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Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment: What To Expect

Addiction is understood to frequently co-occur, or exist simultaneously, with other mental and physical health challenges.[1] Substance use disorders and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are known to frequently co-occur, with many individuals either experiencing both conditions concurrently or developing one disorder as a result of the other.

Trauma-informed care recognizes and addresses the interconnected challenges of addiction and mental health by considering the impact of trauma on an individual’s well-being, working collaboratively to provide holistic support, and fostering resilience in the recovery process.

Key Points:

  • Trauma-informed care recognizes the impact of trauma on addiction treatment
  • Addiction-focused trauma-informed care works to provide comprehensive and holistic care to those who are struggling, with a focus on providing understanding and empowerment to the recovery journey
  • Research suggests that providing co-occurring treatment for addiction and other mental health issues (such as trauma) leads to better overall outcomes

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is a treatment approach to providing support and services that recognizes and responds to the impact of trauma on an individual’s well-being.[2] It acknowledges the widespread prevalence of trauma and the potential for individuals to have experienced it, building an environment of safety, trust, and collaboration.

This approach prioritizes empowerment, cultural sensitivity, and a strengths-based perspective, tailoring interventions to the unique needs of each individual for a holistic and compassionate path to healing and recovery.

Trauma-informed care is implemented across various settings, including healthcare, mental health, and social services. It aims to create an atmosphere of compassion and understanding, recognizing the importance of addressing the underlying causes of distress and promoting healing and recovery.

What is Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment?

Trauma-informed addiction care applies these same principles to treating individuals with substance use disorders, recognizing and working to address the impact of trauma on your life.[3]

This approach is rooted in the understanding that many individuals who struggle with addiction have experienced various forms of trauma, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences, all of which can contribute to the development of substance use and addiction.

Why is Trauma-Informed Care Important in Addiction Treatment?

Trauma-informed care is essential in the treatment of addiction for several reasons:

Addressing The Root Causes Of Addiction:

Many individuals with substance use disorders have experienced trauma. Trauma-informed care recognizes and addresses the underlying causes of addiction, such as past abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences.

Providing Holistic Considerations:

Trauma-informed care provides a holistic understanding of an individual’s experiences, taking into account the impact of trauma on mental, emotional, and physical well-being. This comprehensive approach goes beyond treating symptoms to address the whole person.

 

Avoiding The Potential For Re-Traumatization:

Traditional treatment approaches can inadvertently re-traumatize individuals with a history of trauma. Trauma-informed care emphasizes creating a safe and supportive environment, reducing the risk of triggering traumatic reactions during the treatment process.

Building A Sense Of Trust:

Trust is fundamental in addiction treatment. Trauma-informed care focuses on building a trusting relationship between individuals and care providers, creating an atmosphere where individuals feel safe to share experiences and work collaboratively toward recovery.

Building Empowerment:

Trauma-informed care empowers you in your recovery journey. Involving them in the decision-making process and recognizing your strengths helps restore a sense of control and agency that may have been lost due to trauma.

Providing Comprehensive Support:

Individuals with co-occurring addiction and trauma require comprehensive support. Trauma-informed care integrates mental health and addiction services, ensuring you receive well-rounded and tailored treatment to address all aspects of your well-being.

Keeping A Focus On Resilience:

Trauma-informed care focuses on fostering resilience. Instead of viewing individuals solely through the lens of any challenges, it highlights strengths and capacities for overcoming adversity, promoting a positive and empowering perspective.

MI Therapy For Substance Abuse

Questions About Treatment?

We understand that you likely have questions about beginning treatment for your recovery. Give us a call to discuss your options with our admissions team, and we’ll answer all of your questions.

The Statistics Around Trauma and Addiction

Traumatic life experiences have been noted to be a major public health issue in the US, with individuals identifying as a minority or struggling with poverty noted to be at significant risk.[4, 5] Research has demonstrated that adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can be an important predictor of future struggles with addiction—and 61% of adults report experiencing at least one ACE during their formative years, highlighting both the widespread prevalence of trauma and its potential to develop further adverse health outcomes.[6, 7]

According to one national study, over 46% of individuals with PTSD also met the criteria for a substance use disorder.[8] Individuals struggling with co-occurring substance use disorder(s) and PTSD are noted to have less favorable treatment outcomes as compared to individuals with either disorder alone,[9] underscoring the need for targeted interventions to address the pervasive impact of trauma on addiction vulnerability.
Research is ongoing to explore the benefits of trauma-informed care for addiction and other health concerns across treatment environments.[10] This aims to mitigate potential barriers to care and address health disparities experienced by those affected by trauma, addiction, and co-occurring issues.

Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment at Ikon

Providing treatment for addiction and other co-occurring issues simultaneously has been shown to demonstrate better outcomes.[11] The Ikon Recovery team takes an individualized approach that recognizes the profound impact of trauma on the journey to recovery.

Our experts are dedicated to addressing the underlying causes of addiction with a focus on holistic well-being. Treatment will help you navigate the intersection of trauma and addiction with evidence-based practices and personalized care for improved and sustainable recovery outcomes.

Treating Addiction

Partial Hospitalization Program
Intensive Outpatient
Outpatient
Dual Diagnosis
Trauma-Informed Care
Partial Hospitalization Program
Intensive Outpatient
Outpatient
Dual Diagnosis
Trauma-Informed Care

Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment

How does trauma-informed care differ from traditional addiction treatment?

Trauma-informed care differs by placing a strong emphasis on understanding the individual’s trauma history and creating an environment that avoids re-traumatization. It considers the interconnected nature of trauma and addiction, focusing on safety, trust, and empowerment.

Why is trauma-informed care important in addiction treatment?

Trauma-informed care is crucial because it acknowledges the common co-occurrence of trauma and addiction. Addressing the root causes of addiction and creating a supportive atmosphere enhances the effectiveness of treatment and promotes lasting recovery.

Who can benefit from trauma-informed addiction treatment?

Anyone with a history of trauma, whether related to abuse, neglect, or other adverse experiences, can benefit from trauma-informed addiction treatment. It is particularly valuable for individuals with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders.

Can trauma-informed care be integrated into various addiction treatment settings?

Yes, trauma-informed care can be integrated into various settings, including outpatient clinics, inpatient facilities, and community-based programs. Its principles are adaptable to different therapeutic modalities and levels of care.

Is trauma-informed care only for individuals with a trauma-based disorder, such as PTSD?

Trauma-informed care can be beneficial for anyone, as trauma can be widespread and not always clinically diagnosed. Creating an environment that considers potential trauma fosters a supportive atmosphere for all individuals seeking addiction treatment.

Sources

[1] Co-Occurring Disorders and Other Health Conditions. (2023, July 26). Www.samhsa.gov. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/medications-substance-use-disorders/medications-counseling-related-conditions/co-occurring-disorders on November 24, 2023

[2] Menschner, C., & Maul, A. (2016). Key ingredients for successful trauma-informed care implementation. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/programs_campaigns/childrens_mental_health/atc-whitepaper-040616.pdf on November 24th, 2023

[3] Center for Substance Abuse Treatment . (2019). Trauma-Informed Care: A Sociocultural Perspective. Nih.gov; Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (US). Retrieved from https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK207195/ on November 24th, 2023

[4] Khoury, L., Tang, Y. L., Bradley, B., Cubells, J. F., & Ressler, K. J. (2010). Substance use, childhood traumatic experience, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder in an urban civilian population. Depression and Anxiety, 27(12), 1077–1086. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1002/da.20751 on November 27th, 2023

[5] Pumariega, A. J., Jo, Y., Beck, B., & Rahmani, M. (2022). Trauma and US Minority Children and Youth. Current Psychiatry Reports, 24(4), 285–295. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-022-01336-1 on November 27th, 2023

[6] He, J., Yan, X., Wang, R., Zhao, J., Liu, J., Zhou, C., & Zeng, Y. (2022). Does Childhood Adversity Lead to Drug Addiction in Adulthood? A Study of Serial Mediators Based on Resilience and Depression. Frontiers in Psychiatry, 13(13). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyt.2022.871459 on November 27th, 023

[7] Karl, S. (2021, April 13). The intersection of childhood trauma and addiction. Counseling Today. Retrieved from https://ct.counseling.org/2021/04/the-intersection-of-childhood-trauma-and-addiction/ on November 27th, 2023

[8] US Department of Veteran Affairs. (2014). Treatment of co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder in VA – PTSD: National center for PTSD. Va.gov. Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp on November 27th, 2023

[9] Flanagan, J. C., Korte, K. J., Killeen, T. K., & Back, S. E. (2016). Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD. Current Psychiatry Reports, 18(8). Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.1007/s11920-016-0709-y on November 27, 2023

[10] Reeves, E. (2015). A Synthesis of the Literature on Trauma-Informed Care. Issues in Mental Health Nursing, 36(9), 698–709. Retrieved from https://doi.org/10.3109/01612840.2015.1025319 on November 27, 2023

[11] SAMHSA. (2022, September 27). The Case for Screening and Treatment of Co-Occurring Disorders. Www.samhsa.gov. Retrieved from https://www.samhsa.gov/co-occurring-disorders on November 27, 2023