The Link Between Trauma and Alcohol Use Disorder

Trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) are associated with numerous negative health outcomes, including alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders. Nearly two-thirds of U.S. adults have experienced at least one ACE in their lifetime, and one-sixth have experienced four or more. There is a dose–response relationship between the number of ACEs experienced and the risk for AUD and other negative health outcomes. People who have experienced four or more ACES are two to five times more likely to develop negative health outcomes, including AUD. While 28.1 million U.S. adults had AUD in 2023, less than 10% of those people received treatment, and only 2% received medications for AUD (MAUD).

Join the Providers Clinical Support System (PCSS) MAUD and the National Council for Mental Wellbeing on Tuesday, Jan. 14, 1-2:30 p.m. ET, for a case-based discussion on the relationship between trauma and AUD, treatment options and the benefits of using MAUD. Hear from two experts in the field who have extensive experience in trauma, mental health, substance use and harm reduction techniques.

Educational objectives:

• Define the relationship between and prevalence of trauma and AUD.
• Outline protocols for screening, diagnosing and treating trauma and AUD.
• Describe the benefits of using MAUD as a treatment for people experiencing trauma and AUD.

Featured speakers:

• Aaron Williams, MA, Sr. Advisor, National Council for Mental Wellbeing
• Amelia Roeschlein, DSW, MA, LMFT, Consultant, National Council for Mental Wellbeing

Funding for this initiative was made possible by cooperative agreement no. 1H79TI086771-01 from SAMHSA. The views expressed in written conference materials or publications and by speakers and moderators do not necessarily reflect the official policies of the Department of Health and Human Services; nor does mention of trade names, commercial practices, or organizations imply endorsement by the U.S. Government.