ABSTRACT
The relationship between trauma, mental illness and substance use disorders (SUD) is well documented (Stewart, 1996; Drake & Osher, 1998). Coping style, social support and other factors will affect response to trauma (Bonanno, 2004). Trauma can stunt emotional development along with appropriate means of dealing with uncomfortable feelings (Hughes, Johnson, & Wilsnack, 2001). This is especially true if the trauma occurred in childhood (Wadsworth, Stampneto, & Halbrook, 1995). Research has also shown that the abuse of alcohol and other drugs often lead to traumatic experiences. Experimentation for quick relief can progress to substance abuse and dependence (McNeece & DiNitto, 2005). Alcohol and other drugs can become a coping mechanism that allows a person to deal with the effects of trauma and creates a cycle of physical and emotional problems that is difficult to break. This is even more difficult when substance abuse leads to dependence. Both trauma and chemical dependency can result in relational, occupational and internal instability (Drake, Mercer-McFadden, Mueser, McHugo, & Bond, 1998).
