Abstract:
This study set out to examine the link between trauma exposure and substance use within the context of the Ghanaian society. It employed the Trauma-Informed Family and Societal Recovery Model (TIFSRM) which was developed with the aim of integrating trauma, family and societal factors during the process of recovery from substance use addiction. TIFSRM is a new framework that combines trauma, family systems, and societal factors in the context of addiction recovery and emphasizes a more integrative and community-centered approach to treatment.
The study was designed as a cross-sectional quantitative study. There were 1,007 study participants including health workers, recoverees, relatives, counselors, mental health activists, and traditional medicine practitioners. Purposive sampling was used to collect data from a wide range of respondents so that multiple viewpoints of trauma and recovery can be captured. The TIFSRM- Quant was used to collect data and the questionnaire was distributed electronically. Statistical analysis was conducted in SPSS Software and JASP. The analysis included descriptive statistics and Pearson correlation analysis. Ethical approval was sought and all participants gave their consent before the commencement of the study.
The findings suggest that there is a substantial association (r =.792, p < .01) between adverse experiences during childhood (for example, abuse and neglect) and the occurrence of substance use disorders, which shows that trauma from childhood greatly affects the likelihood of addiction. Furthermore, a significant correlation (r = .775, p < .01) was found between recognizing trauma as a contributing factor and the belief that addressing trauma is essential for recovery, affirming the relevance of trauma-informed interventions. These results validate TIFSRM as a robust framework for understanding addiction within Ghana’s unique familial and societal structures.
The study underscores the necessity of creating and implementing trauma-informed approaches to an addiction treatment framework, moving away from punitive measures and toward a broad-based paradigm, and training professionals to use sensitive methods to address trauma. Engaging TIFSRM in the wider conversation on global approaches to addiction recovery contributes to the attempts to link Western trauma-informed approaches to the African-centered rehabilitation model of recovery.
Keywords: Trauma-Informed Family and Societal Recovery Model (TIFSRM), Childhood Adversity, Trauma, Substance Use Disorders, Addiction Recovery, Ghana, Public Health Policy
Biography:
Dr. Eric Kwasi Elliason is a distinguished Counseling Psychologist, Educator, and Public Health Researcher renowned for his dedication to advancing mental health advocacy and public health innovation. With a diverse academic and professional background, he is committed to conducting impactful research, transformative teaching, and fostering sustainable health interventions. Currently serving as an Instructor in Research Methodology and Public Health at the Faculty of Allied Health Sciences, Desh Bhagat University, India, Dr. Elliason also leads the university's research team under the guidance of Prof. Atul, driving cutting-edge research that addresses global health challenges. As the Founder of Africa Alliance for Research, Advocacy and Innovation, Dr. Elliason is committed to conducting research for development and innovation, focusing on creating practical, impactful solutions in public health and mental health across Africa. In addition to his academic roles, Dr. Elliason is a Post-PhD Scholar in Counseling Psychology at Kennedy University, St. Lucia. His research there focuses on exploring the Trauma-informed Family and Societal Recovery Model (TIFSRM) for substance use recovery and relapse prevention in Ghana. Simultaneously pursuing a PhD in Public Health at Desh Bhagat University, his work includes studies on cancer awareness, stigma, and health behaviors among tertiary students in Punjab, India. Dr. Elliason's career is marked by leadership in designing evidence-based programs and contributing to transformative research. His tenure as a Counseling Psychologist at the House of St. Francis Clinic and Rehabilitation Centre in Ghana saw him providing therapeutic care, facilitating community workshops, and advocating for mental health awareness. As General Manager at Jubilee Catholic Children’s Hospital, Ghana, he demonstrated exceptional healthcare management and strategic organizational growth. A seasoned educator, Dr. Elliason has lectured in social sciences, psychology, and public health at various institutions in India. His passion for mentoring postgraduate students and conducting workshops on research methodologies continues to inspire academic excellence and critical thinking. As a prolific researcher and author, Dr. Elliason has published extensively in peer-reviewed journals and presented at international conferences. His notable publications include studies on occupational stress, psychological well-being, substance abuse among youth, and innovative approaches to cancer prevention and control. Dr. Elliason is also an advocate for community initiatives, promoting mental health awareness, environmental sustainability, and educational equity. His affiliations with organizations such as Amnesty International, the Indian Counselling Association, and Mindful Mandate Advocacy reflect his unwavering commitment to societal progress. With visionary leadership, interdisciplinary expertise, and a passion for transforming theory into practice, Dr. Elliason continues to make a profound impact on public health and mental health advocacy worldwide.
