Understanding the role of trauma in alcohol and other drug-related problems to improve policy and services
2024-2027
Renae Fomiatti, Kiran Pienaar, Michael Savic, Helen Keane, Carla Treloar , Gemma Nourse, Emily Lenton
This three-year project seeks to better understand the relationship between trauma and alcohol and other drug (AOD)-related problems. Through qualitative interviews, field observations and policy mapping, the study will explore how knowledge about trauma is reshaping how consumers and health professionals think about AOD consumption and related problems, such as addiction, overdose and stigma. The project will also focus on identifying the resources and supports people require to better manage their AOD consumption and wellbeing in the context of responding to trauma, as well as improve targeted trauma-informed alcohol and other drug support and other innovative social policy responses.
This project has been undertaken to learn more about:
- How the relationship between trauma and AOD-related problems are currently understood and addressed in Australian policy and professional resources
- Consumers’ diverse experiences of trauma and AOD-related problems, with a focus on how gender, sexuality, social relationships and professional supports shape this relationship
- The support needs and preferences of consumers for responding to trauma and AOD-related problems
- The experiences of relevant health professionals, including their views on innovative social policy and trauma-informed AOD care
- Differences between consumers’ experiences of and preferences for AOD support and care, and health professional perspectives
Participate in the study
We’re currently seeking to interview people who:
- Are aged 18 and over
- Reside in Victoria, New South Wales, or the Australian Capital Territory
- Have experienced trauma (of any kind) that has shaped your alcohol or other drug use
Participants do not need to have received a trauma- or AOD-related diagnosis from a health professional to be eligible.
FAQs
What can I expect if I am eligible to participate?
Participation involves a confidential audio-recorded interview of about 60 minutes. The interviews will be conducted online, in person or on the telephone at a time that is convenient to you. You will be asked about:
- Your alcohol or other drug consumption and its relationship to experiences of trauma
- Supports that help you manage trauma symptoms and alcohol and other drug-related problems
- Your views on trauma-informed care for alcohol and other drug-related problems.
- You will be reimbursed with a $60 gift card for your time.
Being part of this study is voluntary, and we will NOT ask you to detail any traumatic experiences, but as part of this conversation we will ask if you have ever experienced a traumatic event.
What are the risks?
As part of this study, we will ask you to reflect on your alcohol or other drug consumption and its relationship to experiences of trauma. We have carefully crafted our questions to minimise the risk of distress to you, and to avoid talking directly about the traumatic experience.
The researchers have extensive experience researching and working with people who have histories of mental-health- and drug-and-alcohol-related problems, imprisonment, child protection, sexual assault and other traumatic events. We know there is a chance that reflecting on these experiences could cause you some discomfort or distress. If this does happen, the interview can be paused or ended. Following the interview, you will be given an information sheet with relevant counselling services.
How will my confidentiality be protected?
When reporting research findings, we will refer to you by a false name, so there is little risk that your identity will be discovered through the research reporting process. Only the principal investigator and research team for this project will have access to the project’s raw (identifiable) data. Other researchers involved in this project may be given access to de-identified data. That means all identifying details will be removed from the interview transcript. Everything you say in the interview will be kept strictly confidential. Any information gathered in the interview will be protected to protect your identity.
Any hard copy transcripts will be kept in a securely locked cabinet accessible only to the researchers. Audio recordings and electronic copies of transcripts will be kept in a password protected folder on a secure University computer. The material will be kept for seven years after the research has been published, and then destroyed.
What if I change my mind?
You can choose to no longer be part of the study at any time. You can let us know by any of the following:
- Completing the Withdrawal of consent form
- Calling us on 0494 148 791
- Emailing us
Your decision to withdraw at any point will not affect your relationship with La Trobe University or any other organisation listed. When you withdraw, we will stop asking you for information. Any identifiable information, including the audio recorded interview, transcript and consent form will be withdrawn from the research study. If results haven’t been published you can choose whether we use those results or not.
For further information
For more information about the study, please contact Dr Gemma Nourse on 0494 148 791 or at g.nourse@latrobe.edu.au
Funding
The study is funded by the Australian Research Council (DP240101473) and has received La Trobe University ethics approval (HEC24222)