Learning Modules

Brain structures are built through the interactive influences of genes and early experiences. Thus, nurturing environments, particularly from pre-natal development to six years of age, are essential for healthy brain development. Environments rich in positive interactive relationships literally build brain structures that serve us throughout life.

Exposure to toxic stress (such as chronic abuse or neglect) early in life physically alters the brain's stress system as well as reward and motivation circuits. Lifelong outcomes include heightened stress perception and increased vulnerability to disease.

Treatments and interventions addressing children's mental health are shown to be most effective when initiated early in childhood, in a context of the child's relationships. Psychiatric disorders originate, in part, in early life experiences, the effects of which have consequences for lifelong physical and mental health, including addiction.

The effects of toxic stress are intergenerational: a parent's aptitude for nurturing a child and forming an attachment are built into the brain during early childhood. Interventions that support parents and mitigate toxic stress (such as chronic abuse and neglect) pay dividends for the child, the future adult, and future generations.

Both science and experience indicate that successful treatments for addiction and mental health problems involve a holistic approach: recognizing that mental health occurs in the context of relationships, and extending support to encompass the family as a whole.

All Albertans have a stake in ensuring quality in treatment services – whether for addiction, mental health or healthcare delivery in general – but how do we assess what works? And how can we reproduce the success of individual programs province wide?