The Importance Of Trauma Therapy For Addicts

Most addicts and alcoholics have experienced traumatic events in their lifetime. When they are left without their primary coping tool, mind altering substances, the effects of previous traumas can be debilitating. Sometimes, trauma focused therapies are swept under the rug in rehab programs. But the truth is without the proper treatment your traumas may trigger a relapse.

As someone in recovery I can say that I swept my trauma under the rug for three years straight. I attended a detox program and then attended Alcoholics Anonymous meetings thinking that my struggles with PTSD would simply go away. I suffered daily with anxiety and panic attacks. I am not even sure how I stayed sober. Don't make the same mistake.

The Link Between Trauma And Addiction

It's scientifically proven that there is a strong correlation with trauma exposure and addiction. To put is simply there is no way to separate trauma from addiction. If you are taking the first steps in your recovery journey, then it is imperative to find a treatment program that incorporates trauma therapy.

Individuals Who Have Been Exposed To Trauma Are More Likely To Develop Addictions

If someone has been exposed to traumatic events and does not have the correct coping skills it's easy to see how they could turn to substances in order to deal with the emotional impacts. Any type of trauma, big or small, can lead to flashbacks, nightmares, increased stress levels, and anxiety. Some people try to cope with these symptoms by abusing mind altering substances. Overtime this will inevitably lead to both physical and psychological addictions.

Addicts Are More Likely To Experience Trauma

Inhibitions are lowered when someone is under the influence of drugs and alcohol. It can cause an individual to make risky and dangerous decisions. Sometimes, these decisions lead to exposure to unsafe people or situations. This increases the chances that someone will be exposed to a traumatic event. Furthermore, addiction in and of itself is traumatic. The need to constantly get more of drugs or alcohol often leads to toxic behaviors, dangerous decisions, and the loss of important relationships.

Why Is Trauma Therapy Important?

Trauma therapy is the best way to process your trauma in a healthy and safe environment. Therapists are trained to help you find ways to cope with the anxiety and stress that trauma inevitably adds to your life. If someone chooses not to seek trauma therapy, they are at a much higher risk for relapse. There is no way to properly treat addiction and alcoholism without also addressing the underlying mental health struggles that come along with it. You want to ensure that you process through traumatic events in order prevent a trigger leading to a relapse.

The Three Main Ideas Of Trauma Therapy

Although there are many important ideas that are presented within trauma therapy programs, there are three main points can be used to summarize the main goals of trauma informed care. SAMSHA defines these ideas as follows:

1. Promote an understanding of symptoms from a strength based approach

2.Minimize the risk of re-traumatizing the patient

3. Offer and identify supports that are trauma informed

The SAMSHA guidelines also emphasize the importance of instilling hope for recovery as thread that should be incorporated all three of the approaches.

It's important that clients feel empowered as they process through their traumas. You should not feel as though you are defined by the traumatic events that you have experienced. There is absolutely a path for healing and recovery. But you need the right care in order to make that happen.

Don't Ignore Your Traumas

Stopping the use of drugs and alcohol is a great first step in the recovery process, but is only first piece of the puzzle. In order to find true freedom we need to address the underlying causes for our addictions. More often then not trauma is a huge factor. We may have had abusive parents, struggled with bullying, or found ourselves the victim of domestic violence. The list goes on, but regardless of how big or small the event may seem it is vital to process through the trauma and learn how to cope with it in a healthy way. Don't make the same mistake I made. There's no reason to suffer in sobriety. Address the trauma and find your freedom.