Rethinking Addiction Treatment, A Trauma-Informed Approach: It’s Personal
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Learning Objectives
Participants will be able to:
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Identify at least 2 limitations of traditional, shame-based addiction treatment approaches.
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Explain the connection between trauma, shame, and addiction and describe how these factors influence treatment outcomes.
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Define trauma-informed care and identify at least 2 benefits of trauma-informed care in addiction treatment.
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Describe 2 reasons why building genuine, empathetic therapeutic relationships with clients is important in addiction treatment.
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Summarize the need for individualized, flexible treatment approaches.
Description
This presentation is a call to action for professionals in the addiction treatment field, encouraging a more holistic, compassionate approach to helping individuals struggling with substance use disorders. Elizabeth will explain the pitfalls of traditional, shame-based addiction treatment approaches and introduce trauma-informed care as a more effective alternative in treating addiction.
We will discuss the importance of understanding the underlying reasons for substance use, particularly focusing on past trauma and its impact on intimacy and self-connection, moving away from oversimplified, one-size-fits-all approaches. Elizabeth will also cover the importance of genuine connection, trust, and understanding in the therapeutic relationship, arguing that this is crucial for effective treatment.
Elizabeth will share her personal journey through addiction treatment, both as a patient and later as a professional in the field. The presentation also includes several case studies to illustrate the effectiveness of the trauma-informed approach and the limitations of shame-based methods.
We will discuss current statistics on addiction and sexual abuse in South Africa to contextualize the scale of the problem, including the high relapse rates in current treatment models.
Participants of this presentation will:
- • Understand the limitations and potential harm of traditional, shame-based addiction treatment approaches.
- • Recognize the connection between trauma, shame, and addiction, and how these factors influence treatment outcomes.
- • Learn about the principles and benefits of trauma-informed care in addiction treatment.
- • Understand the importance of building genuine, empathetic therapeutic relationships with clients in addiction treatment.
- • Gain insights into the complexity of addiction and the need for individualized, flexible treatment approaches.
- • Learn to view addiction as a coping mechanism rather than a moral failing, and to treat clients with compassion and respect.
- • Understand the role of intimacy and connection in both the development of addiction and the recovery process.
- • Recognize the need to redefine “successful recovery” based on individual client experiences and goals rather than standardized metrics.
- • Learn to address resistance in therapy as a key to progress rather than an obstacle.
- • Understand the importance of allowing clients to lead their recovery journey, with the therapist as a supportive guide rather than an authoritative figure.
Target Audience
- Nurses
- Counselor
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Social Worker
- Physicians
- Substance Use Disorder Professionals
Presenters
Elizabeth Berk is a registered counselor under the ASCHP in South Africa and has worked in addiction treatment facilities for over 20 years as an addiction counselor. She is the Director and owner of TherapyNow, an online counseling platform specializing in trauma-informed counseling and addiction, embracing harm reduction and meeting clients where they are. In 2023 TherapyNow Non Profit was launched to provide free counseling to individuals in South Africa. Elizabeth is a member of the GMHPN (Global Mental Health Peer Network), providing guidance and policies for human rights in addiction care.
Elizabeth focuses on trauma-informed counseling. She identified gaps in traditional treatment, leading to high relapse rates. By emphasizing empathetic relationships and addressing emotional needs, she achieved success. Transitioning to online counseling during the pandemic, she maintains success in harm reduction and trauma counseling. Berk’s research and advocacy challenge stigma and treatment resistance in the addiction field, presenting her findings at the South African Mental Health Conference in 2023. She now conducts research via the Global Mental Health Peer Network for the World Health Organization on Human Rights Guidance for addiction care and mental health, advocating for a compassionate approach.