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 officially established the link between traumatic childhood experiences and the risk of developing addictions. Therefore, providing trauma-informed substance abuse treatment is imperative; and this requires a paradigm shift in how we think about addiction and how we interpret and respond to the behaviors commonly seen in individuals with substance use disorders. This session will define and describe a trauma informed approach to addiction treatment and will assist clinicians in creating trauma-sensitive environments and providing effective trauma-focused interventions. Participants will be guided in a critical examination of current addiction treatment models through a trauma lens and be informed as to how to make the changes necessary in their practice to provide trauma-informed addiction treatment that will improve treatment outcomes.
Instructor: Debra Rusiard, DSW, LCSW
CE Credits: 6 clinical