A Myth-Shattering Look at Addiction Prevention and Treatment, Based on Research

Abstract

David will share his research and personal experience about the importance of recognizing that addiction is a chronic brain disease that affects the whole family. “We know what to do when a person is sick with any other problem.” He will discuss how co-existing psychiatric disorders such as anxiety or depression can be underlying conditions and must be considered when deciding how to treat addiction. The stigma and shame attached to addiction is hindering our recovery from this public health issue. What can we learn from the past about other public health epidemics about getting rid of the stigma to make way for effective prevention and treatment? Learning Objectives: Learn about the brain science of addiction and how drug use before the brain is fully developed can affect the chances of drug addiction. • Learn that addiction is not a choice, it is a complex and chronic illness. • Understand that treatment is often more than a one-step process and effective treatment may need to include a dual diagnosis with a mental health condition. • Learn about effective strategies families can use to lessen the chances their children will become addicted. • Learn what we can do together legislatively to address prevention and access to treatment.