Description: Alcohol and substance use disorders (AUD/SUDs) affect up to 12-15% of medical professionals during some point in their careers. In addition, the pandemic has increased alcohol and substance use throughout the US population. These disorders are brain diseases, not moral failures. Learn what can predispose a colleague or co-worker to AUD/SUD and what to do to help someone you think might need help. See how stigma and misconceptions about these disorders affect the individual and the veterinary profession.

• Understand the underlying conditions that increase risk for AUD/SUDs
• Understand the direct link between adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and AUD/SUD
• Learn the role neurotransmitters play in use disorders
• Learn the prevalence among medical professionals
• Understand signs of AUD/SUD in a colleague/co-worker
• Learn about how stigma affects seeking treatment
• Know what resources are available for veterinarians/support staff
• Know the success rate of use disorder treatment in physicians

Session Length: 50 minutes