08/29/2026
Workshop Spotlight
Digital Dopamine: Navigating the Intersection of Tech Addiction, Substance Use, and the Hijacked Brain
Janice V. Johnson Dowd, LMSW
Thursday, November 5th, 2026, 1:00 p.m.- 3:00 p.m.
In today’s digital world, many individuals struggle not only with mental health issues but also with their relationship to technology. Social media, gaming, streaming, and online platforms are designed to capture attention and provide quick, unpredictable rewards, shaping behavior in ways that resemble other compulsive patterns. This engaging, practical workshop examines the neurobiology of technology use, including its effects on attention, mood, sleep, and impulse control. It also offers insight into how trauma, substance use, and mental health issues contribute to problematic technology use. Participants will gain a clear understanding of how digital environments influence behavior throughout the lifespan and how these patterns appear in clinical practice. This session translates brain science into practical tools for assessment, boundary-setting, and the promotion of healthier digital habits in clients and families.
Register at https://naswwi.socialworkers.org/Conference