Wednesday, May 13th, 2026 10:00 AM EDT -12:00 PM EDT Ashley Ryan
Yahoo!
Description
Trauma and addiction are closely intertwined, with extensive evidence indicating that exposure to traumatic experiences significantly increases vulnerability to substance use disorders. Trauma—particularly when chronic or experienced during childhood—can disrupt neurobiological development, emotional regulation, and stress-response systems, creating conditions that heighten the reinforcing effects of substances. Many individuals use drugs or alcohol as maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage trauma-related symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive memories, dissociation, and emotional pain. Over time, this pattern can evolve into compulsive substance use, reinforcing a cycle in which addiction exacerbates trauma symptoms and further impairs functioning.
This abstract examines the bidirectional relationship between trauma and addiction, highlighting shared neurobiological pathways, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and alterations in reward circuitry. It also emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed approaches to prevention and treatment, which recognize the role of adverse experiences in substance use behaviors. Integrating trauma-focused interventions with addiction treatment has been shown to improve engagement, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term recovery. Understanding the complex interplay between trauma and addiction is essential for developing effective, compassionate, and holistic clinical responses.
About the Presenter:
Learning Objectives:
- Explain the relationship between trauma and substance use
- Identify how trauma affects the brain, behavior, and coping strategies
- Understand addiction as an adaptive response to trauma
- Practice basic mindfulness techniques to support regulation and recovery
- Apply trauma-informed principles to addiction support and treatment
Agenda:
Agenda Breakdown
0:00–0:10 | Welcome & Grounding (10 minutes)
Purpose: Set safety, connection, and regulation
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Welcome and brief facilitator introduction
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Review agenda, learning objectives, and group agreements (confidentiality, choice, non-judgment)
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Mindfulness Activity: Grounding Check-In (5 min)
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Invite participants to notice:
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Feet on the floor
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Breath without changing it
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One word to describe how they’re arriving today
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Optional verbal or silent reflection
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0:10–0:30 | Trauma & Addiction: The Big Picture (20 minutes)
Key Content:
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Definitions of trauma (acute, chronic, complex, developmental)
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Overview of addiction and substance use disorders
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Prevalence of trauma among people with addiction
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Addiction as a survival strategy rather than a moral failing
Interactive Element:
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Brief reflection question:
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“What messages have you heard about addiction growing up?”
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Discuss how stigma impacts treatment and recovery
0:30–0:50 | The Neurobiology of Trauma and Addiction (20 minutes)
Key Content:
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Stress response system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn)
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Role of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and HPA axis
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Dopamine, reward pathways, and emotional regulation
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Why substances temporarily “work” for trauma symptoms
Mindfulness Activity: Body Awareness Scan (5–7 min)
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Gentle scan from head to toe
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Emphasis on noticing sensations without judgment
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Normalize opting out or keeping eyes open
0:50–1:00 | Break (10 minutes)
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Encourage hydration, stretching, or stepping outside
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Optional grounding suggestion posted on slide or handout
1:00–1:25 | Trauma Responses & Addictive Behaviors (25 minutes)
Key Content:
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Links between trauma symptoms and substance use:
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Hyperarousal → sedatives
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Numbness/dissociation → stimulants
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Emotional pain → alcohol/opioids
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Triggers, cravings, and relapse as trauma responses
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The shame–addiction–trauma cycle
Small Group or Pair Discussion:
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Case vignette (realistic but non-graphic)
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Questions:
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What trauma responses do you notice?
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How might substances be serving this person?
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1:25–1:45 | Mindfulness as a Trauma-Informed Tool (20 minutes)
Key Content:
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What mindfulness is (and is not)
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Benefits for trauma and addiction recovery
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Importance of choice, pacing, and safety
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Avoiding re-traumatization in mindfulness practice
Mindfulness Activity: Breath + Choice Practice (10 min)
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Offer options:
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Focus on breath
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Focus on sounds
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Focus on an object
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Emphasize autonomy: “You’re in control”
1:45–1:55 | Integrating Trauma-Informed & Mindfulness-Based Approaches (10 minutes)
Key Content:
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Principles of trauma-informed care:
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Safety
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Trust
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Empowerment
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Collaboration
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Cultural humility
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Practical applications in treatment, support groups, or daily life
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Mindfulness as a regulation skill, not a cure
1:55–2:00 | Closing Reflection & Regulation (5 minutes)
Mindfulness Activity: Compassionate Closing
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Invite participants to:
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Place a hand where it feels supportive
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Acknowledge one thing they’re taking from the session
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Closing statement emphasizing hope and resilience
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Provide resources (hotlines, trauma-informed recovery programs, readings)
Accreditation - This Webinar Offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0129.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed mental health counselors. #MHC-0325.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0275.
- Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0774.
- CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
This presentation is open to:
- Behavior Analysts
- Social Workers
- Professional Counselors
- Therapists
- Psychologists
- Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
- Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
- Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
This online class is offered at an intermediate level, and is beneficial for an intermediate level clinician:
- New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
- Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
- Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
- Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives
Additional information
- Refunds: Registrants who are unable to attend a EZ CEU seminar or live webinars may ask for, and will receive, a credit or refund (your choice). Refund requests will be processed within 3 business days. When an attendee knows in advance that they are unable to attend we ask that they inform EZ CEU ahead of time by emailing support@nefeshinternational.com or by calling or texting 201-384-0084 this allows us to free up the spot in the training in the event that a training is at or near capacity.
- Disability Access: If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification.
- Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly.
- The grievance policy for trainings provided by EZ CEU is available here
- Satisfactory Completion: Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion in your account or by clicking here
- Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.
- There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
- System Requirements: Any device (such as a computer, tablet, or phone), Dual-Core 2 GHz or higher processor, and at least 4 GB of RAM capable of running a Zoom session, along with a stable internet connection.
- Although early registration is recommended for this class in order to ensure the best experience, attendees may register and join until the start of the program