Trauma and addiction are deeply intertwined issues. It’s common for people who have experienced trauma at some point in their lives to develop an addiction. This is because they haven’t been able to process the complex emotions arising from the trauma. Instead, they turned to substance abuse. It is essential to recognize the various types of trauma that fuel addiction and how they are addressed in addiction treatment. This blog post will explore the connection between trauma and addiction and how to handle these issues best.
What Is Trauma?
A review published in Frontiers of Psychiatry states that trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event or experience. Various events, such as natural disasters, physical or sexual abuse, and painful experiences can cause it. Trauma can impact people’s lives enormously, leading to depression, anxiety, and substance abuse.
People who have experienced trauma are more likely to develop addiction habits. This is because of the heightened sense of fear and inability to cope with the emotions that come with their traumatic experiences. People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) often turn to self-medicating through drugs and alcohol to numb the pain.
It is essential for those struggling with addiction to address any underlying traumas that may be fueling their addiction. Addressing these traumas can help individuals gain insight into why they may be turning to substances and allow them to start healing from their past traumas.
Types of Trauma
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), various types of trauma can contribute to the development of an addiction. Trauma can occur from a myriad of sources and experiences. The following types of traumas cause varying degrees of distress.
Natural or Human-Caused Traumas
The distinction between natural or human-caused traumas can profoundly affect how people cope with the trauma and the level of response it generates. Natural traumas can affect individuals, such as a hurricane or a flood. These events are often unavoidable. Human-caused traumas, however, can result from technological failure or disasters such as car crashes or intentional harm like warfare. People often find that traumas that are perceived as intentionally harmful are more traumatizing than those that are natural disasters. Unaddressed trauma can often lead to addiction. When abusing substances, people feel that the trauma symptoms are being alleviated. However, this is only covering up the symptoms with a bigger problem.
Individual, Group, Community, and Mass Traumas
The trauma that fuels addiction can vary greatly depending on the situation. An individual may be affected by a single incident, such as a car accident, physical or sexual assault, or severe illness. Group traumas are seen in first responders and those with military combat experience. Community traumas can include local crime incidents. Mass traumas include natural disasters and terrorist attacks. In all cases, the experience of trauma can lead to a person developing an addiction as they try to cope with their emotions.
Individual Trauma
Lastly, individual trauma is characterized by an event that only occurred for a single person. This can be seen in survivors of a physical attack, domestic abuse, or childhood experiences. According to the Anxiety and Depression Association of America, childhood trauma can have long-lasting effects, including substance misuse and addiction.
To cope with the emotional distress caused by trauma, some individuals may turn to addictive substances or behaviors to escape their pain. Unfortunately, this approach only perpetuates the cycle of addiction further, as addiction can be used to numb the physical and emotional pain associated with the trauma. It is essential to recognize that trauma can be a significant contributor to the development of addiction and that trauma must be addressed for effective addiction treatment to occur.
How Is Trauma Addressed in Addiction Treatment?
Trauma can have a far-reaching effect on our lives. One experience can reverberate for years in the future. Many people not only struggle with specific traumatic memories but also use substances to cope with the pain associated with the past. Addiction therapy can help address and process the trauma while freeing people from addiction.
Addiction therapy can provide a safe and supportive environment. It can help individuals to work through their traumas and learn healthier coping skills. A trained therapist can use a variety of treatments, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). This therapy helps people identify and reframe unhealthy thought patterns and behaviors. Therapists may also utilize mindfulness-based therapies to focus on the present moment and learn to manage stress.
Additionally, addiction therapists can provide support and guidance to help individuals process their emotions and develop a better understanding of them. The therapist can also help a person better understand the connection between various traumas and their addiction. This can be invaluable in assisting people in recognizing and handling their triggers productively. It can allow them to be more mindful of their behavior and prevent themselves from falling into old patterns of addiction. Finally, therapy can help individuals find healthy ways to cope with emotional pain, so they no longer rely on substances.
The Freedom of Treatment
By addressing the trauma fueling an individual’s addiction, addiction therapy can help them gain freedom from substance use disorder (SUD). They can then begin living a healthier life. At First Steps Recovery, we understand that trauma can significantly contribute to addiction. We believe that to treat addiction successfully. We must identify and address the root causes of it.
That’s why we ensure our clients receive the best care possible by providing them with the tools to heal their traumas. Our clinicians work with clients to develop effective coping strategies for managing their triggers. This helps ensure our clients have the support and resources needed to make lasting changes. We believe that no one should struggle alone.
One of addiction’s biggest lies is that we cannot change. If you are struggling with substance abuse, First Steps Recovery is dedicated to providing the best treatment for you or your loved ones. We believe no matter how long or how much you have been struggling with substance dependence, you can heal. If you think you have an addiction, please consider calling our recovery center at your home. We have on-site staff and physicians to guide you through detox, in-patient treatment, and beyond. We know what it’s like to need help. We can put our arms around you and guide you to a better future. Please get in touch with First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836 for more info.
One of addiction’s biggest lies is that we cannot change. If you are struggling with substance abuse, First Steps Recovery is dedicated to providing the best treatment for you or your loved ones. We believe no matter how long or how much you have been struggling with substance dependence, you can heal. If you think you have an addiction, please consider calling our recovery center at your home. We have on-site staff and physicians to guide you through detox, in-patient treatment, and beyond. We know what it’s like to need help. We can put our arms around you and guide you to a better future. Please get in touch with First Steps Recovery at (844) 489-0836 for more info.
