Substance use

This document is designed to support all professionals working with people affected by alcohol/drug use and/or their families. It aims to strengthen awareness and understanding about trauma-informed practice. Each section provides guidance for how professionals supporting people affected by alcohol/drug use can do so in a trauma-informed way. It supports recognising the prevalence and impact of trauma for people, and the impact of trauma on people’s recovery journeys.

This guidance assists practitioners responding to people with alcohol dependence issues who may also present risk(s) to themselves and/or others. The guidance includes potential considerations when alcohol is an issue, challenges to engagement, considering rights and choice, and challenging widely-held myths. There is a case study included to aid understanding.