Workshop Description

During this presentation, clinicians will learn to recognize reactions to trauma in clients with substance use disorders (SUDs); create a common language for trauma; and learn the best way to be compassionate, flexible, and willing to hand control over to the client. Additionally, increasing our own self-care is vital to this work and ensures lower risk of burnout and compassion fatigue. We will discuss how hard it can be to work with trauma and how we can ensure we are caring for ourselves to avoid burnout.

In becoming trauma-informed, it is crucial to create an understanding of the impact trauma can have on recovery and substance use. "See Something, Say Something"--the initial stage when a clinician learns to recognize reactions to trauma in clients, particularly those strongly connected with substance use disorders. This presentation will increase understanding of the importance of acknowledging trauma and trauma responses in those with SUDs.

Secondary to noticing the reactions and symptoms of trauma, we must also be able to help clients to have a common language by “Getting on the Same Page.” The common language allows clients to have a way to describe their experiences not only to clinicians but also to those within their support network as they navigate the already complex recovery from SUDs.

The final piece for trauma-informed care within this presentation is “Leading from Behind.” This is a time for clinicians to remember that clients with a trauma background often need someone who is compassionate, flexible, and willing to hand control over to the client. To promote this, the presentation will encourage clinicians to utilize trauma-informed care techniques through allowing clients to guide their own path to recovery from SUDs and trauma during treatment.

Additionally, increasing our own awareness of the impact of trauma and how to continue to push ourselves to be better professionals is key to working with SUDs. Self-care, specifically mindfulness practices, have long been effective, evidence-based interventions for anxiety, mood disorders, and many other mental health issues. In everyday use they are increasingly popular as a means of enhancing overall wellbeing, and we can do them at no cost! Many of us, however, have not yet had a chance to experience mindfulness benefits. Those who have often report difficulty with continuing to engage in mindfulness on a regular basis because we do not always prioritize our own mental health with the same level of urgency that we would ask of our clients.

Learning Objectives

1. Participants will increase understanding of trauma in client presentations and the impact on mental health, substance use, and daily life concerns.

2. Participants will be encouraged to utilize appropriate skills that are trauma informed when working with clients being treated for SUDs.

3. Participants will learn to use the window of tolerance to establish a common language as well as to promote well rounded recovery goals.

4. Participants will be able to explain the exposure and symptoms that tend to increase burnout and reduce overall wellness for professionals working with SUDs.

The Impact of Trauma on Clients with Substance Use Disorders