A Trauma-Informed Approach to 12 Steps: Exploring the Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Use Disorders

Presenter: Eryca Kasse

Category 1 | 3 CEUs 

Clients living with substance misuse & addiction often have histories of emotional, physical and/or sexual trauma. The 12 Step groups AA and NA are the most widespread and available peer support groups for addiction recovery, though some language of the 12 Steps may be contraindicated for survivors of trauma.

This training:

• provides an introduction to broadened definitions of trauma with examples throughout the lifespan and the key principles of Trauma Informed Care by SAMHSA; 
• explores the relationship between unhealed trauma and the development of substance use disorders through an overview of the Adverse Childhood Experiences Study (ACES); 
• analyzes language of the 12 steps through a trauma informed lens, offering alternative language options to promote healing empowerment & prevent re-traumatization; 
• and provides resources to refer clients seeking peer support alternatives to 12 step.*