Health Professionals
Events
Thelma McMillen Frontiers in Addiction Lecture Series
When Pleasure Becomes a Problem: Understanding Problematic Sexual Digital Media Use
Date: September 15, 2026
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Description/Overview
When does recreational pornography use cross the line into something problematic? Can someone become addicted to an AI chatbot? Can use of OnlyFans have emotional consequences? What are the real impacts of problematic sexual digital media use on sexual health, relationships, and brain function? And how can clinicians effectively help clients with problematic consumption manage triggers and prevent relapse?
In this practical and insightful session, Dr. Stefanie Carnes explores the fine line between casual use and problematic sexual digital media consumption. Drawing on current research and decades of clinical experience, she shares effective strategies for assessment, trigger management, and long-term recovery.
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Presenter
Stefanie L. Carnes, PhD
Presenter Bio
Dr. Stefanie Carnes is the president of the International Institute for Trauma and Addiction Professionals, a training institute and professional organization for addiction professionals. As a Meadows Senior Fellow, she works with sexually addicted clients and their families and is the clinical architect of Willow House, a treatment program for women struggling with sex, love, and intimacy disorders.
A licensed marriage and family therapist and an AAMFT-approved supervisor, Dr. Carnes’ area of expertise includes working with patients and families struggling with multiple addictions, including sexual addiction, eating disorders and chemical dependency. She is also a certified sex addiction therapist and supervisor, specializing in therapy for couples and families struggling with sexual addiction.
Dr. Carnes presents regularly at conferences at both the state and national levels. She is the author of numerous publications, including “Mending a Shattered Heart: A Guide for Partners of Sex Addicts,” “Facing Heartbreak: Steps to Recovery for Partners of Sex Addicts,” “Facing Addiction: Starting Recovery from Alcohol and Drugs” and “Courageous Love: A Couples Guide to Conquering Betrayal.”
Learning Objectives
By the end of this presentation, participants will be able to:
Define problematic pornography use and distinguish it from recreational use.
Explain the potential negative consequences of problematic sexual digital media use and its impact on sexual health.
Describe four core treatment strategies for helping clients heal from problematic sexual digital media consumption.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including psychologists, social workers, counselors and MFTs.
Learning Levels
Continuing Education Credit
Participants may earn 1.5 CE credit hours.
Psychoactive Substances and Psychosis: Cannabis, Kratom, and Emerging Trends in Substance-Induced Disorders
Date: October 20, 2026
Time: 9 to 10:30 a.m.
Description/Overview
The landscape of psychoactive substances is rapidly evolving, creating new challenges for healthcare professionals across emergency medicine, addiction treatment, and behavioral health settings. Over the past decade, clinicians have witnessed significant shifts in substance use patterns. These changes include increased potency, the emergence of designer drugs, rising rates of polysubstance use, and expanded access through online markets and social media platforms.
This presentation will explore emerging psychoactive substances, including novel synthetic compounds, high-potency products, and adulterants within the illicit drug supply. Participants will examine the pharmacology, clinical presentations, associated risks, and treatment considerations related to these substances. Emphasis will be placed on recognizing atypical intoxication and withdrawal symptoms that may not be identified through routine screening methods. As psychoactive substances and patterns of use continue to evolve, healthcare providers must maintain awareness of emerging trends. Continued education and increased awareness allows clinicians to recognize changing presentations, improve patient education, implement harm reduction strategies, and provide evidence-based care.
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Presenter
Aaron R. Wilson, MD
Presenter Bio
Aaron R. Wilson, MD, a recognized leader in integrative behavioral health and trauma-informed psychiatric care, has built a distinguished career at the intersection of clinical innovation, academic mentorship, and strategic leadership. He currently leads as Chief Medical Officer at Meadows Behavioral Health in Wickenburg, Arizona and Via Linda
Behavioral Hospital in Scottsdale, Arizona. In addition, he holds medical directorships at Anew Treatment Center, Native American Connections, and Rising Phoenix Wellness & Recovery.
Proud Sun Devil alumni, Dr. Wilson serves as Assistant Professor of Clinical Practice at the ASU John Shufeldt School of Medicine and Medical Engineering. Concurrent to his role at ASU, he functions as Clinical Assistant Professor of Psychiatry at Midwestern University. He previously held a decade-long academic appointment at Creighton University School of Medicine, where he contributed to psychiatric education and clinical training at St. Joseph’s Hospital and Medical Center in Phoenix. His commitment to academic excellence is further reflected in his leadership roles during residency at Tulane University, where he served as Chief Resident, Residency Recruitment Coordinator, and member of the Education Committee.
Board-certified in Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, Dr. Wilson is a Diplomate of both the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology and the American Board of Addiction Medicine. His clinical expertise includes trauma recovery and integrative therapeutic modalities, with a focus on measurement-based care and neurobiological approaches to healing. Dr. Wilson has co-authored The Clinician’s Handbook on Measurement-Based Care and contributed to U.S. News & World Report, Oprah Magazine, and the American Psychiatric Association’s Psychiatric News. His work has also appeared in television segments, professional journals, and public health forums, helping raise awareness of behavioral health issues and systemic solutions.
A graduate of Tulane University School of Medicine and Arizona State University, Dr. Wilson has been a driving force in advancing psychiatric care across the Southwest. He is the Past President and current member of the Arizona Psychiatric Society. He is an active member of the American Psychiatric Association, and the American Academy of Addiction Psychiatry.
Learning Objectives
Upon completion of this presentation, participants will be able to:
1. Describe current trends in the evolving psychoactive substance landscape, including increased potency, novel drug formulations, synthetic compounds, and patterns of polysubstance use.
2. Recognize the pharmacologic mechanisms, clinical presentations, and potential complications associated with emerging psychoactive substances, including synthetic opioids, synthetic cannabinoids, and novel psychoactive agents.
3. Apply clinical strategies for identifying, assessing, and managing patients affected by emerging substance use trends, including considerations for toxicology limitations, overdose prevention, harm reduction, and treatment planning.
Target Audience
This educational activity is intended for behavioral health professionals, including Psychologists, Social Workers, Counselors, and MFT's.
Learning Levels
Continuing Education Credit
Participants may earn 1.5 CE credit hours.
To be added to our mailing list, please contact jamie.gelbart@tmmc.com . Participants will receive an email link to register for each presentation.
2026 Lecture Schedule
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