Addictions and trauma recovery: an integrated approach

The co-occurence of addiction with trauma-based mental health problems forms a toxic feedback loop, creating assessment and treatment challenges for consumers and their healthcare providers. Traditional separation of addiction and mental health treatment has contributed to a high level of recidivism among clients challenged by trauma and addiction problems. A new treatment model rooted in an understanding of trauma re-enactment, is described. ATRIUM integrates cognitive behavioral and relational treatment through an approach which stresses mind, body, and spiritual health.