Exploring the Intersection of Trauma and Addiction
Exploring the Intersection of Trauma and Addiction will focus on the trauma-addiction loop, as well as review the prevalence of post-traumatic stress and addiction within first responder populations. The exposure to potentially traumatic events is a common and cumulative experience for many members of the first responder profession. Chronic and cumulative exposure to trauma in this line of work greatly increases the likelihood of members of this population developing post-traumatic stress, acute stress disorder, and post-traumatic stress disorder. It is also true that many members of the first responder community turn towards drugs, alcohol, and other compulsive behavior as a way to manage or reduce difficult thoughts, feelings, and other symptoms related to post-traumatic stress. This webinar aims to identify and discuss the ways in which trauma often underlies addictive behaviors and disorders. Attendees of this presentation will gain a greater awareness of the impact of trauma exposure, as well as how and why people so often turn towards maladaptive ways of coping. Molly will highlight the ways responders can be more proactive in processing trauma, identify adaptive ways of coping with trauma, and how to support yourself or others who are sober, or even sober-curious.