This webinar will explore common risk factors for mental health and substance use disorders.

The presentation is roughly divided into two evidence-based approaches to stigma-reduction and education: 

• Part 1 includes a personal testimony of co-occurring substance use disorder and mental health diagnoses. 
• Part 2 details the common risk factors and provides context for preventing and treating co-occurring disorders

Learning Objectives: 

• To compare risk factors for mental health and substance use disorders
• To apply research-informed approaches to preventing and/or supporting recovery from mental health and/or substance use disorders

About the Presenter:

Dr. Alex Elswick joined the Department of Family Sciences at the University of Kentucky in 2020 as an Assistant Extension Professor for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery.  He began his journey with the department as a graduate student in 2015, where he earned his Master’s and PhD and later served Family and Consumer Sciences Extension as an Extension Associate and as an Extension Specialist. Alex Elswick is a tireless advocate for people who use drugs and people with substance use disorders.  He currently serves the University of Kentucky as an Assistant Extension Professor for Substance Use Prevention and Recovery. He is a trained researcher and therapist, but most importantly, Alex is himself a person in long term recovery from the chronic disease of addiction.