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Trauma and Addiction: Exploring the Traumatized Addict

Wednesday, May 13th, 2026   10:00 AM EDT -12:00 PM EDT
Ashley Ryan
$39.99 Cost For Member: $19.99

Trauma and addiction are closely intertwined, with extensive evidence indicating that exposure to traumatic experiences significantly increases vulnerability to substance use disorders. Trauma—particularly when chronic or experienced during childhood—can disrupt neurobiological development, emotional regulation, and stress-response systems, creating conditions that heighten the reinforcing effects of substances. Many individuals use drugs or alcohol as maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage trauma-related symptoms such as hyperarousal, intrusive memories, dissociation, and emotional pain. Over time, this pattern can evolve into compulsive substance use, reinforcing a cycle in which addiction exacerbates trauma symptoms and further impairs functioning.

This abstract examines the bidirectional relationship between trauma and addiction, highlighting shared neurobiological pathways, including dysregulation of the hypothalamic–pituitary–adrenal (HPA) axis and alterations in reward circuitry. It also emphasizes the importance of trauma-informed approaches to prevention and treatment, which recognize the role of adverse experiences in substance use behaviors. Integrating trauma-focused interventions with addiction treatment has been shown to improve engagement, reduce relapse risk, and support long-term recovery. Understanding the complex interplay between trauma and addiction is essential for developing effective, compassionate, and holistic clinical responses.

About the Presenter

Ashley Ryan, LCADC, CCS, CCTP has been working in the field of addictions for 15 years. Ms. Ryan has held a director position for the last 5 years and has worked diligently on improving clinical services within substances use agencies. Ms. Ryan is passionate about the inclusion of trauma-informed care when working with people in substance use recovery.

Learning Objectives:

  1. Explain the relationship between trauma and substance use
  2. Identify how trauma affects the brain, behavior, and coping strategies
  3. Understand addiction as an adaptive response to trauma
  4. Practice basic mindfulness techniques to support regulation and recovery
  5. Apply trauma-informed principles to addiction support and treatment

Agenda:

Agenda Breakdown

0:00–0:10 | Welcome & Grounding (10 minutes)

Purpose: Set safety, connection, and regulation

  • Welcome and brief facilitator introduction

  • Review agenda, learning objectives, and group agreements (confidentiality, choice, non-judgment)

  • Mindfulness Activity: Grounding Check-In (5 min)

    • Invite participants to notice:

      • Feet on the floor

      • Breath without changing it

      • One word to describe how they’re arriving today

    • Optional verbal or silent reflection

0:10–0:30 | Trauma & Addiction: The Big Picture (20 minutes)

Key Content:

  • Definitions of trauma (acute, chronic, complex, developmental)

  • Overview of addiction and substance use disorders

  • Prevalence of trauma among people with addiction

  • Addiction as a survival strategy rather than a moral failing

Interactive Element:

  • Brief reflection question:

    • “What messages have you heard about addiction growing up?”

  • Discuss how stigma impacts treatment and recovery

0:30–0:50 | The Neurobiology of Trauma and Addiction (20 minutes)

Key Content:

  • Stress response system (fight/flight/freeze/fawn)

  • Role of the amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and HPA axis

  • Dopamine, reward pathways, and emotional regulation

  • Why substances temporarily “work” for trauma symptoms

Mindfulness Activity: Body Awareness Scan (5–7 min)

  • Gentle scan from head to toe

  • Emphasis on noticing sensations without judgment

  • Normalize opting out or keeping eyes open

0:50–1:00 | Break (10 minutes)

  • Encourage hydration, stretching, or stepping outside

  • Optional grounding suggestion posted on slide or handout

1:00–1:25 | Trauma Responses & Addictive Behaviors (25 minutes)

Key Content:

  • Links between trauma symptoms and substance use:

    • Hyperarousal → sedatives

    • Numbness/dissociation → stimulants

    • Emotional pain → alcohol/opioids

  • Triggers, cravings, and relapse as trauma responses

  • The shame–addiction–trauma cycle

Small Group or Pair Discussion:

  • Case vignette (realistic but non-graphic)

  • Questions:

    • What trauma responses do you notice?

