The Trauma-Informed Workbook for Addiction - by Darla Belflower (Paperback)

About the Book

Many people with substance use disorders have also experienced some form of trauma. Written by an addiction specialist, this trauma-informed workbook offers evidence-based skills grounded in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and harm reduction to help readers heal the pain at the root of their addiction, improve communication, make positive changes, gain self-control, and boost resilience in order to find lasting recovery.

Book Synopsis

To heal from substance use, you must first heal the trauma at the heart of your addiction. This compassionate workbook can guide you, step by step, on the road to lasting recovery.

If you have experienced trauma in your life--particularly childhood trauma--and also struggle with addiction, you should know that you are not alone. Many people with substance use disorders have experienced some form of trauma that drives their addiction. Emotions that surface after trauma can include anger, fear, sadness, helplessness, and shame. These emotions can lead to low self-esteem, poor impulse control, and set you up for developing addictive behaviors. That's why acknowledging and working through these feelings is essential to healing from substance use. But where do you start?

Written by an addiction specialist, this trauma-informed workbook offers evidence-based tools grounded in dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), and harm reduction to help you heal the pain at the root of your addiction, improve your communication skills, make positive changes, gain self-control, and boost resilience to find lasting recovery.

You'll also discover skills to help you:

• Increase self-awareness and assertiveness
• Work through difficult emotions
• Develop healthy coping strategies
• Create your own plan for recovery

More and more, research shows us that trauma and addiction go hand in hand. In order to effectively treat substance use, you must also treat the underlying cause. The dual approach in this breakthrough workbook can help you do just that.

Review Quotes

"The Trauma-Informed Workbook for Addiction is truly inspiring, impactful, and amazing! The workbook is broken down into simple yet descriptive terminology, providing real-life examples, and with direct application practices to your own life. I wish I would have had a workbook like this when I began my own recovery journey four years ago. Darla Belflower's workbook comes from a place of experience rooted in both personal depth and professional wisdom."
--Nicole Arnsmeyer, MSEd, CPS, coordinator/educator for GED/HiSET program; and recovery coordinator at Healing House, Inc--Nicole Arnsmeyer, MSEd, CPS

"Comprehensive, powerful, and grounded in current best practices, The Trauma-Informed Workbook for Addiction offers a compassionate approach to healing, and is a relevant and indispensable tool for navigating the journey of recovery in modern times. This workbook is not just helpful for those on their recovery journey, but for their loved ones and professionals alike."
--James Glenn, MSW, associate administrator of business strategies at University Health Behavioral Health, and codirector of the Mid-America Addiction Technology Transfer Center (ATTC)--James Glenn, MSW

"Darla Belflower brings the heart of a seasoned clinician and the understanding of someone who truly walks alongside those in recovery. The Trauma-Informed Workbook for Addiction offers practical, compassionate tools for healing, making it an essential guide for anyone navigating the intersection of trauma and substance use."
--Kenneth A. Vick, LAC, CPS, executive director of Avalon Wellness & Recovery, and author of Recovery Leadership--Kenneth A. Vick, LAC, CPS

"Darla Belflower has created something special for those that work in the substance use field or have had their own journey with substance use. Using her professional and personal experience, strength, and hope, she has created material so useful for those inflicted with trauma and substance use that recognizes and acknowledges how these almost always go hand and hand."
--Shayna Parker, LCSW, adult/adolescent mental health/trauma therapist, and alumni of Saint Louis University--Shayna Parker, LCSW

"Darla Belflower's The Trauma-Informed Workbook for Addiction is a powerful, compassionate resource that blends evidence-based practices with deep insight into the roots of substance use and trauma. As an LCSW and former therapist, I appreciate the practical tools and thoughtful structure that guide readers toward healing and lasting recovery. This workbook is an essential companion for anyone seeking to understand their trauma, build resilience, and reclaim their life."
--David Stoecker, LCSW, CPS, HRS, executive director of Better Life in Recovery, and cofounder of Springfield Recovery Community Center--David Stoecker, LCSW, CPS, HRS

About the Author

Darla Belflower, LCSW, has worked in leadership in the substance use disorder and behavioral health fields for more than three decades. She has a passion for teaching others what she has learned in those years, and keeps up to date on current best practices. She is vice chair of the Kansas City Recovery Coalition, and is a member of The Missouri State Behavioral Health Councils Culture, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (CEDI) Committee. She is also a member of the Missouri State Advisory Council for mental health and substance use disorders.

Belflower is a clinically licensed social worker in both Missouri and Kansas, licensed addiction counselor in Kansas, certified reciprocal advanced alcohol and drug counselor in Missouri, and trainer and educator of Narcan distribution. She presents at several conference workshops per year.

Foreword writer Bobbi Jo Reed is in long-term addiction recovery with more than twenty-five years of continuous sobriety. She is founder and director of Healing House, Inc. in Northeast Kansas City, MO, where she has provided safe transitional housing for more than ten thousand individuals since 2002. She is author of Beautifully Broken.