PSS Trauma-Informed Care and Co-Occurring Disorders Flashcards

Which of the following best defines a trauma-informed approach in peer support?

Answer: Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and integrating this awareness into all interactions

A trauma-informed approach means understanding that trauma is widespread, and ensuring practices are safe, trustworthy, and empowering rather than re-traumatizing.

The four Rs of a trauma-informed approach as defined by SAMHSA include: Realize, Recognize, Respond, and:

Answer: Resist re-traumatization

SAMHSA's four Rs are Realize, Recognize, Respond, and Resist re-traumatization, forming the foundation of a trauma-informed system.

Co-occurring disorders (also called dual diagnosis) refer to:

Answer: Having both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder at the same time

Co-occurring disorders describe the simultaneous presence of a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder in the same individual.

A peer specialist notices a person they support seems startled by loud noises and avoids certain rooms. This may be an example of:

Answer: A trauma response or trigger

Hypervigilance, startle responses, and avoidance of specific environments are common trauma responses related to past adverse experiences.

In integrated dual recovery, the preferred approach is to treat mental health and substance use disorders:

Answer: Simultaneously in a coordinated and integrated manner

Integrated treatment addresses both mental health and substance use disorders at the same time within a coordinated system, which produces better outcomes.

A trauma-informed peer specialist who hears about a person's past traumatic event should primarily:

Answer: Validate the person's experience and follow their lead on how much to share

Peer specialists validate and support without directing or probing — the person controls how much they share and when.