The Importance of Trauma Trained Support

The connection between past trauma and substance use is a critical topic in mental health. It's a complex issue, but understanding how trauma-informed care can make a difference is key to a successful recovery. This approach is transforming how treatment centers operate and providing a safer, more effective path to healing.

What is trauma-informed care in addiction treatment?

Trauma-informed care is a treatment approach that assumes patients may have a history of trauma, like PTSD. Professionals who use this method are mindful of potential triggers and work to create a safe space for clients to heal without fear of retraumatization.

Want to learn more about how this approach is changing the landscape of addiction treatment and why it's so important for successful, long-term recovery? Keep reading to discover the many benefits of trauma-informed support and how it helps individuals heal more completely.

Why Is Trauma-Informed Care Essential for Effective Addiction Treatment?

If a terrible event from an individual's past is contributing to their substance use, it is important to keep in mind that they are not alone. Self-medication as a way to deal with trauma is fairly common. Studies have shown that a history of trauma is very common in patients who struggle with poor mental health and addiction.

Due to this, many treatment clinics automatically screen for PTSD and are structured around the assumption that their patients have a history of trauma. There are many benefits to prioritizing trauma-trained support in a clinic.

If an individual has a history of trauma, or show PTSD-like symptoms, they should consider choosing a treatment center that offers trauma-informed care. Thankfully, this is becoming more common. No one should have to worry about retraumatization due to treatment or judgment from the staff that should put their care first.

What Is Trauma Trained Support?

Trauma-trained support is a method of treatment that leads with the assumption that the people a clinic is helping have PTSD or a history of trauma. This type of treatment allows for mental health care professionals to be considerate of possible triggers.

In the past, many places that did not have trauma-informed support were not aware of the underlying causes of their patients' behavior. Now, with trauma-trained support, a professional can work with these patients without causing further harm.

At Chateau, our team is trained to keep potential trauma in mind when working with our clients. This allows for maximum comfort, enabling individuals to fully heal. Our treatment center has a curriculum that can help individuals to slow down and ground themselves. We treat the entire person, instead of one single issue. This attention to an individual's past traumas can keep them safe.

Importance of Trauma Trained Support

There are many reasons why clinics offer trauma-trained support as the standard. As more clinics learn about trauma and how common it is among those with other mental health disorders and addiction, the more clinics screen for PTSD and train their staff to be mindful of how trauma can impact a person's treatment. In addition to trauma-informed training, more clinics are starting to offer PTSD-related therapies that can help individuals heal.

Less Likely to Retrigger a Person With Trauma

Trauma-informed support is becoming increasingly popular because of how much it helps patients have a healthy recovery, without causing additional harm. In the past, a major issue with treatment centers and clinics is that they have caused even more harm and trauma.

Unfortunately, this has caused many people to be afraid of seeking treatment. Trauma-informed support keeps trauma and triggers in mind during the healing process. The client is not blamed for their behavior or reactions if they are in a triggered state. They are given tools to cope with trigger exposure in a healthier way. They are not set back by being returned to a triggered state when they should be healing.

Allows for the Patient to Talk About Trauma When They Are Ready

Client's should not be forced to talk about their trauma if they are not ready. This is especially important if they are not physically or emotionally stable. If a client does not feel safe or secure and has not had time to adjust to treatment and build rapport with their treatment community, they are less likely to naturally open up. Trauma-informed support allows the client to feel more comfortable opening up without feeling pressured.

Increases the Likelihood of a Successful Recovery

Those who were exposed to more trauma or were triggered in recovery tend to relapse after treatment. Retraumatization only opened wounds and made underlying disorders that much worse. This then causes them to turn to substance use or other unhealthy coping mechanisms as a way to self-medicate.

It makes them that much more unlikely to reach out for help in the future, due to their experience. Additionally, those who are retraumatized in treatment tend to leave programs earlier due to the emotional turmoil they experience. This does not allow them to fully heal and leaves them worse off than they started. Trauma-informed support keeps the client safe, comfortable, and stable throughout the process, giving them the space to fully heal.

