Skip to main content
NatCon 2026 Main banner

Substance Use Continuum of Care

Education Session G

G20 - New Cool Stuff in SUD: Digital Edition

Wednesday, April 29, 2026
9:00 AM - 10:00 AM MDT
Location: Bluebird 1C
NASW CCB ACCME ANCC APA NBCC
Our favorite session of 2025 is back! This year features a digital twist with experts from Harvard Medical School, Google, and the University of Michigan highlighting the integration of virtual interventions into modern behavioral health practices. Panelists share findings on heart rate variability (HRV) biofeedback for recovery, strategies for engaging individuals not currently seeking treatment, and the application of smartwatches for overdose detection. This session provides a practical look at how emerging technologies are being leveraged to reduce mortality and enhance clinical outcomes.

Learning Objectives:

  • Explain the brain–heart rationale for HRVB (central autonomic network; resonance breathing; baroreflex/vagal pathways) and how this can dampen autonomic arousal in the moment.
  • Describe how wearable, just-in-time HRVB (including the Lief approach) is intended to function as an adjunct in early SUD recovery, including the hypothesized disruption of the craving / use link.
  • Interpret the key efficacy findings from a recent phase II RCT.
  • Identify which patient presentations and treatment moments in early SUD recovery are most likely to benefit from just-in-time HRVB support, and match HRVB use to common triggers
  • Evaluate feasibility and implementation considerations (safety, engagement/adherence heterogeneity, access barriers) and identify the most important limitations and phase III next steps.
Disclosure(s):
Kamal Shah, PhD: No relevant disclosure to display
David Eddie, PhD, ABPP: No relevant disclosure to display
Allison Lin, MD, MS, DFASAM: No relevant disclosure to display

    Breakout Presenter(s)

  • Kamal Shah, PhD

    Research Scientist
    Google
    Seattle, Washington

    Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display

  • David Eddie, PhD, ABPP

    Associate Director of Clinical Translational Recovery Science
    Recovery Research Institute, Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School
    Boston, Massachusetts

    Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display

    Slides

  • Allison Lin, MD, MS, DFASAM

    Associate Professor of Psychiatry, Director of Addiction Psychiatry Fellowship Program
    University of Michigan Medical School
    Ann Arbor, Michigan

    Disclosure(s): No relevant disclosure to display

    Slides