Trauma Triage in Addictions Counseling

Addictions treatment, like other forms of counseling, can benefit from recent research and literature which informs better approaches to all our clients in recovery from a substance use disorder who also have a history of trauma. There are varied ideas about when to refer out, when to probe for trauma, and when a client’s trauma work may take precedence over the tasks of early recovery. This workshop explores some approaches addictions counselors have previously used with discussions about what the field may need to hold onto and what it may need to discard. Emphasis will center on what we can do – and in what circumstances – as opposed to a fear-based or hands-off approach about trauma.