6082799385
DavidChastain
The process of developing an addiction is often misunderstood.
A clearer perspective results in more effective outcomes when assistance is offered. This is particularly important on college campuses. There is so much at stake. As someone who has lived and studied addiction and recovery, I can provide this better understanding.
It is so easy to get lost down the rabbit hole, and I know that there are many ways to climb out. The challenge is for each person to find the method that works for them.
In addition, people need to reject the idea that addiction is a moral issue.
About David
Dr. Chastain has worked as an educator, counselor, lecturer, and professor for over 35 years.
He has held leadership positions in many substance use disorder treatment settings for both adolescents and adults. He served as a core faculty member for the Hazelden Betty Ford Graduate School of Addiction Studies (Center City, MN) for six years, adjunct instructor for six years at Madison College (Madison, WI), and adjunct instructor for seven years at Upper Iowa University, Madison Center (Madison, WI).
Currently, for Brevard College (Brevard, NC), Dr. Chastain has taught Introduction to Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Counseling; and the three courses he wrote: Grief, Loss, and Death; Substance Use, Addiction, and Behavior; and The Psychology of Families.
Dr. Chastain holds a PhD in Counseling, and his MA is in Addiction Studies. Dr. Chastain held the Clinical Substance Abuse Counselor credential from the state of Wisconsin (1994-2023).
Dr. Chastain has given over 50 conference, agency, or school presentations on the Addiction Process, Pathways of Recovery, Grief Competency, Relapse Prevention, Prevention of Substance Use Disorders, Individualizing Recovery Programs. SUDs and Domestic Violence, and the Intersection of Grief and Addiction.
David's Talks
David has often encouraged students to build a method of expression that does not depend on words, since so much of being a student involves reading, writing, and talking. His guitar playing serves him well in this.
David would be very interested in discussing how his guitar playing might be a part of his talk at your event!
Please Click on The Arrow To Hear David Play His Composition "The Doldrums"
Down the Drain and Up in Smoke: A Personal Look at Addiction
Dr. Chastain uses his personal and clinical experiences to present a broad look at how addiction can start, and the harm active alcohol or drug use can cause. He also provides some insights regarding his process in leaving his destructive use patterns in the past.
Please Click on The Arrow To Hear David Play His Composition "Singing Sand"
Pathways of Recovery
This presentation focuses on how mutual help support groups differ, and how individuals might align more closely with each group. It is not the intention of the presentation to weigh any of the groups discussed as more valuable than the others.
As individuals can experience recovery in different ways and with different needs, one group may provide a better match at a specific time than the other groups. They each have value.
The groups to be discussed include: 12 Step groups; SMART Recovery; The 16 Steps for Discovery* and Empowerment; Rational Recovery; Women for Sobriety; Life Ring; Secular Organizations for Sobriety; Wellbriety; Refuge Recovery; and All Recovery.
This list is not meant to be all encompassing. There are additional approaches and may be more going forward.
Recovery itself is all encompassing and requires a broad range of resources. Principles of recovery that are consistent across the groups are also presented.
Please Click on The Arrow To Hear David Play His Composition "The Window or The Mirror"
When the Frying Pan hits the Fire: The Intersection of Addiction and Grief
This presentation addresses valuable interpersonal skills and perceptions regarding the intersection between SUD’s and grief, loss, and death. The presentation addresses how these issues can complicate both the onset and maintenance of addiction recovery. In addition, the presentation also discusses how these issues can present challenges for a coach, counselor, faculty member, peer leader or concerned friend due to the presence of unexpressed grief.
The intersection of grief and recovery presents challenges for nearly everyone. Grief is certainly universal, and a healthy life in recovery can be prevented by unexpressed grief.
This goes beyond the notions of targeted groups, focus areas, and even content areas.
Testimonials
David is a person who creates space for the individual. He brings knowledge, patience, perspective and language to a group space, allowing individuals to feel seen and heard--ultimately leading to deeper human connection.
David is an inherently trustworthy speaker. A balance of humor, expertise, and attentive listening mean that nobody is left behind, and everyone leaves the experience with something new to keep mulling over.
He's a really engaging presenter. I appreciate his experiences that he shared with personal addiction, allowing us to see/get a better understanding of addictive properties and the driving forces behind why addiction may start.
Dr. Chastain was very insightful and fascinating to listen to.
"You make students feel heard and appreciated!"
I appreciated Dr. Chastaln's openness to share personal experiences and the difference in terminology he uses. Inspiring, awesome, empowering, intellectual and realistic.
Your presentation puts a face on the struggle, and it also treats the listeners as adults that are able to make their own decisions and come to their own conclusions. All in all, it was quite refreshing.
Contact David
Contact David
Reach out to Dr. Chastain to discuss which of his talks best suit your needs.
6082799385