In her session Healing Addiction in Work Comp: The Hanley Experience, Dr. Barbara Krantz explained the significant role of the neurobiology of addiction in treating and managing chemical dependency. Dr. Krantz explored the bio-neurological effects of chemical dependency, stages of treatment, relapse prevention,  and how research will impact treatment and recovery outcomes, demonstrating the addiction that can occur as a result of prescribed use and abuse of psychotropic medications.

Dr. Krantz argued that it is imperative that all employers, health care providers, and those who provide consultative services in workers’ comp understand the nature of addiction as a disease, how to prevent addiction, and its treatment.

Focal points included:

• Understanding the nature of chemical dependency as a bio-neurological disease that is chronic, treatable and manageable.
• Responding to signals of substance abuse and addiction, and learning that long-term use of psychotropic pain medications may actually exacerbate the pain over time.
• Understanding that denial is a part of the disease of addiction. Refer to resources for assessment and diagnosis, and possibly to a licensed interventionist.

An audio recording and handouts from Dr. Krantz’s session are available for purchase here.