Trauma and Addiction: Integrating Research into Practice

Hybrid: Recorded video online activity with online based reading activity.

Whether you work in addictions or mental health, it is essential that practitioners understand how to create integrated approaches for addiction treatment and trauma treatment. Co-morbidity research has consistently shown high concordance rates between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Substance Use Disorders in community and clinical samples. Up to 95% of those seeking/attending Substance Use Disorder treatment have trauma exposure. Childhood physical, psychological, and sexual abuse are often a pathway to Substance Use Disorders. Research shows that substances are used to reduce the painful emotions associated with trauma. Treating one problem without treating the other can result in a vicious cycle of continued substance abuse, continued high risk behaviors, and difficulty alleviating PTSD symptoms.

In order to integrate workshop content and address the varied training needs of participants, content will focus on an overview of addictions, overview of trauma and then move into a focus on their relationship and treatment approaches and tools for and integration in treatment. The instructor presents from the philosophy of the national Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s (SAMHSA) “No Wrong Door” with a conviction that each practitioner needs to understand addictions and trauma, and how to create integrated service planning and treatment.

Learning Objectives:

1. Identify the links between addiction and trauma;  
2. Describe how to assess addiction and trauma; 
3. Recognize the effects of trauma on the recovery process; 
4. Recognize the research that is impacting current practice;
5. Identify ways to integrate trauma work into the recovery process to maximize the potential for helping individuals move toward healthy functioning.

Research:  SAMSHA produces and provides a number of publications on substance use and mental health.  Google Scholar provides links to a number of research studies on trauma and addiction.

Target Audience: social workers, mental health practitioners, creative arts therapists, marriage and facility therapists, psychologists, addiction professionals, case managers, and other interested individuals.

We are happy to respond to any concerns or questions you may have. Please contact us at by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.

ADA Accommodations: If you require any support for your ADA needs in the United States, please contact us by email at least 3 weeks prior to the event by email at sw-ce@buffalo.edu or by phone at 716-829-5841.