It is almost a given that treating persons suffering from addiction inherently involves a system of concurrent challenges. The affected domains range from the biomedical to the social and into the deepest recess of self in relation to the environment and others. The wave of integration of trauma informed care into substance use disorder intensive residential treatment has catapulted the vital endeavors of the past into an evolving best care and responsive mission. The average length of stay in residential SUD treatment is collectively shortening in the interplay of coverage benefits and access to resources for addicted family systems. Shifting to less time with patients in residential and treating the system of challenges they face has forced us to re-examine the cadence of services, the intensity of interventions, and prioritize approaches that set up a foundation for long-term healing. While proper assessment of PTSD, trauma stressors, and subsequent treatment of it is a must for proper care, we don’t have to look very far from the here and now. The complex presentation of addiction more often than not mirrors the impact of trauma on the lifespan of the survivor. This presentation works on integrating the interventions and approaches used in trauma care in direct relation to the symptoms and effects of addiction. I have much respect for the elders and the journey of addiction treatment services using the timeless 12-step principles, and I also see opportunities to conceptualize some of the languages of the 12-step path to blend into a trauma-informed care approach. Making sure the principles of recovery survive the initial barriers and challenges of the wounded person is of the utmost importance. Restoring the capacity to heal through meaningful relationships is both trauma work and the essence of the 12-step principles.
The presenter is David Armand Tejeda, M.Ed., LPC
Approved for 2.0 CE clock hours in Diagnosis; no NBCC credit available for this program.
To register: https://tpn.health/events/addiction-is-trauma-a-mirrored-perspective/
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