Trauma & Addiction 101: Understanding Stress, Trauma, and the Nervous System
Details
How does stress live in the body, and what happens when it becomes trauma? How do these experiences shape behavior and connect with substance use?
In this 90-minute, interactive workshop, we’ll explore the basics of the nervous system through real-life scenarios and discussion. Together, we’ll:
- Understand the body’s stress response in clear, everyday language
- Recognize fight, flight, and freeze responses in behavior
- Distinguish between stress and trauma
- Identify common trauma responses
- Practice a brief mindfulness exercise for nervous system regulation
This is a discussion-centered space where learning is grounded in both lived experience and shared knowledge.
People who use drugs, peers, providers, and community members are all welcome. No prior experience needed, just curiosity and a willingness to engage.