Wired to Survive: Substance Use Neurobiology and Resilience for 988 Responders

Course overview

This interactive webinar explores the neurobiology of substance use disorders and highlights dopamine, the brain's reward pathway, and how different substances affect motivation and reinforcement. Participants examine how genetics, epigenetics and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) increase vulnerability to substance use, while trauma-informed and resilience-focused strategies help mitigate risk. The program emphasizes practical applications for fostering protective factors, supporting recovery and using person-first, strengths-based language. Participants also reflect on the narratives they tell themselves about the people they serve and learn strategies to reframe these perspectives in ways that promote empathy and effectiveness. Through polls, reflection prompts and interactive exercises, participants leave with a clearer understanding of both risk and resilience in substance use disorders. By integrating neurobiology with practical, perspective-focused tools, the webinar equips 988 responders to support callers with confidence and compassion. After completing this training, participants will be able to: 1. Explain the role of dopamine and the brain's reward pathway in substance use disorders. 2. Analyze how epigenetics, ACEs and environmental factors contribute to vulnerability and risk for substance use disorders. 3. Apply trauma-informed and trauma-responsive principles to support resilience, protective factors and person-first approaches in treatment and prevention. 4.Identify strategies to build and strengthen resilience and protective factors that mitigate risky substance use and the development of substance use disorders.