Treating the trauma behind drug addiction 'best bang for your buck'

The Oireachtas Committee on Drugs heard that the evidence suggests that between 60-80% of people with a substance misuse disorder have experienced trauma in their past. File photo

Treating trauma behind people’s drug addiction presents the “best bang for your buck” when tackling substance abuse, addiction counsellors have said.

James O’Shea, chair of Addiction Counsellors of Ireland (ACI), said trauma runs through families “like a fire” but it can be treated. Appearing before the Oireachtas Committee on Drugs, Mr O’Shea said treatment of trauma has greater success than treatment of addiction, which, is more difficult, he believes.