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 disease model of addiction is explained and compared to the developmental brain model, both of which acknowledge that addictive behaviors are not fueled by voluntary choice.

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 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