Bringing Trauma-informed Practice to Substance Abuse Programs: A Qualitative Analysis of Current Approaches
Date of Award
4-20-2017
Document Type
Undergraduate Capstone Project
Degree Name
Psy.D.
Organizational Unit
Graduate School of Professional Psychology
First Advisor
Michael Karson
Second Advisor
Jenny Cornish
Third Advisor
Heather Morris
Keywords
Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), Substance Abuse Disorders (SUD's), Co Occurring Disorder (COD)
Abstract
Substance abuse is a major problem worldwide and is frequently comorbid with other mental health disorders, specifically Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Exposure to trauma often leads to substance abuse, while substance abuse can increase susceptibility to exposure to traumatic events. Research indicates it is best practice to treat both substance abuse and PTSD simultaneously and with the same provider (Gulliver & Steffen, 2010; Flynn & Brown, 2006; Souza & Spates, 2008). However, frequently treatment providers are reluctant to perform integrated treatment due to beliefs about providing integrated treatment and the most commonly used approaches, which tend to be manualized (Addis, Wade, and Hatgis, 1999; Duncan, 2002). One solution to this problem may be to utilize the trauma model developed by Mary Jo Peebles (2012). A few specific components of Peebles's (2012) trauma model that would work especially well with comorbid PTSD and Substance Use Disorders (SUD's) are accurate assessment, working within the constraints of cognitive impairments, developing an understanding of the functional role of symptoms, exploring the role of shame, identifying dissociation, and developing a therapeutic relationship. This paper outlines ways practitioners can be more effective at treating SUD's and PTSD simultaneously.
Publication Statement
Copyright is held by the author. Permanently suppressed.
Extent
34 pages
Recommended Citation
Williams, Suzanne, "Bringing Trauma-informed Practice to Substance Abuse Programs: A Qualitative Analysis of Current Approaches" (2017). Graduate School of Professional Psychology: Doctoral Papers and Masters Projects. 228.
https://digitalcommons.du.edu/capstone_masters/228