Researchers from the Centre for Gender-Related Violence Studies (CGRVS) at the University of New South Wales (UNSW) and Adults Surviving Child Abuse (ASCA) (now Blue Knot Foundation) undertook a qualitative research project exploring the intersections of child abuse, adult trauma and alcohol and drugs from the perspective of both workers and clients. The research project aimed to shed new light on the use of alcohol and drugs by adult survivors and the challenges that this poses to professional practice in alcohol and drug services.
This report describes the conduct, findings and implications of the research project to inform practitioners within the AOD sector, as well as generic counselling services. The research findings also have implications for strategic planning and training of relevant workers and professionals in allied human services and health fields. As there is no available Australian research in the area, this project makes an important contribution to the Australian and international research field.