Unit 5: Impact of Trauma on Mental Health and Addiction

Many addiction experts consider Trauma to be the gateway drug.   Research confirms that trauma can impact brain development.  The early model of addiction explained it as a “choice”, which made addiction a moral failing.  Then the explanation moved on to a “disease” model, i.e., that the use of alcohol and other drugs changed the brain, in much the same way a disease can change physiology.  This model, does not however explain behavioral/process addictions.  The changes cited as proof of this model also happens when the brain learns.

The current model, which is gaining some traction, is the developmental brain model. The first reading is a journal article that describes the shortcomings of the disease model and why the developmental model is a better explanation of addiction and the neuroplasticity of the brain, which can be a function of learning (for example).

The remainder of unit 5 covers trauma.  First we look at the mechanics of stress and trauma and how it impacts our brain, body and behavior. We also look at compassion fatigue, what it is and how to process this potential by-product of working in the field.  We need to understand not only how to respond to trauma as caregivers, but we also need to look within ourselves and our environment to make sure we understand how to deal with compassion fatigue.

Finally, we look at addressing Stress and Trauma in Recovery-oriented systems and communities.  It is important to weave trauma informed care into our systems of care.

Unit Objectives:

• Compare and contrast models of addiction
• Describe the impact of trauma on the brain and development