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DSW Showcase Student Presentation

Dossley Philbert

LCSW

Trauma-Informed Drug Abuse Program

Concentration -

  • Monday, April 28, 2025 -
  • 9:00 am
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Abstract

Substance misuse and criminality are deeply interconnected, with incarcerated individuals often experiencing high rates of substance misuse. To address this issue, the Bureau of Prisons offers programs such as the Non-Residential Drug Abuse Program (NRDAP) and the Residential Drug Abuse Program (RDAP). While these programs, grounded in Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) models, effectively address behaviors and cognitive patterns contributing to substance misuse, they often overlook the significant role of trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) in driving these behaviors. This presentation explores the critical relationship between trauma histories and substance misuse, emphasizing the importance of integrating trauma-informed practices into existing substance misuse treatment programs for incarcerated individuals. It highlights how trauma-informed approaches can enhance program efficacy by addressing underlying trauma that traditional CBT models may neglect. Additionally, the presentation will discuss the benefits of adopting a trauma-informed framework in correctional settings, such as improved treatment outcomes and reduced recidivism, while also addressing the challenges associated with implementing these changes. Attendees will gain insights into the transformative potential of trauma-informed practices and their capacity to improve the effectiveness of substance misuse interventions in correctional environments.

Biography

Dossley Philbert is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW) in North Carolina. She earned her Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from the University of Maryland University College in 2012 and completed her Master of Social Work (MSW) at Simmons University in 2020. Dossley began her professional career in 2018, which focused on supporting children and families at Alexander Youth Network in Greensboro, North Carolina, where she worked in various settings, including an inpatient lockdown facility for youths aged 12-17 and Structured Day alternative school for youths with behavioral challenges.
In 2021, Dossley joined Lepage and Associates, a private practice serving clients aged three and older. By 2022, she took on the role of Drug Treatment Specialist with the Bureau of Prisons at FCC Butner, where she provides Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)-based drug treatment to adults in custody. Her responsibilities include teaching classes such as Drug Education and Non-Residential Drug Abuse Treatment. Throughout her career, Dossley has provided treatment for a variety of diagnoses, including anxiety, PTSD, family unification therapy, substance misuse addictions, bipolar disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and transitional adjustment disorders.
Currently, Dossley is pursuing a Doctoral degree in Social Work at the University of Kentucky. Her capstone project focuses on integrating trauma-informed practices within drug treatment services for the adult in-custody population. She has identified gaps in current treatment models, particularly the lack of emphasis on addressing adverse childhood experiences and trauma. Her project proposes innovative approaches to revamp how trauma and substance misuse treatment are delivered.