Research project DR/99 (Research action DR)
There is a well-established bidirectional relationship between trauma and substance use disorders (SUD). Experiencing trauma increases vulnerability to SUD, often as a coping mechanism, while SUD raises the risk of trauma through more impulsive behaviour and riskier lifestyles. Research shows that individuals with SUD face more frequent and severe trauma compared to the general population. Despite the high prevalence of comorbid Post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD and SUD, treating individuals with both conditions remains particularly challenging, as each condition exacerbates the other. Moreover, research highlights that trauma and SUD are linked to criminal justice involvement, hinder rehabilitation, often go undetected and untreated in prison, and are associated with higher re-offending rates. In sum, greater awareness and understanding of how trauma and SUD interact and concrete guidelines what are the most effective treatment pathways are in treatment and prison contexts are needed.
The TICCS project aims to:
- study the relationship between substance use and trauma in treatment and prison settings and effective approaches and methods to deal with it in these facilities
- map and model trauma-informed care and support services along the intervention spectrum
- assess current practices and needs regarding trauma-informed support and provide recommendations for improving trauma-informed care and support in prison and treatment settings in Belgium for persons with substance use problems
To meet these objectives we will apply a mixed-methods study design spanning across five work packages. In Workpackage (WP) 1, a comprehensive literature review will be conducted on the relationship between trauma and SUD, and on strategies and methods to provide trauma-informed care and support. WP2 involves a secondary (quantitative) analysis of treatment and prison data investigating the link between trauma and SUD. WP3 consists of a qualitative study using semi-structured interviews with service providers (n=40) and service users (n=20) in alcohol and drug services and arts-based research to explore trauma-informed practices and interventions, as well as the role of trauma as a barrier to treatment. Additionally, this WP aims to gain insights into the lived and embodied experiences of trauma and substance use through a Body Mapping method. In WP4, two learning communities of experts (n= 8-12) will facilitate the integration of research findings and practice, fostering action and reflection throughout the project and formulating recommendations for more trauma-informed care and support for persons who use substances. Finally, WP5 will focus on synthesizing and disseminating the research findings through a comprehensive impact plan.
The learning communities on trauma-informed approaches in substance use treatment in the Dutch and French speaking part of Belgium (WP4), as well as the systematic review (WP1), secondary analyses of treatment and prison data (WP2) and qualitative interviews (WP3) will generate evidence-informed recommendations for providing appropriate trauma-informed care and support in alcohol and drug services in Belgium and will result in sound findings that will be published in international peer-reviewed journals.
This project will be executed by a multidisciplinary network of academics (special needs education, criminology, psychology and psychiatry), enabling a diverse and holistic approach to the topic and incorporating multiple perspectives. Some international experts will provide support and guidance to the research team.
