Research to Recovery 2026

What does it truly mean to be free from addiction — not just with fewer consequences, but completely free? In this talk, Dr. Peter Coleman draws on his personal journey of recovery and the research and reflection behind his book, Complete Freedom from Opioid Addiction: A Guide from a Recovering Physician, to offer a deeply informed and uniquely personal perspective on opioid use disorder. Dr. Coleman will explore what addiction actually is, cutting through common misconceptions to distinguish between physical dependence and the disease of addiction itself — a distinction with profound implications for how we treat, support, and talk about people who struggle with opioids. His perspective as both a physician and a person in recovery gives this presentation a rare combination of clinical precision and lived authenticity.The heart of the presentation focuses on the neuroscience of addiction — specifically, how opioids and other addictive substances cause changes and lasting injury to four critical regions of the brain, and what those changes mean for behavior, decision-making, and recovery. Rather than leaving attendees with only a clinical picture, Dr. Coleman connects this understanding directly to the most reliable pathways toward complete freedom, grounding his message in both evidence and hope. With ample time for questions, this session invites honest, open dialogue about one of the most urgent public health crises of our time, from someone who has lived it and dedicated his career to understanding it.
Learning Objectives:
Participants will be able to distinguish between physical dependence and the disease of addiction, and explain the clinical and practical significance of this distinction for treatment, recovery support, and reducing stigma.
Participants will be able to identify the four key regions of the brain involved in addictive diseases and describe the role each plays in the development and maintenance of addiction.
Participants will be able to explain how drug use causes neurological changes and injury to these four brain regions, and connect this understanding to evidence-based pathways toward complete freedom from opioid addiction.

In my years of practice, it was not unusual for me to hear another clinician say “I don’t treat substance use disorders”.  What they may not realize is that it is often present; if not as the primary concern, it may be the obstacle that slows or impedes progress in therapy.  Regardless of the specialty, it is critical that mental health (and medical) practitioners have the basic knowledge to “sniff it out”.  Whether you contract around honesty and abstinence to resume your course of treatment or refer to someone who treats SUD’s and resume your therapy at a later date, it is not fair to the client when “the elephant in the room” is not addressed.  
      This session will address ways to “sniff out” problematic use, to start the conversation in a non-threatening manner and to assist the client with options for resuming treatment for their presenting concerns.   
Learning objectives: 
1. Participants will be able to identify at least 3 questions that could help to tease out problematic substance use 
2. Be able to articulate ways in which continued use can impede progress in therapy 
3.  Identify 3 options for a clinician when a client’s substance use may get in the way of therapy