VIRTUAL: Pain and Stress In Co-Occurring Disorders (609)

Mind-altering drugs, addictive behaviors, and mental health illnesses have profound effects on brain structure and function. 

While addiction and other mental health disorders have autonomous lives of their own, the development, course, and outcome of each affects the other. How we deal with stress and adverse life incidents can establish pathways and coping mechanisms that progress into dysfunctional lives. Homeostatic mechanisms like tolerance and sensitization can work against each other in the progression of these disorders. 

This workshop will explore some areas where biology meets psychology in these disorders and suggest interventions and strategies for treatment in both realms. We will discuss additional issues and stressors to both clients and clinicians in the COVID-19 world.