In 2018, the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) created a special task force to offer additional support for those struggling with substance use issues and trauma. The Interagency Task Force on Trauma-Informed Care (TIC Task Force) supports and guides best practices for children and families in these situations. Another responsibility of the force is to identify and implement ways federal agencies can work together to provide additional services for those families impacted by substance use disorder (SUD).
The 6 Principles of a Trauma-Informed Approach
SAMHSA describes trauma as “exposure to abuse, neglect, discrimination, violence and other adverse experiences increase a person’s lifelong potential for serious health problems and engaging in health-risk behaviors.” These experiences can make treatment difficult, as retraumatization is a serious risk. Therefore, when treating clients with a history of trauma, it is critical to address the following six principles. Doing so ensures the promotion of overall well-being while addressing trauma, its underlying issues, and any symptoms that come as a result of it.
#1. Safety
Clients need to feel safe not only in the environment but with the provider as well. Treatment must take place in a safe space, free of judgment, with someone is who trained in treatment with a trauma-informed lens. This helps providers understand a patient’s point of view and encourage their healing. SAMHSA also mentions the importance of not retraumatizing a client during treatment, ensuring the utmost professionalism and compassion is provided.
#2. Trustworthiness & Transparency
Clients need to know they can trust their providers. They must feel that what they share will be confidential and that their efforts in being open and honest will be respected. Transparency within the goals of the therapy, the work of the client, and the details of the program are all crucial. Through these endeavors, treatment providers earn the trust of their clients and the community.
#3. Peer Support
Support groups and therapies are great resources for those coping with trauma. Working with peers who have had similar experiences allows for growth, connections, and an opportunity to open up in a more honest way. Being able to identify with others is one of the greatest motivators for sharing honestly. Individuals know they will be heard and understood when they are among others who share their experiences.
#4. Collaboration & Mutuality
Working together to heal is a powerful strategy that takes power from memories of trauma. Knowing one is not alone and that others feel and think the same way about experiences is one excellent way to recover from trauma. Mutuality could be the connection between peers or the connection of mutual respect between client and provider.
#5. Empowering Voice & Choice
Supporting those with a history of trauma to feel confident in sharing, being honest, and making personal choices gives them back some of their confidence in themselves. Many may be dealing with long-lasting impacts from old trauma, while others are working through fresh experiences. In either case, finding strategies to boost these clients’ boosts self-esteem and worth is necessary.
#6. Cultural, Historical & Gender Issues
Some people may be trying to manage SUD while working on healing from traumatic experiences. These individuals have a lot of feelings and symptoms overlapping. Working with someone who is aware of and can relate to that client’s cultural, historical, and gender background can result in a positive client-provider relationship. Respecting someone’s background is critical in a client’s response to care.
Trauma-Informed Care at Destiny Recovery Center
When seeking assistance for SUD, finding a treatment center that meets the individual needs of the client is critical. Destiny Recovery Center (DRC) offers specialized programs for veterans, first responders, men, women, and those of the LGBTQ community. For those coping with trauma, being able to work through it in a safe and supportive setting with peers is especially beneficial.
Aside from offering programs for the communities listed above, specializing in trauma-informed care, and true-individualized care, DRC is prepared to accommodate all treatment needs. With our multitude of additional therapy options, we create an individualized care plan to meet the needs of each resident.
Between different clinical modalities, art therapy, nature immersion, and adventure therapy, DRC offers many opportunities for residents to explore what strategies work best for them. Allowing clients to try out new things in a safe space will also promote their ability to identify strategies and gather tools to help them post-treatment.
Trauma-informed care is a fairly new concept when looking at the history of therapies. Currently, various communities such as schools, healthcare, and even workplaces are advocating for trauma-informed care. As awareness grows, acceptance and support will also spread. DRC is prepared to meet the needs of clients in recovery who need trauma-informed care.
When seeking support for SUD, having a history that includes trauma may impact someone’s ability to trust, open up, and accept assistance. Knowing that a treatment center and its staff is prepared and experienced in trauma-informed care can reassure the client and their family that they will be well cared for without worrying about retraumatization. At Destiny Recovery Center, our staff is knowledgeable in caring for clients with various histories of trauma and substance abuse. If you or someone you love is having difficulty controlling substance use and is looking for a treatment center that offers true-individualized care and treats their residents like family, reach out today. Call Destiny Recover Center at (909) 413-4304 for more information about our programs.