Substance Use and Trauma: Policy Challenges and Solutions

Trauma exposure is common among youth and families experiencing substance use problems, and having both problems leads to greater need and impairment. Given the strong link between trauma and substance use, national policy efforts to address substance use must be trauma informed. This webinar will provide an overview of several national policy challenges and solutions in the area of trauma and substance use. Experts will highlight recently enacted and pending federal policy proposals to address substance use issues across the lifespan; discuss the substance use policy challenges facing child trauma practitioners assisting children, youth, and families; and discuss the work of the NCTSN and its Trauma and Substance Abuse Collaborative Group to address these important issues. The experiences and policy-relevant recommendations of a family caregiver familiar with substance use issues will also be highlighted.