Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Addiction: How to Heal Past Wounds
Traumatic experiences, whether it be physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, natural disasters, or other traumatic events, can have a lasting impact on an individual’s mental health and overall well-being. Adolescents who experience trauma may be at a higher risk of developing substance abuse and addiction, as well as other mental illnesses. It’s important to understand the link between trauma and addiction, so that individuals can receive the necessary trauma-informed care to heal past wounds.
Trauma-Informed Care and Substance Abuse
Experiences, such as childhood trauma or sexual assault, can cause individuals to turn to drug use and alcohol as a way to self-medicate, leading them to substance use disorders. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), more than two-thirds of people who experience trauma will develop an addiction problem in their lifetime. When an individual experiences a traumatic event, it can have a profound effect on their mental health and can lead to depression, PTSD, and more. This can alter the brain’s stress response system, making individuals more vulnerable to developing an addiction to opioids, alcohol, and other substances.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and Substance Abuse
Adverse childhood experiences, such as physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or having a family member with a substance abuse problem, can increase an individual’s risk of developing a substance use disorder. In fact, the more ACEs an individual experiences, the higher their risk of developing an addiction. This is due to the impact of trauma on brain development and the individual’s ability to cope with stressors.
Types of Trauma and Addiction
There are various types of trauma that can lead to addiction, including physical abuse, emotional abuse, sexual abuse, domestic violence, and natural disasters. Trauma survivors may experience hypervigilance, flashbacks, hyperarousal, and other symptoms that can make it difficult to cope with everyday stressors. This can lead to using drugs or alcohol as a way to cope, which can ultimately lead to addiction.
Interventions and Treatment Programs
It’s important for mental health professionals to provide trauma-informed care to individuals who have experienced trauma and are struggling with addiction. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other interventions can be effective in helping individuals process traumatic memories and develop healthy coping skills. Treatment programs that address co-occurring disorders, such as substance abuse and mental health problems, can also be effective in promoting long-term recovery.
About Celadon Recovery
Celadon is comprehensive addiction and mental health treatment center located along the shores of the Caloosahatchee River in Fort Myers, Florida. With a full-continuum of care including detox, residential, and outpatient programs, we are committed to quality substance use and co-occurring disorder care. Call us today at 239-266-2141.
