APC: Overview of Seeking Safety and Finding Your Best Self: Two models for trauma and/or addiction: Lisa Najavits, PhD-Handout: Treatment Innovations

Handout: Treatment Innovations

Pdf Summary

The document provides information on PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and substance abuse, including their definitions, rates of occurrence, and recommended treatment strategies. The DSM-V definition of PTSD includes key symptoms such as intrusion, avoidance, negative thoughts and mood, and arousal. Simple PTSD results from a single event in adulthood, while complex PTSD may result from multiple traumas, typically in childhood. Rates of PTSD are higher in women than men, and up to one-third of people exposed to trauma develop PTSD. If left untreated, PTSD can last for decades, but with evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, people can recover.<br /><br />Substance abuse is characterized by the compulsion to use substances despite negative consequences. The DSM-V term for this is "substance-related and addictive disorder." Rates of substance abuse are higher in men than women. Treatment for substance abuse can involve abstinence or harm reduction approaches, depending on the individual's needs.<br /><br />The document also explores the link between PTSD and substance abuse. It highlights that a significant number of individuals in substance abuse treatment also have current PTSD, and that PTSD is often associated with the use of severe drugs like cocaine and opioids.<br /><br />Treatment issues related to PTSD and substance abuse are discussed, including the high prevalence of other life problems such as other mental health disorders, personality disorders, and domestic violence. The document emphasizes the importance of treating both disorders simultaneously and tailoring treatment to be sensitive to cultural differences.<br /><br />The document also introduces the Seeking Safety model, which is a present-focused, evidence-based treatment that helps individuals attain safety from PTSD and substance abuse. Seeking Safety involves various topics and techniques to help clients cope with trauma and develop healthy relationships and thinking patterns.<br /><br />Finally, the document provides additional resources, including books on trauma and addiction, information on training and consultation, and contact information for Treatment Innovations, the organization responsible for the Seeking Safety model.

Keywords

PTSD

substance abuse

DSM-V definition

intrusion

avoidance

cognitive-behavioral therapy

severe drugs

treatment issues

Seeking Safety model

additional resources