What Is Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)?

Trauma-informed care has become an evidence-based practice. Realizing the prevalence of trauma in the lives of those suffering from substance use disorder, it is relevant to use a universal lens to support participants involved in the criminal justice system. Gone are the days where there was a belief that a substance use disorder had to be treated first before addressing trauma. Best practices emphasize how integrated treatment helps to support someone suffering from substance use disorder and addresses the actual symptoms that led to continued use. The treatment of substance use disorders has developed into a compassionate field, considering all factors that have contributed to the ongoing substance use. Oftentimes, the prevalence of trauma is so saturated in the lives of those suffering from substance use that the participants do not even acknowledge any concerns, thinking their circumstances are normal for their environment. Yet, when introduced to the principles of trauma-informed care, there is an awakening, a validation that can permeate a participant’s life and present confirmation that something happened to them that was not ok. Introducing participants to these principles can present different options for how to reconstruct their lives. Also, when incorporating trauma-informed principles in an environment that has been known for overpowering participants, where participants may feel there was no justice or fair treatment, these principles can help participants have a different experience of a criminal justice environment.