substance Abuse Services within the Department of Public Health.