How Can Trauma-Informed Care Assist Addiction Recovery?
More people than not have experienced trauma. Trauma refers to “an event or series of events that have lasting effects on a person’s well-being.” Trauma can include:
- Experiencing or observing physical or sexual aggression
- Childhood neglect or abandonment
- Presence of an emotionally or mentally ill family member
- Violent community events like war, gun violence, or systematic prejudice
- Poverty and discrimination
When people experience trauma, it often shapes their worldview. Trauma-Informed Care (TIC) counters this through acknowledgment that trauma is prevalent in our society and sets the tone for treating others. A Trauma-Informed Approach strives to create an atmosphere where caretakers and clinicians are mindful of the effects of trauma and avoid re-traumatizing a person. By doing so, they can help those coping with trauma heal and recover more quickly.
Trauma impacts people differently, creating fear and anxiety while driving some to isolation. TIC recognizes that the violation of safety, power, and self-worth is at the root of trauma. TIC works to create a stable environment where each person’s healing process can occur, plus restore safety, power, and self-worth as they go. Thus, the participant can reach optimal functional capacity.
The 5 Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Behind the Trauma-Informed Care approach stands its five core principles, which provide the framework for delivering trauma survivors with the most effective care. According to SAMHSA, these core principles are 1) Patient empowerment, 2) Choice, 3) Collaboration, 4) Safety, and 5) Trustworthiness. These core principles invite providers to respect trauma survivors’ experiences and avoid re-traumatization.
The following core principles will help you find practitioners who can genuinely offer more attentive, welcoming care services that stand at the heart of any good treatment program. We recognize your need for a trustworthy place to talk about uncomfortable feelings and help you avoid further dangerous re-traumatization.
Empowering People Seeking Healing
The empowerment applies to people taking the lead in determining their own goals for recovery and selecting the methods for achieving that recovery. Hence, TIC providers empower participants to make healthcare-related decisions and plans, in addition to the self-management of their recovery from trauma by providing resources and educational materials tailored to the client’s voiced concerns.
The empowerment process usually starts with interviewing participants to achieve such a goal. The interview entails asking the participants about their treatment goals and exploring how previous experiences have impacted their views on healing or fell short of their expectations. This information helps TIC practitioners to identify the available resources throughout the treatment sessions. These resources can help empower individuals to assist in their treatment. This increased empowerment may lead to positive behavioral changes that will improve the quality of survivors’ lives. It leaves them with an improved ability to control their own lives.
The Effectiveness of Choice
TIC recognizes individuals’ rights to choose their healthcare and treatment decisions. Though challenging at times to review each possible choice or option, it is crucial. The process involves the participant and their TIC provider working together to find the best treatments based on their needs, goals, and values. But it doesn’t end there. The TIC practitioner listens to what the individual says, respects their choices, and helps them move on with any new treatments when asked or found necessary. Essentially, the process centers on helping you feel comfortable with your decisions.
Participants can select an array of options—from medication to recovery techniques—when it comes to their treatment plan. Having choices gives them more control over their lives and helps them feel less overwhelmed by their current circumstances. Consequently, it opens them to see the process as a journey with a goal that is not set in stone but instead can change based on research, facts, life changes, and more. Lastly, choice fosters trust because patients know they play an active role in their care.
Seamless Collaboration for the Best Outcome
When seeking Trauma-Informed Care, pay attention to the facility’s approach to collaboration. Collaboration encourages everyone involved—you, your TIC providers, and your family or loved ones. Great partnerships effortlessly seam the efforts and strengths of all involved parties to achieve the best possible outcome for the person in treatment. A qualified treatment team considers the strengths and weaknesses of each member. It is motivated by healing and recovery based on shared expertise. Healing happens within relationships, so TIC providers are encouraged to share power with participants and their families, resulting in the best treatment plans for each individual.
Safety Leads to Healing
Trauma-Informed Care aims to create a safe and caring environment for clients. People in need of treatment for trauma-related issues should feel safe and protected by those caring for them; otherwise, it will impede the healing process. The safety principle isn’t just about physical safety but also emotional and psychological protection from potential triggers or flashbacks during treatment. If the client feels that they can trust the counselors and doctors, they will feel there is support to get through their painful or traumatic experiences and feelings.
Using Transparency to Build Trustworthiness
Transparency is a valuable tool, especially when it comes to treatment plans. If a therapeutic program is up-front about who they are and what they do, it will engender trust and make participants feel more at ease. This aspect makes participants more open to receiving guidance and support. Building this trustworthiness can reduce anxiety and fear for the participant in treatment. This approach helps improve healing outcomes by decreasing the person’s concern over their condition, enabling them to focus on treatment rather than worrying about whether the provider will deliver on their promises or intentionally be deceitful to advance their interests.
Trauma-Informed Care focuses on the person, not the problem. It creates an environment in which each person feels safe, heard, and respected—in short, empowered. This approach is about not harming. We recognize that trauma has its language and that each person’s experience of trauma is subjective and unique. Recognizing the effects of trauma, we at Restoration Recovery are committed to ensuring that every participant receives evidence-based care. We empower participants to be active in the management of their recovery. We help them develop skills to cope with life changes and empower them with knowledge about their condition. We offer the most effective treatment for SUD and trauma in Auburn, California. Our treatment options help individuals with SUD overcome self-destructive behaviors while building a healthy recovery plan. To learn more about our program and how we can help you or your loved one recover from SUD, please call us at (888) 290-0925.
