Understanding the role of trauma in alcohol and other drug-related problems to improve policy and services

Through qualitative interviews, field observations and policy mapping, the study will explore how knowledge about trauma is reshaping how consumers and health professionals think about AOD consumption and related problems, such as addiction, overdose and stigma. The project will also focus on identifying the resources and supports people require to better manage their AOD consumption and wellbeing in the context of responding to trauma, as well as improve targeted trauma-informed alcohol and other drug support and other innovative social policy responses.

This project has been undertaken to learn more about:

1. How the relationship between trauma and AOD-related problems are currently understood and addressed in Australian policy and professional resources
2. Consumers’ diverse experiences of trauma and AOD-related problems, with a focus on how gender, sexuality, social relationships and professional supports shape this relationship
3. The support needs and preferences of consumers for responding to trauma and AOD-related problems
4. The experiences of relevant health professionals, including their views on innovative social policy and trauma-informed AOD care
5. Differences between consumers’ experiences of and preferences for AOD support and care, and health professional perspectives.

Recruitment for this project has now closed.

Journal articles

Improving understandings of trauma and alcohol and other drug-related problems: A social research agenda.
Fomiatti, R., Pienaar, K., Savic, M., Keane, H., & Treloar, C. (2023).

For further information

For more information about the study, please email Dr Gemma Nourse

Funding

The study is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP240101473) and has received La Trobe University ethics approval (HEC24222).

Researchers

Renae Fomiatti, Kiran Pienaar, Michael Savic, Helen Keane, Carla Treloar , Gemma Nourse, Emily Lenton