The Relationship Between Trauma And Addiction

PEOPLE ABUSE SUBSTANCES FOR A NUMBER OF REASONS. IN SOME CASES, THERE’S A RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN PAST TRAUMA AND ADDICTION. WHY DOES THIS HAPPEN? FURTHERMORE, IF YOU’RE CURRENTLY STRUGGLING WITH THIS SITUATION, HOW CAN YOU OVERCOME IT?

TRAUMA IS AS UNIQUE AS YOU ARE

There are some commonalities among the experiences. Examples include assault, sexual abuse, personal losses, and physical injuries. However, there may also be other situations that you experienced as traumatic. Childhood abandonment, for example, can be a significant contributor.

Veterans returning from combat duty might experience PTSD. This is a trauma response to what people saw and did. Frequently, they received inadequate treatment for their condition. It’s another factor for trauma development.

HOW DO TRAUMA AND ADDICTION CONNECT?

At any quality facility’s trauma counseling center, therapists routinely work with individuals who need help. There are situations in their pasts that they haven’t worked through. These create unwelcome emotions, flashbacks, and intrusive thought patterns. Therefore, people try to numb themselves to make these thoughts and feelings go away.

Nervous system depressants such as opioids and alcohol are common choices. They initially work well to numb you, let you turn off the thoughts, and get sleep. However, the drugs only work well for so long. Then, your body builds up a tolerance.

Now, you use more to get the same effect. Gradually, you’re slipping into chemical dependency. You need the drugs now to feel okay. However, they become less and less effective at shutting out the traumatic memories.

DUAL DIAGNOSIS REHAB EMPOWERS YOU TO MANAGE BOTH CONDITIONS

There’s plenty of documentation for the connection between trauma and addiction. At rehab, therapists assess you for underlying mental health conditions. They might diagnose you with anxiety, depression, or PTSD. Moreover, they’ll factor in your traumatic past.

Therefore, therapists individualize your care setup.

Possible dual diagnosis treatments include:

• EMDR, which allows you to work through the trauma slowly, frame by frame
• Trauma therapy as a way to talk about the situation and its aftermath with a therapist
• Dialectical behavior therapy, which enables you to regulate emotions even under challenging circumstances
• Mindfulness-based stress reduction that assists with a relaxation of the mind and body
• Holistic care for the emotional toll that substance abuse takes on you

Another evidence-based modality that supports the healing process is family counseling. There’s a good chance that you self-isolated during your time of substance abuse. Working with loved ones can turn this around. They learn how to support your recovery efforts.

At the same time, they also have an opportunity to speak to a therapist about their feelings. It results in healing all the way around. Similarly, you uncover new ways of communicating effectively with loved ones. In some cases, there may be situations of codependency that you need to resolve.

Breaking the strong connection between trauma and addiction is possible with healing addiction treatment services. Don’t wait to make the call. It could change your life today. Contact Pearl of the Sea Retreat therapists by dialing 866-962-1907 now.