Pamela Montazer
Pepperdine University, USA
Title: Examining the Need for Trauma Informed Therapy in Dual Diagnosis Treatment
Biography
Biography: Pamela Montazer
Abstract
Leading authorities and researchers in the in the field such as Gabor Mate and Jacobsen, Southwick, & Kosten, (2001) have examined the co-occurrence of trauma and substance abuse. However, despite the growing buzz on trauma informed therapy there has been relatively little discussion on the possible efficacy of trauma informed therapy in dual diagnosis treatment and there continues to be sparse implementation of evidenced based trauma informed therapy in dual diagnosis treatment. The purpose of this article is to review current literature and research examining the utility of trauma informed interventions such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) in dual diagnosis treatment. Examining current literature and research on trauma and substance abuse elucidates a clear connection between the two and a need for trauma informed therapy in dual diagnosis treatment. Trauma must be adequately addressed for comprehensive and successful substance abuse/ dual diagnosis treatment. In conclusion, examining the current literature and research on trauma and substance abuse sheds new light on the need for increased implementation of trauma informed therapy in dual diagnosis treatment.