The Power of Affirming Care in Substance Use Disorder Recovery
October 29, 2025 | 12-1pm PT
Sponsored by the Northwest ATTC and the Washington Recovery Alliance
Affirming care is more than a value—it is a vital practice that directly impacts recovery outcomes for people with substance use disorders. This presentation will explore the principles and practical application of affirming care, with a focus on how addiction professionals can create treatment environments that are inclusive, culturally responsive, and identity-affirming.
In this session, led by Hallie Burchinal, founder and Executive Director of Center for Growth and Empowerment (CGE), attendees will learn how affirming practices support engagement, retention, and healing in SUD services, and how small but intentional changes can make a meaningful difference in client experiences and long-term recovery.
A few learning objectives:
By the end of this webinar, participants will be able to:
Define affirming care and describe its role in substance use disorder (SUD) recovery.
Identify three key principles of affirming care that can be applied in treatment and peer support settings.
Apply practical strategies to create more inclusive and supportive environments for diverse clients.
Certificate of Attendance available for all attendees of the live session!