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The prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress among alcohol and other drug workers in Australia

Philippa L. Ewer

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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Maree Teesson,

Maree Teesson

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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Claudia Sannibale,

Claudia Sannibale

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia

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Ann Roche,

Ann Roche

National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

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Katherine L. Mills,

Corresponding Author

Katherine L. Mills

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Correspondence to Dr Katherine L. Mills, National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, NSW 2052, Australia. Tel: +612 9385 0331; Fax: +612 9385 0222; E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this author

Philippa L. Ewer,

Philippa L. Ewer

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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Maree Teesson,

Maree Teesson

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

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Claudia Sannibale,

Claudia Sannibale

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

Drug Health Services, Royal Prince Alfred Hospital, Sydney Local Health District, Sydney, Australia

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Ann Roche,

Ann Roche

National Centre for Education and Training on Addiction, Flinders University, Adelaide, Australia

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Katherine L. Mills,

Corresponding Author

Katherine L. Mills

National Drug and Alcohol Research Centre, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

NHMRC Centre of Research Excellence in Mental Health and Substance Use, University of New South Wales, Sydney, Australia

First published: 30 October 2014

https://doi.org/10.1111/dar.12204

Citations: 44

Philippa L. Ewer BPsych(Hons), MPsych(Clin), Research Psychologist, Maree Teesson BSc(Hons), PhD, Professor, Claudia Sannibale BA(Hons) (Psych), MPsych(Clin), PhD, Clinical Psychologist, Ann Roche BA, MEd, PhD, Professor, Katherine L. Mills BHlthSc(Hons), PhD, Associate Professor.

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Abstract

Introduction and Aims

The high prevalence of trauma exposure and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) among clients of alcohol and other drug (AOD) services is well documented. Less is known, however, about the impact this has on workers who assess and treat such clients. The aim of this study was to examine the prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress (STS) among AOD workers in Australia.

Design and Methods

An anonymous web-based survey was undertaken and completed by 412 Australian AOD workers. The questionnaire assessed current levels of trauma training, extent of exposure to clients with a history of trauma history, AOD workers' own history of trauma exposure and PTSD, and current STS. Analyses compared individuals who currently met criteria for experiencing STS with those who did not.

Results

Despite the high volume of traumatised clients accessing AOD services, less than two-thirds of AOD workers reported having ever received trauma training. The prevalence rate of STS was 19.9% and was independently predicted by a higher traumatised client workload, fewer hours of clinical supervision, and stress and anxiety levels of the worker.

Discussion and Conclusions

The findings highlight the importance of providing adequate trauma training and clinical supervision to AOD workers in order to maintain their health and welfare and ensure optimal treatment to clients with PTSD. [Ewer PL, Teesson M, Sannibale C, Roche A, Mills KL. The prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress among alcohol and other drug workers in Australia. Drug Alcohol Rev 2014]

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Citing Literature

Volume34, Issue3

Special Issue:Trauma‐informed care in alcohol and other drug services, Guest Editor: Katherine Mills

May 2015

Pages 252-258

The prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress among alcohol and other drug workers in Australia

Abstract

Introduction and Aims

Design and Methods

Results

Discussion and Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

References

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The prevalence and correlates of secondary traumatic stress among alcohol and other drug workers in Australia

Abstract

Introduction and Aims

Design and Methods

Results

Discussion and Conclusions

References

Citing Literature

References

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