    • How might substances be serving this person?

1:25–1:45 | Mindfulness as a Trauma-Informed Tool (20 minutes)

Key Content:

  • What mindfulness is (and is not)

  • Benefits for trauma and addiction recovery

  • Importance of choice, pacing, and safety

  • Avoiding re-traumatization in mindfulness practice

Mindfulness Activity: Breath + Choice Practice (10 min)

  • Offer options:

    • Focus on breath

    • Focus on sounds

    • Focus on an object

  • Emphasize autonomy: “You’re in control”

1:45–1:55 | Integrating Trauma-Informed & Mindfulness-Based Approaches (10 minutes)

Key Content:

  • Principles of trauma-informed care:

    • Safety

    • Trust

    • Empowerment

    • Collaboration

    • Cultural humility

  • Practical applications in treatment, support groups, or daily life

  • Mindfulness as a regulation skill, not a cure

1:55–2:00 | Closing Reflection & Regulation (5 minutes)

Mindfulness Activity: Compassionate Closing

  • Invite participants to:

    • Place a hand where it feels supportive

    • Acknowledge one thing they’re taking from the session

  • Closing statement emphasizing hope and resilience

  • Provide resources (hotlines, trauma-informed recovery programs, readings)

This workshop offers 2 Live Interactive Continuing Education Credits

This presentation is open to:
  • Social Workers
  • Professional Counselors
  • Therapists
  • Psychologists
  • Licensed Mental Health Practitioners
  • Medical Doctors and Other Health Professionals
  • Other professionals interacting with populations engaged in mental health based services
Course Level: intermediate
Level of Clinician: intermediate
  • New practitioners who wish to gain enhanced insight surrounding the topic
  • Experienced practitioners who seek to increase and expand fundamental knowledge surrounding the subject matter
  • Advanced practitioners seeking to review concepts and reinforce practice skills and/or access additional consultation
  • Managers seeking to broaden micro and/or macro perspectives

Participants will receive their certificate electronically upon completion of the webinar and course evaluation form.

Disability Access - If you require ADA accommodations, please contact our office 30 days or more before the event. We cannot ensure accommodations without adequate prior notification. Please Note: Licensing Boards change regulations often, and while we attempt to stay abreast of their most recent changes, if you have questions or concerns about this course meeting your specific board’s approval, we recommend you contact your board directly to obtain a ruling. The grievance policy for trainings provided by NEFESH INTERNATIONAL is available here Satisfactory Completion Participants must have paid the tuition fee, logged in and out each day, attended the entire workshop, and completed an evaluation to receive a certificate (If this is a pre-recorded program, a post-test with a passing grade of 80% to receive a certificate.) Failure to log in or out will result in forfeiture of credit for the entire course. No exceptions will be made. Partial credit is not available. Certificates are available after satisfactory course completion by clicking here.
There is no conflict of interest or commercial support for this program.
  • NEFESH International, Inc. is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Psychology as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed psychologists #PSY-0116.
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed marriage and family therapists #MFT-0046
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for Mental Health Counselor #MHC-0082
  • NEFESH International is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Social Work as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed social workers #SW-0048.
  • CE You! is an approved sponsor of the Maryland Board of Social Work Examiners for continuing education credits for licensed social workers in Maryland.
    CE You! maintains responsibility for this program.
  • Therapist Express is recognized by the New York State Education Department's State Board for Mental Health Practitioners as an approved provider of continuing education for licensed creative arts therapists. #CAT-0122.
Refund Policy:
Full Refund until 48 hours before scheduled date.
48 hours before: full refund less $5.00 processing fee. After event no refund will be given.
*exclusions apply for reasonable need and cause.