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In Person
The Adolescent & Young Adult Collective (AYAC) 2026

Keynote: Young Adults: Convergence of Trauma and Substance Use Disorder

Claudia Black, PhD, LCSW
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Description

Experiencing trauma is frequently an underlying dynamic of substance use and mental health disorders, with clients being in a fight, flight, or freeze response. In this session, Claudia Black, PhD covers the dynamics of traumatic stress and unpacks the childhood adverse experiences that are the foundation of emotional disregulation fueling trauma responses. Consequential shame-based defenses that sabotage recovery will also be discussed. The presentation concludes with an outline of core clinical considerations.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

  • Describe the relationship between trauma and addiction and mental health disorders.

  • List the 6 most common sources of traumatic stress.

  • Identify core clinical considerations in the treatment of trauma and substance use disorder.

Educational Goal

The educational goal of this workshop is to increase understanding of the complex factors underlying substance use disorder, including the impact of trauma, and its relationship to the development and maintenance of substance use.

Target Audience

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

Presenters

Claudia Black, PhD, LCSW
Claudia Black, Ph.D. Claudia Black’s seminal work with children impacted by substance abuse in the late 1970s created the foundation for the adult child movement. Today, Claudia is a renowned author and trainer internationally recognized for her pioneering and contemporary work with family systems and addictive disorders. She’s a Senior Fellow and Clinical Architect of the Claudia Black Young Adult Center at The Meadows in Arizona. She serves on the Advisory Board for the National Association of Children of Addiction and the Advisory Council of the Eluna Foundation. Claudia has authored several well-known books, including Undaunted Hope: Stories of Healing from Trauma, Depression, and Addictions and Your Recovery, Your Life for Teens.

Financially Sponsored By

  • Visions Adolescent Treatment Centers