Trauma affects people in many ways—physically, emotionally, and psychologically. For individuals in addiction and mental health treatment, understanding and addressing trauma is often essential for healing. That’s where trauma-informed care comes in.
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery (CMAR), trauma-informed care is foundational to our outpatient treatment programs. But what exactly is trauma-informed care, and why does it matter?
Defining Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is an approach to treatment that acknowledges the widespread impact of trauma and integrates this understanding into all aspects of care. Rather than focusing solely on symptoms, trauma-informed care considers a person’s whole life experience—including the ways trauma may influence behaviors, thoughts, and emotional well-being.
Unlike traditional treatment models, trauma-informed care seeks to avoid re-traumatization and create a safe, supportive environment where clients can heal at their own pace.
The Core Principles of Trauma-Informed Care
Trauma-informed care is based on six fundamental principles outlined by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA). These principles serve as a framework for providing effective treatment at CMAR, ensuring that every interaction is sensitive to the needs and experiences of individuals who have faced trauma.
Safety
Creating an environment that fosters physical and emotional safety is vital. At CMAR, we prioritize making our spaces welcoming and secure, allowing individuals to feel protected and free from harm.
Trustworthiness and Transparency
Building trust through clear communication and consistent practices is essential. We encourage openness at CMAR, ensuring that clients understand the treatment process and feel confident in their care.
Peer Support
Recognizing the value of shared experiences, we incorporate peer support into our programs. This aspect emphasizes the importance of community and connection in the healing process, allowing individuals to learn from one another and foster a sense of belonging.
Collaboration and Mutuality
We believe in empowering individuals to take an active role in their treatment. Collaboration between clients and caregivers is encouraged, enabling clients to voice their needs and preferences, which fosters a sense of control over their healing journey.
Empowerment, Voice, and Choice
Understanding and respecting our clients’ diverse backgrounds is critical. At CMAR, we are committed to incorporating cultural humility into our practices and recognizing how past experiences shape individuals’ responses to trauma.
Cultural, Historical, and Gender Sensitivity
Acknowledging the widespread effects of trauma on individuals’ lives and mental health is fundamental to our approach. By understanding how trauma influences behavior and well-being, we can tailor our interventions to be more effective and compassionate.
By adhering to these principles, CMAR strives to create a supportive and understanding environment that promotes healing and resilience for all individuals seeking care.
Why Trauma-Informed Care Matters in Addiction Treatment
Trauma and addiction are deeply connected. Research shows that a significant portion of individuals with substance use disorders have experienced trauma—ranging from childhood abuse and neglect to military combat, domestic violence, or medical trauma.
When trauma is not acknowledged, clients may feel misunderstood, unsafe, or blamed for behaviors rooted in past pain. Trauma-informed care helps:
- Uncover root causes of substance use
- Reduce shame and judgment that often come with addiction
- Improve treatment retention by building a sense of safety and trust
- Support dual-diagnosis clients managing both PTSD and addiction
Examples of Trauma-Informed Practices at CMAR
At CMAR, trauma-informed care isn’t just a philosophy—it’s embedded in everything we do.
- Warm, welcoming environments that avoid clinical coldness or intimidation
- Clinician training on trauma-responsive language, body language, and boundaries
- Individualized treatment planning that respects each client’s pace and preferences
- Integration of therapy and medication-assisted treatment (MAT) to treat both the mind and body
Trauma awareness guides our approach, whether a client enters our outpatient detox, intensive outpatient program (IOP), or long-term MAT services.
The Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care for Recovery
Trauma-informed care improves treatment outcomes by:
- Enhancing emotional safety and psychological well-being
- Increasing client engagement and trust in the recovery process
- Reducing dropout rates from outpatient treatment
- Creating space for deeper, more meaningful therapeutic work
- Promoting long-term healing and resilience
It allows clients to feel seen, heard, and respected—not defined by their addiction or past.
How Trauma-Informed Care Differs from Trauma-Specific Treatment
While closely related, trauma-informed care and trauma-specific therapy are not the same.
- Trauma-informed care is a universal approach that assumes every client may have experienced trauma. It shapes the culture and delivery of all services.
- Trauma-specific treatment refers to therapies designed to process and resolve trauma, such as Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), or Prolonged Exposure Therapy.
At CMAR, we provide trauma-informed care as a standard and refer or integrate trauma-specific modalities when appropriate.
Who Can Benefit from Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is beneficial for nearly anyone in addiction or mental health treatment, especially those who have:
- A history of childhood trauma or abuse
- Experienced sexual assault, domestic violence, or war
- Survived a medical crisis or natural disaster
- Lived through systemic oppression or discrimination
- Dual diagnoses such as PTSD and substance use disorder
Even if trauma is not openly disclosed, trauma-informed care ensures clients receive treatment that is sensitive, respectful, and emotionally safe.
Begin Compassionate, Trauma-Informed Recovery at CMAR
At Colorado Medication Assisted Recovery, we understand that your past is just one part of a much larger story. You are a multifaceted individual who deserves compassionate care that acknowledges all aspects of your journey. Our mission is to provide you with trauma-informed, evidence-based outpatient treatment tailored to address both addiction and co-occurring mental health conditions.
We recognize that healing involves more than just managing symptoms; it requires a comprehensive approach that honors your experiences and supports your path to recovery. Our dedicated team is here to walk alongside you, offering guidance and support as you work toward lasting change.
Whether you’re ready to take the first step or seeking additional resources, we encourage you to reach out. Call our compassionate team today or contact us online to discover how our trauma-informed care can empower you on your journey to a healthier, brighter future.
You deserve a treatment experience that respects your unique story and helps you build the life you envision.
