Clariza Saint George

King’s College London Postgraduate Award, King's College London - Addictions Research

I graduated from the University of Chicago in 2017 with my A.M. in Social Service Administration and from Northeastern Illinois University in 2014 with my B.A. in Psychology with a minor in Women and Gender Studies. As a Licensed Social Worker and Certified Alcohol and Drug Counselor, I have most recently served as a department director with a private substance abuse treatment facility and as a therapist at a non-profit dual diagnosis substance abuse treatment centre. The historical oppression of women manifests in many ways in today's society; including healthcare. Despite the volume of research demonstrating a positive relationship between trauma and substance use, many treatment centres do not implement trauma-informed care. The stigmatisation of alcohol and other drug use by our society is another reason why substance users may be hesitant to engage in life-saving treatment services. While at King's College London, my research aims to conduct a realist evaluation of US and UK healthcare policy in regards to the trauma-informed care practises for female opioid users with posttraumatic stress. In my free time, I enjoy the theatre, figure skating, ballet, reading, concerts, crossword puzzles, and volunteer work.