Instructor: Debra Ruisard, DSW, LCSW
Providers of substance abuse treatment recognize that most clients have trauma histories that complicate treatment and compromise recovery. Kaiser Permanente’s Adverse Childhood Experiences study has clearly established the link between traumatic childhood experiences and the risk of developing addictions. The reality is that we can no longer just treat the substance use disorder; the underlying trauma must also be addressed. Leading trauma experts have demonstrated that unresolved trauma is often stored in the body and interventions designed to primarily target cognitions are ineffective for individuals with complex trauma histories. Treatment programs are now seeking to adopt interventions that also treat the emotional and physical manifestations of trauma to improve recovery outcomes for their clients. This workshop will present a trauma-informed model of addiction treatment that combines sound addiction treatment protocols, poly vagal theory, emotional regulation skills training and body-based interventions. It will offer experiential exercises for participants to practice emotional regulation and body based interventions they can use in group and individual treatment.