Recovering Self: Brain, Behaviors and Ethics in Addiction Treatment

Program Details

Presenters: Stephanie Woodard, Psy.D & Ngoc Khuyen Tran, M.D.

Provides 4.00 hour(s) of CE/CME credit (Presented on November 3, 2025, Reviewed March 16, 2026, Expires March 20, 2028)

Online CME Credit Fee: $200.00
Credit must be claimed with 30 days of registering.

Overview

This training is brought to you by CASAT, in collaboration with the University of Nevada, Reno School of Medicine, and supported through funding from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

This course explores the neurobiology of addiction and its critical role in guiding effective, evidence-based treatment. Students will learn how brain changes underlie the development and persistence of substance use disorders, and how to apply this knowledge in crafting treatment plans.

The course also examines the intersections of trauma and addiction, highlighting how early adversity and stress rewire brain systems and influence recovery pathways. Ethical considerations in addiction treatment—such as autonomy, stigma, and the unique needs of specific populations (including adolescents, pregnant and parenting individuals, and people involved in the justice system)—will be woven throughout.

Central to the course is the recognition that addiction is a chronic, treatable disease. Emphasis will be placed on person-centered approaches that honor self-determination, public health strategies for safety, and patient dignity, while integrating the latest evidence-based practices to improve outcomes. Through a combination of lectures, discussions, and applied case studies, students will gain a comprehensive, respectful, and scientifically grounded framework for supporting individuals with addiction.

Presentation materials are not for reproduction or distribution without specific written authorization. The opinions, findings, conclusions, and recommendations expressed in our courses are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily represent the official views of CASAT.

Learning Objectives

Following participation in this course, participants should be able to:

  • Describe their understanding of how brain changes underlie the development and persistence of substance use disorders and how to apply this knowledge in crafting treatment plans     
  • Explain ethical considerations in addiction treatment and the unique needs of specific populations      
  • Evaluate a framework for supporting individuals with addiction with an emphasis on person-centered treatment approaches, integrating the latest evidence-based practices to improve outcomes

Program Faculty

Ngoc Khuyen Tran, M.D., Internal Medicine, Addiction Medicine, Renown Health
Stephanie Woodard, Psy.D, Stephanie Woodard, Psy.D, Clinical Associate Professor, School of Public Health, School of Medicine, University of Nevada, Reno

Program Inquires

For questions or inquiries regarding this program series, please contact cme@med.unr.edu.