The Virginia Association of Addiction Professionals invites Individual Members and Community Partners to join us for the 2026 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training, a full day of education, connection, and collaboration focused on Brain-Informed Care: Neurobiology of Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery.
This annual gathering brings together addiction professionals from across the Commonwealth to deepen clinical understanding, share insights, and strengthen professional relationships—all while earning 6 Continuing Education (CE) hours.
Event Details
2026 VAAP Annual Meeting & Training
Theme: Brain-Informed Care: Neurobiology of Trauma, Addiction, and Recovery
CEs: 6 Continuing Education Hours
Date: March 27, 2026
Time: 8:30 AM – 4:30 PM
Location: Richmond Marriott Short Pump
Eligibility: Exclusively for VAAP Individual Members
Registration Deadline: March 20, 2026
In addition to the featured training sessions, attendees will have opportunities to network with colleagues, connect with exhibitors, speak with VAAP Board Members, and participate in VAAP’s Annual Business Meeting.
Featured Training Sessions (6 CEs Total)
Some Wounds Can’t Be Seen: Trauma and Neurobiology
Substance Use and the Brain: From Initial Experience to Recovery
Presented by Fredrick Dombrowski, PhD, LMHC, LPC, LADC, MAC
What You’ll Learn
Participants will gain a neurobiologically informed understanding of trauma and substance use disorders, including:
How brain functioning shapes behavior, treatment engagement, and recovery
The impact of adverse experiences and substance use on emotional regulation and relationships
Why treatment challenges and relapse can occur—even after substance use stops
How to apply brain-based insights to create more personalized, effective interventions
You’ll leave with evidence-based, brain-informed strategies to support healing and long-term recovery.
Register to Attend
Seats are limited and available on a first-come, first-served basis.
Join us to strengthen your clinical impact and bring brain-informed care into your work.
VAAP Community Partners: Exhibit at the Annual Meeting & Training
VAAP Community Partners are invited to join us as exhibitors during the Annual Meeting & Training. Exhibiting organizations play an important role in creating opportunities for meaningful connection, collaboration, and shared learning across Virginia’s recovery landscape.
Exhibitor Benefits:
Complimentary exhibitor space as part of your annual Community Partner membership
Direct engagement with addiction professionals from across Virginia
Opportunities to share your services and resources throughout the day
Exhibitor space is provided at no cost for Community Partners in good standing. Space is limited.
Organizations must be current VAAP Community Partners to exhibit.