Creates a Safer Space to Heal

Healing is the most important part of treatment. Trauma-informed support allows the client to build trust, slowly peel back the layers, and focus on the underlying issues at their own pace.

They do not feel pressured to expose their vulnerabilities when they are not ready. They can slow down and ground themselves until they feel safe enough to tackle the trauma and blockage that keeps them from having a fulfilling life.

Allows for a More Complex Treatment Plan

Treating only one illness does not keep in mind the complexity of people. There is not a perfect one-size-fits-all approach. Trauma-informed support keeps this in mind and understands that people are complex individuals with sometimes troubling histories. Dual diagnoses allow people to create a more complex treatment plan that addresses the entire person. Nothing is left out.

Treating PTSD with other disorders such as depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder needs to consider the sources of those conditions. It is not as simple as treating the individual symptoms.

The entire person and their experiences need to be considered. Substance use disorder tends to be a symptom on its own, more so than an independent illness. Keeping this in mind allows individuals to dig deeper and really uncover the real causes so they can form solutions that can actually work.

Frequently Asked Questions:

• What is trauma-trained support?

Trauma-trained support is a method of treatment that assumes a clinic’s patients may have a history of trauma or PTSD. Professionals with this training are considerate of possible triggers and work to help patients without causing further harm.

• Why is it important for a treatment center to screen for PTSD?

Since a history of trauma is common in patients who struggle with poor mental health and addiction, many treatment centers screen for PTSD to ensure they can provide the most effective and safe care possible.

• How does trauma-informed care help prevent a person from being retriggered?

This type of care keeps trauma and triggers in mind throughout the healing process. Clients are not blamed for their behavior, and they are given tools to cope with triggers in a healthy way.

• Does trauma-informed support allow patients to talk about trauma when they are ready?

Yes, this approach allows clients to feel more comfortable and secure. This makes it more likely for them to open up naturally, without feeling pressured to discuss their trauma before they are ready.

• How does trauma-informed support increase the likelihood of a successful recovery?

By keeping clients safe, comfortable, and stable, trauma-informed support allows them to fully heal. This prevents the retraumatization that can lead to relapse and ensures they have the best chance at a successful recovery.

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At Chateau Health and Wellness Treatment Center, we understand the profound impact that past trauma can have on an individual's journey toward recovery. Our team is dedicated to providing a safe, supportive environment where you can begin to heal without fear of judgment or retraumatization. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the symptoms, and our trauma-informed approach is designed to help you build the tools needed for a lasting recovery. If you or a loved one is struggling with substance use and a history of trauma, we are here to help. Take the first step toward healing with us. Call us today at (435) 222-5225 to learn how our comprehensive, compassionate care can support you.

About The Author

Austin Pederson, Executive Director

Austin Pederson, Executive Director of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings over eight years of experience revolutionizing mental health and substance abuse treatment through compassionate care and innovative business strategies. Inspired by his own recovery journey, Austin has developed impactful programs tailored to individuals facing trauma and stress while fostering comprehensive support systems that prioritize holistic wellness. His empathetic leadership extends to educating and assisting families, ensuring lasting recovery for clients and their loved ones.

Danny Warner, CEO

Danny Warner, CEO of Chateau Health and Wellness

Brings a wealth of experience in business operations, strategic alliances, and turnaround management, with prior leadership roles at Mediconnect Global, Klever Marketing, and WO Investing, Inc. A graduate of Brigham Young University in Economics and History, Danny has a proven track record of delivering results across diverse industries. His most transformative role, however, was as a trail walker and counselor for troubled teens at the Anasazi Foundation, where he directly impacted young lives, a personal commitment to transformation that now drives his leadership at Chateau.

Ben Pearson, LCSW, Clinical Director

Ben Pearson, LCSW - Clinical Director

With 19 years of experience, Ben Pearson specializes in adolescent and family therapy, de-escalation, and high-risk interventions. As a former Clinical Director of an intensive outpatient program, he played a key role in clinical interventions and group therapy. With 15+ years in wilderness treatment and over a decade as a clinician, Ben has helped countless individuals and families navigate mental health and recovery challenges.