Addressing Trauma & Addiction With Brittany Cilento Kopycienski
Author(s): Scott Douglas Jacobsen
Publication (Outlet/Website): The Good Men Project
Publication Date (yyyy/mm/dd): 2025/03/26
Brittany Cilento Kopycienski, NCC, CAADC, CCTP, LPC, LCADC, ACS, is the owner of Glow Counseling Solutions in Philadelphia, PA, and an accomplished mental health professional. She specializes in treating depression, anxiety, mood disorders, addictions, life transitions, self-harm, and trauma. As a Nationally Certified Counselor, Certified Advanced Alcohol and Drug Counselor, Certified Clinical Trauma Professional, Licensed Certified Drug and Alcohol Counselor, and Approved Clinical Supervisor, Brittany employs evidence-based approaches including DBT, CBT, ACT, and somatic interventions. Serving clients in PA and NJ, she delivers compassionate, individualized care. Her work demonstrates unwavering commitment to client well-being. Her extensive expertise enhances transformative outcomes.
Scott Douglas Jacobsen: How does trauma manifest in those struggling with substance use?
Brittany Cilento Kopycienski: Trauma can manifest in individuals struggling with substance use in various ways. People may use substances as a form of self-medication to cope with the emotional pain caused by trauma. Trauma can include past or present abuse (physical, sexual, emotional), neglect, or witnessing & experiencing adverse events. Trauma can lead to increased anxiety, depression, apathy, flashbacks, and relationship conflicts. These symptoms tend to also contribute to maintaining substance use when an individual doesn’t possess alternative coping skills due to the difficulty and debilitating nature of them. In many cases, substance use becomes a way to numb these symptoms and struggles temporarily, reinforcing a cycle of addiction.
Jacobsen: What is the role of trauma in the development of addiction?
Kopycienski: Trauma plays a critical role in the development of addiction, often acting as an underlying cause, a precipitating factor. For individuals who experience early-life trauma, such as childhood abuse, there is a higher risk of engaging in substance use as a means of coping with emotional pain. This coping strategy can eventually lead to dependence. Additionally, trauma can alter the brain’s chemistry and stress-response systems, which can make a person more susceptible to addiction.
Jacobsen: What are common misconceptions about alcohol and drug counseling?
Kopycienski: Two common misconceptions:
1) It’s only for “severe” cases: Many believe that alcohol and drug counseling is only necessary for those with severe addiction issues, but it can be beneficial at any stage of substance misuse, even before dependence fully develops.
2) It’s only about willpower: A common misconception is that addiction is purely a matter of willpower. In reality, addiction is a complex disease involving both the brain’s neurochemistry and psychological components.
Jacobsen: What therapeutic approaches are effective in helping break the cycle of addiction?
Kopycienski: 1) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): This is a therapy theoretical orientation that helps individuals recognize and change negative thought patterns that contribute to substance use.
2) Trauma-Informed Care: This is a type of therapeutic framework that integrates an understanding of trauma into therapy, recognizing its impact on behavior and mental health, and aims to create a safe environment for healing. Trauma-Informed Care is an umbrella term for several evidence based values and perspectives to implement into client care.
3) Motivational Interviewing (MI): This type of therapeutic orientation helps individuals resolve ambivalence about change and increase motivation to address their addiction.
4) 12-Step Programs (AA/NA): These programs, although are not professionally based but more peer facilitated, provide support through social networks and emphasize personal responsibility and spirituality.
5) Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): For certain substances like opioids and alcohol, MAT (medication-assisted treatment) uses medications in combination with therapy to help manage withdrawal symptoms and cravings.
Jacobsen: What about factors of socioeconomic disparities, housing instability??
Kopycienski: Socioeconomic disparities and housing instability significantly contribute to the cycle of addiction. Individuals in lower socioeconomic brackets often face greater stress, limited access to mental health and addiction services, and fewer opportunities for education and employment. These conditions increase susceptible to substance use as a form of coping. Additionally, housing instability—homelessness or risk of homelessness—creates stress and increases the likelihood of individuals turning to substances for relief.
Jacobsen: Canada has introduced some harm reduction and decriminalization discussions. How effective are these measures?
Kopycienski: Harm reduction strategies, such as supervised injection sites, needle exchange programs, and decriminalization of certain substances, aim to reduce the negative health impacts of substance use rather than solely focusing on abstinence. Research has shown that harm reduction can reduce overdose deaths, prevent the spread of diseases like HIV and Hepatitis C, and help engage individuals in treatment who might otherwise avoid the system due to fear of arrest. Decriminalization of drugs, by removing the criminal penalties for drug possession, reduces stigma and allows individuals to seek help without fear of legal repercussions. However, the effectiveness of these measures depends on a comprehensive approach that includes access to treatment, mental health care, and social supports.
Jacobsen: How might public policy better integrate with mental health and addiction services to address the root causes of substance misuse?
Kopycienski: 1) Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Policymakers should support programs that treat addiction and mental health issues simultaneously, recognizing that they often co-occur. Integrated care can improve outcomes for individuals by addressing both issues at once.
2) Access to Comprehensive Care: Ensuring access to affordable and culturally competent mental health services and addiction treatment is key.
3) Prevention and Early Intervention: Policies that prioritize early education about mental health, trauma, and substance misuse can prevent issues from escalating. These types of policies can also reduce the stigma associated with addiction and mental health disorders through education campaigns
4) Social Support Systems: Addressing the broader social determinants of health, such as affordable housing, employment opportunities, and food security, is essential. Supporting stable living conditions and addressing socioeconomic disparities can reduce the stressors that contribute to addiction.
Jacobsen: Thank you for the opportunity and your time, Brittany.
Kopycienski: If you have any other questions please let me know.
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