Kratom has gained attention for its potential effects on pain, mood, energy, and opioid withdrawal. But what exactly is it, and what should we know about it? This educational and prevention-focused presentation by Ryan McLaughlin will explore how kratom affects the brain and body, why people use it, its potential risks and benefits, and its complicated relationship with opioid use and recovery. We’ll also discuss emerging concerns surrounding concentrated kratom products, youth and opioid-naïve individuals, and the changing legal and regulatory landscape.
Registration is encouraged. Seating is limited.
About the presenter
Ryan McLaughlin is a Certified Addiction Counselor (CAC) with a Bachelor of Social Work from Charter Oak State College and is currently pursuing his Master of Social Work at Southern Connecticut State University. He has more than 6 years of experience working in the addiction and recovery field in counseling, recovery coaching, medicated-assisted treatment, and community-based roles.
Prior to joining Yale Behavioral Health Services, Ryan worked with Recovery Network of Programs, where he served as a counselor providing substance use treatment to incarcerated individuals at Garner Correctional Institution. He currently works as an Opioid Remediation Outreach Case Manager with Yale Behavioral Health Services, providing community education, outreach, resource connection, and support related to opioid use, harm reduction, treatment, and recovery.
Ryan also brings the perspective of his own long-term recovery from substance use. His professional and lived experiences have fueled his passion for reducing stigma, increasing access to accurate information and treatment, and helping individuals, families, and communities better understand substance use and recovery.