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In Person
Emergence 2026: From Pathology to Possibility

Treatment Considerations for Trauma, Addiction and Chronic Pain

Mel Pohl, MD
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Pricing

Information

Date & Time

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Explain at least three shared neurobiological roots of trauma, addiction, and chronic pain.

  • Identify at least three key brain systems and body-based mechanisms involved in the 'trifecta'.

  • Contrast at least five maladaptive coping behaviors as adaptive survival strategies in search of nervous system safety.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to familiarize participants with basic modern pain neuroscience, the cell danger response, and its relationship to co-occurring trauma, addiction, and chronic pain.

Description

This session will focus on the intersecting challenges of treating co-occurring trauma, addiction, and chronic pain and will explain how these conditions share common roots in nervous system dysregulation. We will review the autonomic nervous system, neuroplasticity, key brain regions, inflammation, genetic vulnerability, and the role of the vagus nerve and fascia. We will participate in some guided exercises in nervous system regulation and somatic tracking.

Target Audience

  • Addiction Professional
  • Counselor
  • Marriage & Family Therapist
  • Psychologist
  • Social Worker

Presenters

Mel Pohl, MD
Dr. Mel Pohl, MD, is a nationally recognized physician executive, addiction medicine specialist, and behavioral health leader with more than four decades of experience advancing integrated recovery, chronic pain treatment, and substance use disorder care across inpatient, outpatient, and academic healthcare settings. As an accomplished medical executive, published author, and keynote speaker, he has dedicated his career to transforming behavioral health and recovery programs through evidence-based, patient-centered, and trauma-informed care models.