Neurobiology of Trauma and Addictions

Research has shown how the brain is affected by trauma and insecure attachment, both of which impact neurobiology. There is a strong co-occurrence between eating disorders and substance use disorders that can be explained in part by common etiologic factors including trauma, attachment insecurity and trauma or adverse childhood experiences. Much has been learned in recent years regarding how the brain makes decisions and the interplay between various parts of the brain that result in unwanted behaviors. There are high rates of cross-addiction in people with substance use disorder. The element of cross-addiction speaks to the fact that for many individuals,
there may be common underlying etiological factors, including a family history of addiction, trauma, attachment disorders and major depression that promote the development and maintenance of both SUD and ED. This shared etiology and its' impact on the brain is the subject of this workshop.
Objectives:

1. Participants will list the 5 steps to recovery from substance use disorders discussed in the presentation.
2. Participants will describe why substance use disorders have their roots in trauma.
3. Participants will be able to identify/ list at least 2 ways in which early life experiences affect the brain.
4. Participants will able to identify how attachment disorders and trauma intersect to increase risk for SUD