Learn why mental health and substance use challenges often occur together and how trauma, chronic stress, work environments, family habits, and life circumstances affect a person’s risk and recovery. This course emphasizes the underlying causes behind these issues and explains how relationships, the body, and daily environments all play a role. Part 1 in a 3-part series. Participants will learn:

• How trauma, chronic stress, and dysregulation increase vulnerability to both mental health symptoms and substance use.

• How social determinants of health influence risk, coping patterns, and long-term recovery.

• How environments (home, work, community) can worsen or buffer mental health and substance use disorder risk.

• About hidden drivers such as shame, attachment wounds, and chronic invalidation.

• To apply a whole-person lens when considering why someone may use substances to manage distress.