Houston, TX (PRWEB) August 26, 2014

Elements Behavioral Health presents a unique, three-part workshop on Addiction and the Brain: Common Neurochemistry of Trauma, Pain and Addiction, in Houston on September 12, 2014.

This workshop explores recent brain research in the areas of chronic pain, trauma and food chemistry and answers the following critical questions, among others:

Following registration and introductions, Christopher La Tourette La Riche, MD, will present The Child is Father of the Man: Neurobiological Crossroads of Trauma, Addiction and Mood Disorders, from 8:15 to 9:15 a.m. Dr. La Riche will discuss the three basic elements of the neuroendocrine system that, when altered in early life, can affect mood, anxiety and addiction.

While everyone has experienced difficult life events, when trauma occurs in early childhood, it can seriously impact an individuals life later, in some cases leading to mood and addictive disorders, said Dr. La Riche.

Dr. La Riche will name and briefly explain a number of early life events that have directly correlated with disruptions in mood and the appearance of addictive disorders later.

From 9:15 to 10:15 a.m., Michael Baron, MD, MPH, FASAM, will present a second workshop addressing The Added Complexity of Chronic Pain.

Chronic pain is an integral part of vicious cycles, said Dr. Baron. Pain aggravates addiction and addiction aggravates pain. Not only does this compromise effective treatment, but theres little hope of combating chronic pain or addiction without treating both. The same can be said about pain and depression.

Understanding the anatomy, pathology and physiology of chronic pain and addiction will help workshop participants gain a greater perspective on the interaction between them.

From 10:30 to 11:30 a.m., Pamela Peeke, MD, MPH, FACP, will present the days third topic, Food and Addiction: The Relationship Between Food, Recovery and Relapse.

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Addiction Experts from Elements Behavioral Health Headline Three-Part Workshop on Addiction and the Brain