Summary

On November 25^th a special event in honour of the Orange Day took place with the title “Call for Action: Advancing Trauma Informed SUD Services”. On this occasion WFAD in collaboration with ISSUP, The Global Women’s Network and UNODC highlighted the cruciality of trauma informed care, the effects of trauma on the brain and body and therefore its relevancy in SUD treatment and recovery. Our speakers Rocío Suarez Ordoñez, Anja Busse, Joanna Travis Roberts, Forhad Hossain and Daisy Nomboga moderated by Chantel Lincoln, Deputy Director of the Drug Free America Foundation, shared their latest research, showcased best practices, and highlighted innovative new projects. The event provided a valuable platform for exchanging ideas and insights, fostering collaboration and inspiration for addressing these critical issues.

Chantel Lincoln: Chantel began the session by warmly introducing the panel and providing an overview of the organizations and initiatives involved. She highlighted the role of the World Federation Against Drugs in advancing global efforts to address substance use and the significance of the Global Gender Committee in advocating for gender-sensitive approaches to these issues.

In her remarks, Chantel underscored the critical importance of having this conversation about GBV, trauma and SUD. She noted that substance use, and its related challenges are often approached through a generalized lens, which can overlook the unique experiences and needs of women and girls. By bringing together experts with diverse perspectives, this panel aimed to shine a light on the intersections of gender and substance use, fostering deeper understanding and more effective responses.

Chantel emphasized that addressing these topics is not just a matter of equity but also of improving outcomes for individuals and communities. She encouraged participants to engage fully with the discussion, noting that the insights shared would be invaluable for shaping more inclusive and impactful strategies in the field of SUD treatment and prevention. This conversation, she asserted, is a vital step toward building systems that are better equipped to meet the needs of all individuals, regardless of gender.

Panel

Rocío Suarez Ordoñez: Rocio, on behalf of the Global Women’s Network in collaboration with Joanna Travis Roberts from ISSUP, shared a transformative perspective on SUD during the webinar, shedding light on its deep connections with trauma and the profound implications this has for understanding and treating the condition. the narrative around SUD has shifted significantly. It is no longer seen as something abstract or a personal failing that people can simply “wait out”. Instead, SUD is now understood as a health issue with clear roots in trauma. Trauma doesn’t just leave an emotional scar—it rewires the brain. These changes are not minor; they reorganize how individuals see the world, other people, and themselves. In Rocio’s words, the brain creates an entirely new belief system as a result of trauma. This rewiring can make reality feel unbearable for many, leading people to seek ways to numb their pain. Alcohol, drugs, or even medications often become the tools people turn to when they’re desperate to escape the emotional and physical burden of trauma. Rocio emphasized that trauma is not just something that lives in the brain; it’s deeply embedded in the body as well. She explained how the body “remembers” trauma, holding onto it in ways that can result in chronic hyperreactivity. This means that the physical sensations linked to past experiences can resurface, creating an ongoing cycle of distress that further fuels substance use. Rocio used the powerful phrase, “The body remembers,” to illustrate how trauma’s impact goes far beyond the mind.

Joanna Travis Roberts: Joanna introduced the ISSUP and GWN project on surveys, on the availability of SUD treatment for women, the prevalence of trauma informed care, and the digital access for women looking for SUD treatment, sharing some valuable findings that emphasize the importance of trauma awareness in addressing SUD, particularly among women. Joanna began by highlighting the work of the ISSUP and GWN project, which focused on gathering data through surveys to understand the experiences of individuals dealing with substance use. Through this project, they were able to develop three key infographics that provide action-oriented guidance for organizations looking to become more trauma-aware in their approach to treatment. These infographics are designed to help organizations better recognize the impact of trauma and implement practices that are sensitive to the needs of those affected. Joanna also stressed that traumatic experiences have a significant effect on the outcomes of treatment and recovery. Trauma shapes how individuals respond to various life experiences, and when those who have experienced trauma—particularly women—are not recognized or supported in their unique needs, it can hinder their ability to heal. Joanna noted that failure to acknowledge these experiences can lead to suboptimal treatment outcomes and further harm to individuals already vulnerable due to their past traumas.

Anja Busse: Anja provided a compelling presentation that focused on the significant gender differences in the impact of SUD and access to treatment, highlighting the urgent need for gender-inclusive approaches in addressing these issues. Anja opened by discussing the variations in how SUD affects individuals based on gender, which can differ further by region and the type of substance used. She summarized these gender differences, emphasizing how women often face unique challenges and barriers that are not always considered in standard approaches to treatment. Anja shared findings from a needs assessment conducted by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), which provided a clearer picture of the gaps in services and the specific needs of women with drug use disorders. The assessment underlined the importance of tailoring services to address these needs more effectively. In her conclusion, Anja emphasized that organizations, networks, service providers, and strategically focused programs must integrate gender considerations into their frameworks. By doing so, they can better meet the needs of girls and women with drug use disorders, ensuring more equitable and effective care. Anja’s message was clear: gender inclusion is not just a best practice but a necessity for improving outcomes and creating meaningful change in SUD treatment.

WFAD Member

Forhad Hossain: Forhad represented LEEDO, a non-profit local education and economic development organisation that aims to improve life chances of children that are forced to live in the streets of Bangladesh. In his presentation outlines the organization’s mission to support vulnerable street children in Bangladesh, emphasizing rescue, rehabilitation, and reintegration into society. Key initiatives include operating transitional shelters, “Schools under the Sky,” and the Peace Home for homeless children, alongside educational programs and advocacy campaigns. LEEDO employs a trauma-informed approach to address challenges such as substance use and GBV. Activities include art therapy, vocational training, and collaboration with law enforcement. Achievements highlighted are child rescues, reintegration efforts, and global recognition through events like the Street Child Cricket and Football World Cups. The organization emphasizes expanding partnerships to further its impact and sustainability.

Daisy Nomboga: Daisy, representing UYDEL, focuses on addressing trauma-informed care for marginalized youth in Kampala’s slums. She highlighted the links between substance use disorder (SUD), gender-based violence (GBV), and trauma, emphasizing the challenges faced by young people such as poverty, unemployment, and systemic failures. She illustrated the impact of inadequate support and the intersection of SUD and GBV with powerful case studies. Her proposed key solutions include integrated approaches combining trauma-informed services, community engagement, and capacity building. Her call to action stressed the importance of policy advocacy, partnerships, and youth participation to sustainably address these issues and break cycles of addiction and violence.

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