Neurobiology of Trauma and SUD

This session uses findings from addiction and trauma research to highlight how substance use disorders and exposure to traumatic stressors can produce neurobiological changes that influence behavior and contribute to overlapping clinical needs in recovery.  Symptoms associated with traumatic stress may be misinterpreted as lack of motivation, resistance, or hostility, contributing to substance use stigma and barriers to care. Participants will examine the role of stigma in shaping treatment engagement and recovery and will learn strategies for addressing substance use stigma at the structural, interpersonal, and individual level will be reviewed.

Learning Objectives

• Describe the neurobiological overlap between substance use disorders and traumatic stress and its implications for treatment and recovery.
• Identify ways that trauma-related symptoms may be misinterpreted in clinical settings and contribute to substance use stigma.
• Explain the impact of substance use stigma on treatment engagement, disclosure, and recovery outcomes.
• Apply strategies to reduce substance use stigma at the structural, interpersonal, and individual levels of care.

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