There is a strong connection between trauma and addiction. Recognizing this link is an important step in maintaining recovery from a substance or alcohol use disorder. Many individuals with addiction have experienced some form of trauma in their lives, whether it be physical, emotional, or psychological.
Trauma can contribute to the development of an addiction and can also hinder recovery efforts. To learn more about how a trauma therapy program can help address unresolved trauma and addiction issues, call Woodland Recovery Center today at 662.222.2989.
What Is Trauma?
Unfortunately, trauma is all too common. Trauma is characterized as an emotional response to a distressing experience or event. Some of the most common types of trauma that link to addictive behavior include:
- Physical abuse or neglect
- Sexual abuse
- Emotional abuse or neglect
- Psychological abuse
- Experiencing or witnessing domestic abuse
- Living with a family member who has a mental illness
- Loss of a parent
- Combat
- Environmental violence
- Extreme poverty
- Incarceration of a family member
Traumas experienced during childhood have an especially detrimental effect on a person’s mental health. It can create intense fear or feelings of helplessness, leading to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance use.
The Interaction Between Addiction and Trauma
Trauma can lead to the development of mental health concerns, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety, and substance use disorders.
Individuals living with unresolved trauma may turn to substances to manage the mood issues caused by trauma. The use of drugs and alcohol becomes a way of coping with or self-medicating trauma symptoms.
Not every person who experiences trauma turns to substance use. People who have strong social support and mental health intervention may find effective and health-affirming treatments to manage any mental health concerns that arise. However, not everyone has that support or is ready to accept it when offered.
Unresolved addiction and trauma can be addressed at the same time in a comprehensive recovery program. Woodland Recovery Center includes trauma therapy and treatment for co-occurring conditions in our addiction recovery programs. Addressing trauma in therapy can help individuals understand and cope with triggers that may lead to substance use.
Signs of Unresolved Trauma and Addiction
Admitting to having an addiction disorder is one of life’s most challenging truths, yet it stands as one of the most profound. Leaving denial behind is the first step toward recovery. Similarly, confronting past trauma follows the same path. If you notice any of these warning signs in yourself or a loved one, consider seeking treatment for both trauma and addiction:
- You have tried to control or reduce substance use without success
- Hypervigilance
- Feelings of worthlessness, low self-esteem
- The majority of your time is spent thinking about, securing, or using substances
- Physical symptoms such as headaches, digestive issues, or nausea
- Excessive focus on physical symptoms
- Intrusive thoughts
- Anxiety around people or places connected to trauma
- Continuing to use substances despite negative consequences
When unresolved trauma and addiction are intertwined, treating them together is the most effective approach.
How Can a Trauma Therapy Program Help?
Trauma therapy helps individuals process the traumatic events they have experienced. It provides them with tools to manage and reduce symptoms of PTSD, depression, anxiety, and other mental health issues that may contribute to addiction.
At Woodland Recovery Center, our trauma therapy program includes a variety of evidence-based practices such as:
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Mindfulness techniques
These therapies aim to help individuals identify negative thought patterns, develop healthier coping mechanisms, and reprocess traumatic memories in a safe and supportive environment.
Call Woodland Recovery Center: Get Help for Addiction and Trauma Today
Woodland Recovery Center understands that trauma can play a significant role in addiction. That’s why our comprehensive treatment programs address both issues simultaneously to provide people with the best chance of lasting recovery. Our experienced team will work closely with you to create an individualized treatment plan that meets your needs and recovery goals.
Don’t let unresolved trauma continue to hinder your recovery from addiction. Contact us online or call us today at 662.222.2989 to learn more about our trauma therapy program and other co-occurring disorder treatment options.
