The Problem

Trauma is the missing link in global Substance Use Disorder (SUD) policies. Between 75% and 95% of individuals with SUD have experienced trauma, yet prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts often overlook this critical factor. Failing to address trauma results in higher relapse rates, poorer treatment outcomes, and rising SUD indicators worldwide.

The Cost of Ignoring Trauma

Trauma isn’t just an individual struggle—it’s a public health and economic crisis. Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and trauma cost the U.S., for example,  in healthcare expenses, $14.1 trillion annually lost productivity, and social services (CDC, 2023). In Europe, ACE-attributable costs exceed 1% of national GDP (Baldwin, 2021).

Why Trauma Matters

Trauma rewires the brain, disrupts the nervous system, and alters core belief systems. It shapes how individuals perceive the world, regulate emotions, and respond to stress—often driving substance use as a coping mechanism. These neurophysiological changes must be addressed to develop effective prevention strategies, improve SUD treatment, and support lasting recovery.

What is TSAFI

The Trauma & SUD Action Force Initiative (TSAFI) is a global movement dedicated to addressing the trauma gap in Substance Use Disorder (SUD) service, ranging from prevention, treatment, to recovery,  through evidence-based, neuroscience-informed approaches. TSAFI brings together professionals, organizations, and policymakers to ensure that trauma is recognized and integrated into SUD prevention, treatment, and recovery efforts.

TSAFI’s approach integrates neuroscience and psychology to address both the neurophysiological and social impact of trauma, ensuring it is fully understood and tackled with the depth and complexity it requires.

How TSAFI Creates Impact

At TSAFI, we focus on:
  • Shaping policy: Ensuring trauma is recognized as central to SUD prevention and treatment.
  • Training the global workforce: Offering specialized, evidence-based training on trauma-informed care, combining Neuroscience and Psychology.
  • Building a network: Connecting experts, providers, and organizations worldwide to exchange insights and collaborate on impactful solutions.
  • Raising awareness: Elevating trauma’s role in SUD and its critical importance in recovery and prevention efforts.
Our goal is to drive systemic change by integrating trauma-informed approaches into SUD care and building sustainable, science-backed strategies for long-term recovery.

How You Can Get Involved

TSAFI is building an international community of providers, researchers, policymakers, and trauma experts committed to transforming SUD care. Here’s how you can contribute:
  • Become a member: Join our growing network of professionals and organizations dedicated to integrating trauma into SUD care and treatment.
  • Collaborate with us: If you’re an expert in trauma, SUD, neuroscience, or healthcare policy, we’d love to work with you to shape TSAFI’s initiatives and programs.
  • Stay informed: Sign up for updates on our progress, events, and opportunities to participate in training and advocacy efforts.

Join TSAFI Today: Be Part of the Solution

By becoming part of TSAFI, you’re contributing to the transformation of global SUD treatment and recovery. Together, we can create lasting change by integrating trauma-informed care into every aspect of SUD prevention and treatment.

Join Our Mission

Organisations behind the initiative