Abstract

This article outlines the influence of sexual trauma on the use, abuse and dependence of substances for the desired outcome of self-medication. Clinicians will be presented with the use of Dynamic Systems Theory to explore internal and external systems of clients struggling with a co-occurring disorder of sexual trauma and use of alcohol and/or drugs. The utilization of a systems theory model and understanding the multifaceted impact of a traumatic incident will further expand trauma-informed therapeutic interventions and harbour a safe and stable environment for assisting within the exploratory healing process of client experiences. This article offers a literature review of Substance Use Disorders (SUDS) along with clarification of sexual trauma, followed by a clinical vignette supporting this approach.

Keywords: Co-occurring disorder; Self-medication; Sexual trauma; Dynamic systems theory