Trauma- Sensitive Mindfulness for Addictions
Individuals with trauma histories may be more vulnerable to addiction as a copying mechanism, as a means of regulating their mood, quieting intrusive thoughts, and suppressing the arousal caused by elevated stress hormones (Levin et al., 2021; van der Kolk, 2014). Due to their mood-modifying properties, drugs can be a response to trauma and a means for rewarding behaviours.
The treatment of addiction may require a trauma-informed approach to address both the experience of trauma and addictive behaviors concurrently. Post-traumatic stress, memories and emotions from trauma are often stored in the body. Consequently, some people with a history of trauma tend to feel disconnected from their bodies (dissociation) as a defense mechanism. Traditional Mindfulness practices assume that everyone has the capacity to engage in any mindfulness activity and can benefit from it. A trauma-informed approach acknowledges that some aspects of Mindfulness can be activating for trauma survivors. Therefore, practices are adapted to the unique needs of trauma survivors, supporting individuals to befriend physical sensations, improve self-regulation, ease their experiences of trauma, and cultivate mindfulness.
A trauma-informed approach to mindfulness works by modifying traditional meditation practices with grounding, anchoring, and self-regulation techniques to maintain balance in the nervous system, which can help traumatized people manage their symptoms and feel safer in their bodies. Principles of trauma- informed Mindfulness (Stay Inside the Window of Tolerance; Shift attention to support stability; Keep the Body in Mind: Working with Dissociation; Practice in Relationship: Supporting Safety and Stability in Survivors; Understand Social Context: Work Effectively Across Differences) support the facilitation of the safe- container for the client.
Tha aim of the workshop is to offer the experience of Trauma- Sensitive Mindfulness practices as conducted in clinical settings for patients with addictions.
