What is the Importance of Trauma-Informed Treatment for Addiction?

Recent studies suggest that over 60% of adults in the United States have experienced trauma at least once in their lifetime. Not only that, but those that experience trauma are more likely to abuse drugs or alcohol, engage in criminal activity, have suicidal thoughts or actions, undergo mental health conditions, and engage in a range of other risky behaviors – ultimately threatening their life. It is vital to understand the importance of trauma-informed treatment for addiction recovery.

Trauma-informed care refers to any program or therapy designed to help treat symptoms related to past trauma – but don’t get that confused with trauma-informed care. They’re two entirely different concepts, but don’t worry, this article will explain those concepts more in-depth.

What is Trauma?

It is important that everyone understands what trauma is. Trauma occurs when someone experiences firsthand or witnesses an event that causes severe emotional distress, such as a violent act, natural disaster, or abuse.

A traumatic event or occurrence results in physical, emotional, or life-threatening harm – which, in turn, has an adverse effect on an individual’s mental, physical, social, emotional, spiritual, and behavioral health. In severe cases, it can result in death or suicide.

Trauma has a far-reaching impact, not just on the individual that experiences the trauma, but on the individual’s friends, family members, and loved ones. The good news is that there are treatment programs and facilities dedicated to ensuring everyone involved gets the care they need. 

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed care is an approach used by many healthcare providers today. It takes into account that a majority – if not all – of their patients have experienced trauma at some point in their lifetime, ensuring their experiences are recognized and responded to. 

Let’s take a look at some of the core principles of enforcing trauma-informed care:

1. Safety – healthcare professionals must provide a safe and healthy environment.
2. Trustworthiness – healthcare providers must gain the trust of the patient. 
3. Transparency – decisions made by healthcare providers are made with full transparency.
4. Peer Support – healthcare providers introduce individuals with shared experiences to the patient.
5. Collaboration – the healthcare providers and the patient must collaborate in unity.
6. Empowerment – healthcare practitioners must provide an environment that makes the patient feel validated and empowered.
7. Choice – healthcare providers must present the patient with a clear and appropriate message about their rights and responsibilities.
8. Responsiveness – providers must take into account an individual’s sexual orientation, race, ethnicity, historical background, and more (while not discriminating). 

One of the primary goals behind trauma-informed care is the prevention of re-traumatization. Many traditional doctors provide an unhealthy environment that increases the chance of triggering the patient’s trauma-related symptoms – which is what trauma-informed care providers try to avoid. 

What is the Importance of Trauma-Informed Treatment for Addiction?

The importance of trauma-informed care can be described in three words – realization, recognition, and response. Providers must realize the impact of trauma, recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, and respond with policies, procedures, and practices designed to help. 

Let’s take a look at some of the major benefits of trauma-informed care in the medical community:

• Creates a safer physical and emotional environment for patients
• Patients are given choice, power, and control
• Reduces the chances of re-traumatization
• Reduces trauma-related symptoms 
• Improves the service, support, and care for both the patient and provider
• Increases satisfaction among staff members, patients, providers, and family members
• Reduces the chance of a negative interaction between patient and provider
• Minimizes the costs for the patient throughout the treatment process
• Ensures the patient has the resources needed to live a happy, healthy, and rewarding life

When healthcare providers understand the unique and sometimes unfortunate experiences their patients have gone through, they can provide more accurate and necessary treatment – ultimately helping the patient live a happier, healthier, more rewarding, and meaningful life. 

How to Find Trauma-Informed Care in Davie, FL

Are you interested in learning more about trauma treatment? Are you interested in finding a trauma program that utilizes trauma-informed care practices? If you answered ‘yes’ to either of those questions, then you should contact Atlantic Recovery Center right away – we can help!

A South Florida rehab center, we take pride in serving the Davie, FL community (as well as any surrounding communities). We provide residential treatment, extended programs, dual diagnosis treatment, trauma treatment, aftercare programs, and alumni groups. 
Contact us to learn more about our South Florida dual diagnosis treatment center.