Spinning Out of Control: Addictions as a Trauma Response

Course overview

Many individuals with substance use disorders and other behavioral or process addictions have a history of trauma. These overwhelming experiences often set the stage for avoidant coping strategies to numb or escape. This workshop will explore the biological, psychological, and spiritual consequences of trauma and how addiction is formed in response to such aftereffects. Psychologists, licensed mental health professionals, medical professionals, ministry leaders, and coaches will examine different models of addiction, focusing on the biopsychosocialspiritual model specifically. Finally, participants will be able to describe important recommendations about treatment planning and prioritization with specific cases of PTSD, complex PTSD, and delayed onset PTSD.