There is a growing body of evidence indicating that exposure to traumatic events contributes to the development and perpetuation of addiction and substance use disorders. According to the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, adolescents with PTSD are 4 times more likely than adolescents without PTSD to experience alcohol dependence, 6 times more likely to experience marijuana dependence, and 9 times more likely to experience hard drug dependence. As mental health professionals, it is imperative that we adopt an integrated, trauma-informed approach to uncover the root causes of substance use. In this introductory workshop, Christopher Brown, MS, LPC, DAAETS and Mai Spann-Wilson, LCSW will address how trauma creates a vulnerability to addiction, and will use case examples to illustrate trauma responses and survival strategies in clients with substance use disorders. Facilitators will engage workshop participants in discussions about how trauma and substance use impact the nervous system and will provide outlines for trauma-informed, evidence-based treatment models.