Trauma Informed Care for Alcohol and Other Drug (AOD) Practice

Trauma, especially during childhood, can negatively impact the way our brains develop.

Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are potentially traumatic events experienced before reaching the age of 18, including but not limited to abuse or neglect in childhood and distressing family events such as witnessing domestic violence or a parent going to prison. 

Alcohol and other drugs can also impact on the way the brain develops, especially if someone has a history of trauma.

It is vital that services providing support for people with alcohol and other drug issues are mindful of the potential impact of trauma. Clinicians should be sensitive to the signs that people may have experienced trauma.

Trauma-informed care is the open-mindedness and compassion that all patients deserve.

This toolkit has been developed for alcohol and other drug practitioners to enhance knowledge and skills in trauma-informed care.

The toolkit contains:

• video explainers 
• webinar recordings
• lists of upcoming workshops