[Trauma-informed addiction care]

The links between adverse childhood experiences and trauma in later life and the development of addiction are well known and documented in the international literature. In many ways, the research of the past decades has clarified the neurobiological consequences of trauma, as well as the effects behind substance use disorders, and their close connections. The reform of addiction treatment and care, which would integrate this knowledge and follow international trends, seems to be still to come. A paradigm shift is needed both in prevention and in treatment. Service providers and professionals need to adapt treatment guidelines to the needs of the clients who are often traumatized while struggling with substance use disorders. In this way, re-traumatization can be avoided and the likelihood of relapse can be reduced. After presenting the theoretical background, our publication provides a comprehensive picture of trauma-informed care, and also presents a number of international good practices as examples. Orv Hetil. 2024; 165(50): 1975–1984.