Seeking Safety’s primarily intention is to treat those suffering from co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. However, the trauma-informed curriculum can also treat those dealing with substance abuse and other forms of trauma.
Evidence has shown it is effective, and clients are often able to start putting some skills into practice after just one session. For this reason, Seeking Safety is an evidence-based treatment model for trauma and substance abuse.

The History of Seeking Safety Therapy
Dr. Lisa Najavits, one of the leaders in the movement of treating trauma and addiction, developed the Seeking Safety (SS) curriculum. In creating Seeking Safety, Najavits aims to provide a safe and effective treatment option for individuals struggling with both addiction and trauma. As a popular adaptation of cognitive behavioral therapy, this evidence-based approach successful treats co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder (SUD).
The SS model was developed over 10 years starting in the early 1990s with a grant from the National Institute on Drug Abuse. Najavits and her team used clinical experiences and research to improve the curriculum, officially publishing the Seeking Safety manual in 2002.
Seeking Safety is commonly used along with other forms of therapy during treatment for substance use disorders. To provide access to communities impacted by trauma, the therapeutic curriculum can be conducted by both licensed and unlicensed treatment professionals, peers, and other advocates. Since its creation, it has been proven to be effective in treating men and women who struggle with substance abuse and PTSD due to trauma or abuse.
The Seeking Safety Model
To help people recover from substance abuse and trauma, the Seeking Safety model focuses on 5 key principles:
- Safety as the priority of treatment: Client safety takes precedence over all other objectives.
- Integrated treatment: All aspects of treatment work to address the client’s substance abuse and other co-occurring issues.
- A focus on ideals: By establishing the client’s core ideals, this offsets the losses resulting from substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
- Four areas of focus: Cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, and case management.
- Attention to clinician processes: Clinicians emphasize responsibility, give praise, and stress the importance of continued effort and self-care.
Seeking Safety treatment also focuses on the present. When using the Seeking Safety manual to conduct sessions, therapists will monitor a client’s comfort, ensuring they feel safe, particularly if they have an extensive history of trauma. Part of this focus on safety means there is an emphasis on helping you stay away from substances that harm you.
What Are the Goals of Seeking Safety?
The primary goals of seeking safety include:
- Reduce trauma and/or substance abuse symptoms
- Encourage safe coping methods for relationships
- Develop safe thinking patterns
- Practice safe coping techniques for behavior
- Establish safe coping skills in emotions
The ultimate goal is to ensure your safety in every aspect of life, with a particular focus on maintaining freedom from substance abuse.
Seeking Safety For Trauma and Substance Abuse
At Footprints, our trauma therapists employ Seeking Safety, an evidence-based curriculum, to reestablish our client’s sense of safety in recovery. In doing so, we help individuals struggling with trauma arising from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, substance abuse, and relationship issues.
Seeking Safety is a present-focused, coping skills-oriented approach that helps individuals learn to cope with the intense emotions and thoughts associated with trauma.
How Does Seeking Safety Therapy Work?
The Seeking Safety model can vary widely according to the practitioner, and clients can expect to receive a book about the treatment and handouts that pertain to sessions.
During therapy, you can expect a private therapist or group counselor to:
- Focus on clients’ strengths.
- Put less emphasis on trauma or difficult experiences.
- Encourage additional treatment for other issues, such as co-occurring mental health disorders, legal issues, or medical problems.
- Ensure clients understand that they can always do better.
- Help clients analyze reasons why they used drugs as a coping mechanism.
One-on-one sessions aim to build rapport with a therapist or facilitator. Since Seeking Safety is applicable to group settings, it’s also a good way to build relationships with others in recovery. You share similar struggles, and the insight you receive from them can be vital to your recovery process.

Is Seeking Safety Right for Me?
During addiction treatment, there are many options that can promote your recovery. Your individual treatment program may include any combination of these, and you may find you benefit more from some therapies than others.
Talk to your case manager or therapist about how Seeking Safety therapy may fit into your overall treatment regime. They can help you determine if it is appropriate for your particular situation.
When Will I See Results From Seeking Safety Treatment?
A 2011 study from the Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology shows that most Seeking Safety clients see benefits after an average of 12 to 25 sessions. The study showed that SS was effective in treating those with co-occurring substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder.
People who undergo Seeking Safety therapy consistently succeed at abstaining from drugs or alcohol. Research on different communities including homeless, women with PTSD, teens, veterans, and the prison population, all highlight the benefits of Seeking Safety. The results in each demographic have been positive.
Is Seeking Safety Enough on Its Own?
While Seeking Safety may be a key part of your addiction recovery, it’s just one component. Comprehensive addiction treatment involves multiple forms of care. Here’s what you can expect in rehab:
- Medical detox: A crucial first step for many dealing with withdrawal symptoms. You’ll have 24/7 support during the process, reducing relapse risk since substances are not accessible.
- Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT): MAT combines FDA-approved medication with counseling and behavioral therapies to treat substance use disorders.
- Psychiatric medication management: Psychiatric medications can help during addiction treatment for those suffering from co-occurring mental health disorders. A mental health professional can help determine if medication is right for you.
- Drug monitoring: Periodic drug testing, such as weekly urine or saliva tests, act as accountability measures to promote abstinence in early recovery.
- Case management: Case managers are professionals who work directly with clients to coordinate and manage their treatment plan. They can assist in connecting clients with resources, scheduling appointments, and providing support throughout the recovery process.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): A common and effective therapy that targets the thoughts and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse and mental health conditions.
- Motivational enhancement therapy (MET): After an initial assessment, MET sessions focus on building motivation to change for clients feeling indifferent about treatment.
- Peer support groups: Often in the form of 12-step programs like AA or NA, these groups emphasize abstinence, acceptance of addiction, and support from peers. Secular options are available for those seeking alternatives to traditional Christian-rooted groups.
Re-establish Your Sense of Safety in Addiction Treatment
At Footprints to Recovery, we understand that everyone’s journey is unique which is why we tailor our treatment plans to each individual’s specific needs. We provide a safe and supportive environment where individuals can heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
If you or a loved one is struggling with trauma and addiction, know that you are not alone. We are here to help guide you towards a healthier and happier future. For more information about our trauma-informed treatment, reach out today.
- Frequently Asked Questions About Seeking Safety – Treatment Innovations
- CEBC » Program › Seeking Safety For Adults
- Seeking Safety description – Treatment Innovations
- 1. Seeking Safety: A Psychotherapy for Trauma/PTSD and Substance Abuse
- How PTSD Is Treated: Is There a Cure?
- Multi-site randomized trial of behavioral interventions for women with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders
- Seeking safety intervention for comorbid post-traumatic stress and substance use disorder: A meta-analysis – PubMed
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