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Course Information

Opioid Addiction as an Attachment Disorder

The origin of the opioid epidemic is often tied to the behaviors of an unscrupulous pharmaceutical company. While there is evidence to support this position, it may actually be preventing us from fully appreciating the situation. In this talk, we will explore the larger socio-historical factors that led to the widespread use of opioids, and how such considerations merge with research on attachment, play and pain to inform treatment approaches and recommendations.

This course is for 1.5 CE

 

Presenter


Michael Roeske, PsyD

Michael is a licensed clinical psychologist in the state of California, adjunct professor, and the CEO of Bayside Marin, in San Rafael, California. And since 2003, he has worked and trained in a variety of settings, including private practice, community mental health clinics, inpatient psychiatric hospitals, and residential and outpatient substance use disorder treatment programs. In addition, Michael has practiced as a supervisor, clinical director and assessor. Given his personal and professional experiences, it may be said Michael has devoted his life to the science and art of psychotherapeutic services with a focus on severe substance use and co-occurring disorders.

 

Target Audience:

Psychologists, Social Workers, MFTs, Counselors, Substance Abuse Counselors, Nurses

 

Main Points:

  • Origins of the opioid epidemic are complex.

  • Socio-historical changes in the United States likely a leading contributor.

  • Infant research led to an attachment theory of human motivation and need.

  • Later researchers declared a brain opioid system of social attachment linking opioids, both endogenous and exogenous, to play, pain and sociality.

  • Opioid use presents as a proxy for social connections and meaningful activities.

  • Treatment should focus on provision of existent alternatives.

 

Learning Objectives:

  • Define over-determination and how it relates to the origins of the opioid epidemic.

  • Identify three examples of socio-historical changes that may make people vulnerable to the effects of opioids.

  • Discuss the relationship between the brain opioid system of attachment and opioid use, play, pain and sociality.

  • Provide two treatment recommendations for individuals with a severe opioid use disorder.

 

Agenda

8/24/18

11:30am-12:00pm: Meet and Greet

12:00pm-1:15pm: Opioid Addiction as an Attachment Disorder Presentation

1:15pm-1:30pm: Discussion / Q&A