7271-4 Addressing Trauma Informed Care Practices in Substance Use Disorder Treatment-Recording

Video Transcription

Video Summary

Stephanie Stilwell discusses trauma-informed care practices in treatment for substance use disorders, emphasizing the importance of shifting the approach from asking "what's wrong with you?" to "what has happened to you?" This perspective acknowledges the significant trauma that many individuals with substance use disorders have experienced.<br /><br />Trauma-informed care requires understanding the various types and levels of trauma, from individual to mass trauma. Individual trauma impacts one person, while family, group, community, and mass traumas affect larger groups. The approach is based on recognizing trauma's wide impact and modifying the treatment environment to ensure safety and support, avoiding re-traumatization.<br /><br />Symptoms of trauma may include emotional dysregulation, cognitive issues, relationship difficulties, and physical health problems. Adopting trauma-informed practices involves creating a culture that emphasizes physical, psychological, and emotional safety for both clients and providers. This also includes addressing cultural influences, understanding racial and historical traumas, and creating an inclusive environment.<br /><br />The approach can significantly improve care quality, staff satisfaction, client engagement, and overall organizational health. Ultimately, trauma-informed care is an ongoing process of organizational transformation, ensuring a supportive, healing environment for everyone involved.

Keywords

trauma-informed care

substance use disorders

emotional safety

cultural influences

organizational transformation

client engagement

healing environment