Workshop Date : Nov 2, 2024 | 9am - 3pm EST

Sex is keyed into our limbic systems, which controls our survival, our emotions, our reward system, and our memories. Our limbic system is vulnerable to the effects of substance use/abuse, since mind-altering substances such as cocaine, heroin, and hallucinogens first affect the reward system and then stores the pleasurable effects in memory, which leads to cravings and addiction. The intersection of sexuality and substance use occurs when we use drugs while having sex, which exponentially intensifies the pleasure of both; when we use drugs to a point where our ability to engage in sexual behavior is impaired; or when we use drugs to escape memories of traumatic sexual experiences. This workshop will explore and explain the many points of this intersection and describe interventions for developing healthy sexual feelings and behavior in recovery from addiction.
IICS instructor Dr. Tracy Rodriguez-Miller will be accompanied by special guest speaker Steven Shulman, a recovering addict and author of the exciting new book “My Uncle Gloria.”

Learning Objectives

• Differentiate between the functions of the limbic system and the prefrontal cortex
• Describe the intersection of sexuality and substance use on the limbic system
• Describe the link between sexual trauma and substance use
• Identify the effects of the major drugs of abuse on sexual functioning
• Utilize strategies for teaching healthy sexuality to their recovering clients