For a long time, Addiction Treatment was considered (and administered as) an exclusive service. Providers and agencies assessed, planned and delivered care – primary as well as continuing – within the scope of addictive disorders only.
In recent decades, clinical research has confirmed the prevalence of mental health diagnoses that are co-occurring with substance use disorders. Common among them is trauma.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
“Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.”
The Core Elements of Trauma-Informed Care
The aim of the key principles of a trauma-informed approach is to address the consequences of trauma, and to facilitate healing.
Trauma-Informed Approach
According to the leading concept of a trauma-informed approach, a program, organization, or system that is trauma-informed (a) realizes the impact of trauma and understands potential opportunities and paths for recovery, (b) recognizes the symptoms of trauma in clients, families, staff members, and others, (c) Responds to trauma by integrating knowledge of trauma into policies, procedures and practices, and (d) seeks to resist re-traumatization.
A trauma-informed treatment approach can be implemented in any type of service setting or agency, and is distinct from specific interventions and treatments designed to specifically address trauma. Trauma-informed care is an integrated approach. It’s a clinical philosophy and a rounded approach to treating concurrent problems in clients and families.
The Six Key Principles
According to the leading experts, a trauma-informed approach involves the practice of sex key principles, rather than administration of a specific or prescribed set of procedures. These principles may be applied across various settings and service types:
- Safety
- Trustworthiness and Transparency
- Peer support
- Collaboration and mutuality
- Empowerment, voice and choice
- Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues
It’s critical to promote a linkage to recovery and resiliency principles for individuals and families impacted by trauma. Consistent with the accepted definition of recovery, services that are trauma-informed build on the evidence available, as well as client and family participation, empowerment, and engagement.
Trauma-Informed Pennsylvania Rehab Center
Bradford Recovery Center’s Pennsylvania drug rehab centers specializes in trauma-informed care for individuals and families affected by addiction and mental health disorders. Call today for a free substance abuse assessment and care coordination services individualized to your needs.
