Imagine standing in a pool with an overinflated ball.  As the water sways, you keep trying to push the ball under the water’s surface.  Each time you try to submerge the ball, hiding it from view, the ball pops back up to the surface of the water.  Joseph Troncale, MD, DFASAM, suggests that this image is a metaphor for trauma and addiction.  The more individuals attempt to hide uncomfortable feelings related to past trauma, the more these feelings surface.  In order to numb the pain associated with trauma, some people turn to prescription or illegal drugs to avoid dealing with painful emotions.

On August 10th, New Vitae Wellness Foundation and Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers, with the support of New Vitae Wellness and Recovery: The Mitchell Clinic, Marywood University, and Lehigh Valley Health Network, were honored to host Dr. Joseph Troncale for conversation focused on the intersection of trauma and addictive behaviors.  With over 35 years of experience in the field of addiction, Dr. Troncale has been recognized by the American Society of Addiction Medicine (ASAM) and noted by his peers for his outstanding work.  Dr. Troncale currently serves as the Corporate Medical Director for Retreat Premier Addiction Treatment Centers.

Over the course of the training, Dr. Troncale provided an overview of trauma and addiction, reviewing the neurological basis for addiction via the structures of the limbic system.  Troncale also identified treatment practices for healing trauma, emphasizing the importance of listening to learn which modality might be best suited for each individual.  In addition to a review of treatments like Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)-Informed Care, Acceptance Commitment Therapy (ACT), and Exposure Therapy, Dr. Troncale discussed the value and possibilities associated with Medication Therapy in the treatment of addiction and trauma.  Overall, he urged the audience to do “what’s right” by using available resources and helping individuals feel safe following either a traumatic event or a pattern of addictive behavior.

Thank you to our training co-sponsor, our other supporters, and all who attended this fantastic event!  New Vitae Wellness Foundation looks forward to offering additional trainings and supports in the future! Contact New Vitae Wellness and Recovery today to learn more.