Upcoming Events
Mind the Gaps: Navigating Concurrent Substance Use and Mental Health Disorders
(June 7, 2023)
In Canada, one in three people will experience mental illness in their lifetime. Concurrent disorders are defined as co-occurring substance use disorders with other mental health conditions. Despite the prevalence of concurrent disorders, people who live with them tend to be under-diagnosed and under-treated. When care is provided, conditions are often treated separately rather than in an integrated way.
Currently, there is a lack of understanding about the unique needs of people with concurrent disorders. We need to advance our understanding of how mental health and substance use disorders interact to develop better, more effective treatment approaches.
Past Events
Why Community Matters: The Role of Connection in Substance Use Health
(March 23, 2023)
Why does having the support of a community affect a person’s journey to wellness? Join us to learn about the latest research on the importance of community for people living with substance use issues.
In this HRI Talk, our panelists explored the critical role of social support and connection in substance use health. We discussed how reducing stigma, and increasing empathy, can have an immensely positive effect on the health and wellness of people living with substance use issues.
Trauma and Moral Injury: Making the Invisible Wound Visible (January 26, 2023)
Moral injury is a specific type of psychological trauma that can affect healthcare workers, public safety personnel, military members and veterans, and others. Many now live with the harsh consequences of moral injury. It can cause tremendous suffering, producing feelings of guilt, shame, sadness, betrayal and anxiety.
In this HRI Talk, Dr. Ruth Lanius led a discussion on moral injury/distress and explored the emerging science that enables us to understand what’s happening in the brain and how to better treat individuals suffering from moral injury.
Brain Function in PTSD: A New Treatment Approach (November 29, 2022)
Did you know that post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can cause problems with memory, attention, learning, and day-to-day activities? These changes can affect a person’s ability to benefit from mental health treatments. They can also make it difficult to successfully stay at work, return to work, or enjoy retirement.
This webinar shared our findings on the benefits of Goal Management Training™ (GMT). This treatment has been shown to be effective in improving brain function in many populations, including military members, veterans, and public safety personnel with PTSD.
Psychedelics as Medicine: Promises and Realities (HRI Talks, October 12, 2022)
Are you curious about psychedelics and their potential for improving mental health and substance use health? In this HRI Talk, we explored emerging evidence about the use of psychedelic therapies in the treatment of mental illness and addictions.
Our panelists shared findings from a comprehensive review of recent studies that examined a range of themes, including Indigenous perspectives, treatment outcomes, health and safety, and implications for public health and policy.
Make Your Voice Heard…Digital Health Apps: What Works and What Doesn’t? (HRI Listens, June 23, 2022)
In this free public event, we sought your input on digital mental health and substance use health care. From mindfulness and meditation apps to gamified tools and virtual therapy programs, the objective of this event was to capture public input about what’s working and where improvements can be made. Together we aim to gain new perspectives on mental health and substance use health apps and digital tools.
The Story Science Tells: COVID-19, Addiction and Mental Health (HRI Talks, March 30, 2022)
In this HRI Talk, Dr. James MacKillop explored recent discoveries about COVID-19, mental health and substance use, including drinking and cannabis use. He shared evidence of resilience and findings that can guide resource allocation to help people living with mental illness and addiction. This was a free, public event. A moderated discussion was followed by a live Q&A with audience members.
Mysteries of the Microbiome: Exploring the Gut-Brain Connection (HRI Talks, January 26, 2022)
In this free public talk, microbial ecologist Dr. Emma Allen-Vercoe introduced us to the mysteries of the microbiome and the many roles that microbes play in human health. Drawing from her own work and recent literature, she shared emerging knowledge about the fascinating connection between microbiome health and brain patterning, mood and human behaviour.
Substance Use and Mental Health Treatment in Canada: Are People Getting Better? (HRI Talks, November 3, 2021)
In this HRI Talks event, Rita Notarandrea (CCSA), Dr. Kim Corace (The Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre), Dr. Jean Costello (HRI) and Dr. Brian Rush (HRI) discussed the value of measuring treatment progress and long-term outcomes for people using mental health and substance use services. We discussed how progress-monitoring systems enable timely improvements to treatment. Finally, we shared news about exciting work already underway to advance these efforts in Ontario and answered questions from the audience.
Improving Digital Mental Health Services for Youth: The Need and the Opportunity (September 29, 2021)
In this webinar, we shared discoveries from a partnership project by HRI and Frayme that will enable Canada to start measuring the safety and quality of youth mental health apps.
Trauma: The Next Pandemic? (HRI Talks, September 14, 2021)
In this HRI Talks event, Dr. Margaret McKinnon and Dr. Alexandra Heber explored how the COVID-19 pandemic has impacted healthcare workers, first responders, and public safety workers. We shared insights from new research and discuss projects underway to provide better help for those impacted by trauma and moral injury during the pandemic. A recording of the event is available online.
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