The presentation focuses on providing an integrated understanding of the connections between intergenerational trauma, the emergence of mal-adaptive coping mechanisms and/or “personality disordered” traits/characteristics, and substance use disorders. 
The presentation integrates multi-disciplinary perspectives and evidence bases, ranging from trauma informed care, family systems theory, and current categorizations of personality disorders. The information presented is further informed by clinical practice and the application of family systems work and trauma informed care to further understand and treat the underlying factors precipitating active substance use disorders.