Covid-Related Stress and the Connection to Substance Use and Abuse

Siobhan A. Morse, MHSA, CRC, CAI, MAC, Director of Clinical Services/Research-Special Projects, Behavioral Health Division

Covid-Related Stress and the Connection to Substance Use and Abuse

Note: This is a recording from a live presentation, hosted by the Psychiatry and Behavioral Health Learning Network in December 2020. Only attendees of the live presentation are eligible to receive a CE credit from this seminar.


Covid has presented a number of challenges to the behavioral health community. According to surveys, the US population in general is experiencing greater stress, anxiety, and depression which can lead to feelings of being overwhelmed and hopelessness. Behavioral health providers are on the front lines of dealing with the crisis and the impact of these feelings in real life individuals on a daily basis. This session will discuss the relationships between Covid and the mental health challenges that it presents and their relationship to substance use and abuse. Data from treatment centers will be reviewed, and strategies to address underlying symptoms will be presented.

Upon completion of this webinar, participants will be able to:

  • Review the impact of stress and associated behavioral health challenges arising during Covid
  • Discuss the relationship between stress and behavioral health symptoms to substance use and abuse
  • Identify strategies to mitigate stress, manage symptoms, and prevent substance use, abuse, and relapse.

About the Speaker

Siobhan Morse Universal Healthcare Services, PA.

Siobhan A. Morse, MHSA, CRC, CAI, MAC, Director of Clinical Services/Research-Special Projects, Behavioral Health Division

Siobhan is the Divisional Director of Clinical Services-Research/Special Projects for the Behavioral Health Division of Universal Health Services (UHS) supporting the development and evaluation of substance use disorder programs and sharing findings with the industry at large. She regularly presents original research worldwide, has published multiple articles in peer reviewed scientific journals, and conducts education within the addiction services network. Siobhan has a Masters in Health Services Administration and certifications in clinical research, interventions and as a Master Addiction Counselor. She also voluntary adjunct faculty for the College of Family Medicine at Baylor University.