Overdose Lifeline Learning

Prior to taking this course, I was not aware of the physiologic changes in the brain leading to addiction. I had no idea that using substances during the teenage yielded a higher chance of developing a substance use disorder. Additionally, the fact that the brain is basically rewired to place drugs at the top of the survival hierarchy within the brain.

Learning about the cycle of addiction and stages was eye opening. With an understanding that setbacks are an expected part of the process toward recovery, therefore working with the client on their recovery plan is as important as the treatment plan.

In the past when I thought about stigma and addiction, I typically thought about how another person (family member, neighbor) stigmatize someone with this disease. I now have a better understanding of how stigma from other areas of one's life (medical communities, law enforcement, etc.) affects someone with this disease and creates a barrier for recovery.

This was a very eye opening course as to how childhood trauma not only affects our behavior but our health outcomes and chronic conditions directly. This is a true public health threat that needs to be addressed with education and concern placed on early intervention.