Research to Recovery 2026

Artificial intelligence is already reshaping health care, and addiction services are no exception. This talk explores how AI can responsibly support screening, documentation, treatment planning, recovery support, and population-level insights—without replacing clinical judgment or human connection. We’ll look at practical applications such as risk stratification, workflow automation, and decision support, while separating realistic capabilities from hype. The focus is not on shiny tools, but on how AI can reduce administrative burden, expand access, and strengthen quality of care when used with clear clinical boundaries.
At the same time, addiction treatment carries unique ethical risks: privacy concerns, stigma, bias in predictive models, overreliance on automation, and the potential erosion of therapeutic trust. This session will examine core principles—transparency, informed consent, data stewardship, equity, and human oversight—and apply them to real-world scenarios faced by providers. Participants will leave with a grounded framework for evaluating AI tools, asking better questions of vendors, and integrating technology in ways that protect client dignity while enhancing outcomes.

Analyzes new and emerging AI-based behavioral health tools.
 
Analyzes the way these tools have changed the way individuals access and receive services.
 
Analyzes how these tools and trends impact behavioral health ethical considerations.
 
Analyzes internal and external obstacles and motivators for AI-based behavioral health tools.