Addiction is Trauma: A Mirrored Perspective
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Educational Goal
Participants will learn about the links between trauma and substance use disorder treatment.
Description
It is almost a given that treating persons suffering from addiction inherently involves a system of concurrent challenges. The affected domains range from the biomedical to the social and into the deepest recess of self in relation to the environment and others. The wave of integration of trauma informed care into substance use disorder intensive residential treatment has catapulted the vital endeavors of the past into an evolving best care and responsive mission. The average length of stay in residential SUD treatment is collectively shortening in the interplay of coverage benefits and access to resources for addicted family systems. Shifting to less time with patients in residential and treating the system of challenges they face has forced us to re-examine the cadence of services, the intensity of interventions, and prioritize approaches that set up a foundation for long-term healing. While proper assessment of PTSD, trauma stressors, and subsequent treatment of it is a must for proper care, we don’t have to look very far from the here and now. The complex presentation of addiction more often than not mirrors the impact of trauma on the lifespan of the survivor. This presentation works on integrating the interventions and approaches used in trauma care in direct relation to the symptoms and effects of addiction. I have much respect for the elders and the journey of addiction treatment services using the timeless 12-step principles, and I also see opportunities to conceptualize some of the languages of the 12-step path to blend into a trauma-informed care approach. Making sure the principles of recovery survive the initial barriers and challenges of the wounded person is of the utmost importance. Restoring the capacity to heal through meaningful relationships is both trauma work and the essence of the 12-step principles.
Target Audience
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Psychologist
- Social Worker
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
David Armando Tejeda is a Licensed Professional Counselor and Adjunct Professor with expertise in various topics related to trauma informed care, intensive family services in residential SUD treatment, telehealth family programming, experiential group therapy, coaching, and counseling dual-enrolled first generation college students, and mindfulness-informed therapeutic approaches. He has specialized expertise in Eye Movement Desensitization Reprocessing (EMDR), substance abuse counseling services, and managing organizational change. He teaches graduate-level courses in Addiction Counseling as well as Family and Couples Counseling at the University of Texas at Rio Grande Valley. He is currently working on a project to enhance access to residential treatment and adapt services to meet the needs of the local community of the Rio Grande Valley in South Texas. He has worked in consultation with other treatment centers in developing a mindfulness-based curriculum and services. David started as a primary counselor at Origins Recovery Centers in 2014, worked as Family Services Director for 3 years, and now serves as the Clinical Director at the South Padre Island location.