Understanding Trauma and Substance Use: A Trauma-Informed Approach for Frontline Practice

Course Overview

This course explores the complex and often misunderstood relationship between trauma and substance use, supporting frontline staff to move beyond blame, stigma and simplistic explanations. Drawing on trauma-informed and psychologically informed principles, the training helps participants understand substance use as a coping and survival response, rather than a personal failure or lack of motivation.

The course focuses on how trauma, adversity and ongoing stress can influence patterns of alcohol and other drug use, and what this means for engagement, risk, behaviour and recovery. Participants are supported to develop compassionate, realistic and trauma- informed responses that promote safety, trust and choice, while maintaining professional boundaries and staff wellbeing.

Who is this course for?

• This course is suitable for:
• Frontline operational staff working with people who use alcohol and/or other drugs
• Housing, homelessness, health, social care and support workers engaging with people with multiple and complex needs
• Operational managers and support staff with direct service user contact

What will you learn?

The course covers:

• Key concepts and definitions related to trauma and substance use
• How traumatic experiences can shape substance use as a coping strategy
• The impact of trauma on the brain, emotional regulation, risk-taking and behaviour
• Understanding shame, stigma and cycles of disengagement in substance use
• Applying trauma-informed and strengths-based approaches when working with people who use substances
• Balancing safety, boundaries and compassion in frontline roles
• The impact of working with trauma and substance use on staff wellbeing, including vicarious trauma and burnout
• Developing practical, role-specific actions to embed trauma-informed practice into everyday work
• Learning is grounded in real-world practice, with reflective opportunities to consider attitudes, assumptions and organisational responses to substance use.

Emotional safety and wellbeing

This course includes sensitive material related to trauma and substance use, which may resonate personally for some participants. Emotional safety is prioritised throughout.

• Delegates will be informed in advance about the nature of the course content
• There is no requirement to disclose personal experiences
• Participants may take time out during the session if needed
• Facilitators model trauma-informed practice, including choice, respect and psychological safety