Training Description:

In this training, Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Treatment, counselors will gain an understanding of the influence of trauma on the brain and behaviors. A central theme of this training is advocating for a trauma-informed approach in treating substance use disorders—focusing on safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment. Counselors learn specific interventions that integrate addiction and trauma work. By adopting trauma-informed principles, counselors can create a supportive environment that reduces retraumatization and fosters healthier coping strategies in clients with trauma histories.

Course Learning Objectives

  1. Understand the Neurobiological Impact of Trauma

  2. Recognize Symptoms and Signs of Traumatic Stress

  3. Apply Trauma-Informed Principles in Clinical Practice

  4. Integrate Specific Trauma-Focused Interventions

  5. Address Cultural and Contextual Factors in Trauma

Receiving Credit: In order to receive credit for the training you must complete the interactive question within the training. If you do not complete the embedded quizes, when you get to end of the training you will not receive credit until you complete the embedded quiz questions. In addition, you must complete the 50-item quiz at the end of the training and receive at least an 85% before receiving your certificate. You do have the option of retaking the quiz until you reach the approved score. Once you submit your quiz, you will receive your certificate within 24 hours.

An approach to treatment that recognizes the impact of trauma on individuals and integrates practices to promote safety, trust, and empowerment.

The way traumatic experiences alter brain function and structure, affecting emotional regulation, memory, and substance use behaviors.

A psychological response to past trauma that can result in emotional distress, hypervigilance, dissociation, or re-experiencing traumatic events.

The re-experiencing of trauma symptoms due to triggering environments or interactions, which can occur in clinical settings if trauma is not properly addressed.

A key trauma-informed principle that ensures physical and emotional security for clients undergoing addiction treatment.

Trauma-informed principles emphasizing clear communication, reliability, and consistency in interactions between clients and providers.

Encouraging clients to take control of their healing process, fostering autonomy and self-efficacy in treatment.

Traumatic events experienced in childhood, such as abuse or neglect, that increase the risk of substance use disorders and other mental health issues.

An evidence-based intervention designed for individuals with co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders, focusing on coping skills and emotional regulation.

Tools and methods used to identify trauma histories and their impact on substance use behaviors.

A theory explaining how the autonomic nervous system responds to trauma, influencing emotional regulation and survival mechanisms.

A state of increased alertness and sensitivity to perceived threats, commonly seen in individuals with trauma histories.

A coping mechanism where individuals disconnect from reality or emotions as a response to overwhelming trauma.

Adapting trauma-informed interventions to align with clients’ cultural, social, and environmental backgrounds.

Coordinating with professionals across disciplines, such as mental health providers and case managers, to provide comprehensive, trauma-informed care.

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Training Agenda
  1. Course Introduction & Overview (10 minutes)

  2. Neurobiology of Trauma & Links to Substance Use (20 minutes)

  3. Recognizing Traumatic Stress: Screening & Assessment (20 minutes)

  4. Core Trauma-Informed Principles: Safety, Trust, Choice, Collaboration, Empowerment (20 minutes)

  5. Integrating Interventions (e.g., Seeking Safety, grounding skills, CBT/relapse prevention, polyvagal-informed skills) (20 minutes)

  6. Cultural/Contextual Considerations & Special Populations (15 minutes)

  7. Case Planning, Wrap-Up & Final Assessment (15 minutes)

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