Vagus Nerve:: A Crucial Link in Recovering from Addiction, Trauma, and Chronic Pain
Information
Date & Time
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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Describe 3 functions of the vagus nerve.
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Explain how trauma, addiction and chronic pain are interconnected.
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Explain how trauma, addiction and chronic pain are interconnected.
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Describe the difference between bottom-up and top-down processing.
Educational Goal
The educational goal of this workshop is to equip participants with the knowledge and tools to navigate this complex landscape of pain, trauma, and addiction, thus fostering a deeper understanding of the key factors that promote recovery.
Description
The link between addiction, trauma, and chronic pain is complex and multifaceted, with each factor dynamically influencing the others. However, in recent years, new findings have directed us to a fascinating exploration of how the vagus nerve, the body’s superhighway of well-being, has a profound influence on developing addiction, trauma, and chronic pain recovery. This course delves into the Polyvagal Theory as the main framework for developing illness and recovery promotion.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Mel Pohl, MD, DFASAM, is a Family Practitioner. He is the Senior Medical Consultant of the Pain Recovery Program at The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center. He is certified by the American Board of Addiction Medicine (ABAM) Dr. Pohl is a Clinical Assistant Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Nevada School of Medicine.
He is the author of several books, including A Day without Pain, a revised edition, and The Pain Antidote – Stop Suffering from Chronic Pain, Avoid Addiction to Painkillers, and Reclaim Your Life. Dr. Pohl filmed a show for PBS on chronic pain, which aired nationwide in 2016.
Les Aria, Ph.D. is a pain psychologist of 20 years. He is the co-founder and the Chief Clinical Officer of Menda Health, a digital therapeutic platform for pain recovery. He specializes in treating psychophysiological disorders/chronic pain and medically unexplained conditions. His passion for MindBody interventions promotes a unique style to help patients relate differently to their suffering, shifting them into pain recovery, wellness, and well-being. His passion is assessing the combined clinical applications of The Safe & Sound Protocol (SSP) and Pain Reprocessing Therapy (PRT) to promote pain recovery.
Financially Sponsored By
- The Pointe Malibu Recovery Center