Addiction and Psychiatry

 🧠 Featured Presentation: “ Cognitive Analytic Therapy in Addiction Services – Supporting Treatment and Team Working ” 🎤 Presented by Kate Portman , an experienced trauma-informed practitioner and Psychology Partner at YMCA Together. ✨ Presentation Highlights: • Exploring the role of Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) in addiction recovery services • Understanding relational approaches alongside traditional 12-step recovery models • How CAT supports engagement, motivation, and long-term recovery outcomes • The importance of relationships, family systems, culture, and trauma in understanding addiction behaviours • Supporting multidisciplinary teams and reducing burnout through relational working • Integrating psychological insight into addiction treatment programmes 📌 Audience Takeaways: ✔ Understanding the Cognitive Analytic Therapy (CAT) model ✔ Practical applications of CAT in addiction services ✔ Using relational frameworks to strengthen treatment and team collaboration ✔ Enha...

Join us at the Global Conference on Addiction and Psychiatry (GAP 2026) for an insightful session exploring the biological foundations of addiction and how science is reshaping treatment and prevention. Title:  Neurobiology of addiction: Back to basics 🔬 Presentation Highlights Explores addiction as a brain-based, bio-psycho-social disorder influenced by genetics and environment Explains how genetic predisposition (up to 60%) impacts dopamine, stress, and reward pathways Unpacks epigenetic mechanisms (DNA methylation, histone modification) and their role in trauma and addiction Examines mesolimbic reward system & prefrontal cortex in addiction-related neurocircuitry Highlights the impact of trauma, chronic stress, and substance exposure on brain remodeling Connects nutrition, inflammation, and metabolic health to neuroplasticity and recovery outcomes Integrates neuroscience, genetics, and functional medicine into a holistic addiction model 🎯 Key Takeaways for Attendees...