Understanding Eating Disorders and Substance Use as Coping Responses to Emotional Overwhelm in System-Involved Youth

Brooke Hailey, PhD, LMFT

Training Description

This training explores eating disorders and substance use as adaptive coping responses to emotional overwhelm among system-involved youth. Participants will examine shared underlying mechanisms, including trauma exposure, attachment disruption, and emotional dysregulation, and how these contribute to maladaptive coping behaviors. Emphasis is placed on recognizing the function of behavior, reducing stigma, and responding through trauma-informed, non-punitive approaches. Through lecture, case analysis, and applied exercises, participants will build skills to support regulation, improve engagement, and promote healthier coping strategies for system-involved youth.

Learning Objectives

Participants will be able to:

• Identify and explain at least 3 shared underlying drivers (e.g., trauma, attachment disruption, emotional dysregulation) contributing to both eating disorders and substance use in system-involved youth.