Addiction is a complex condition. Mental health experts believe many factors, including trauma, can contribute to addiction.
This article will explore the connection between trauma and addiction. You will learn:
- What trauma is
- How trauma can impact substance use and addiction
- What to expect during treatment for addiction and trauma
- Where to find trauma and addiction treatment
If you or someone you love struggles with trauma and substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Archstone Behavioral Health to learn more about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is a physical and emotional response to a highly stressful event. People may develop trauma after experiencing a frightening, distressing, or life-threatening event, including:
- Surviving a natural disaster
- Experiencing community violence
- A serious accident or injury
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Being the victim of a sexual or physical assault
- Living in a war zone
- A significant medical issue
- The death of a loved one
Some people who experience traumatic events will develop a long-term condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can cause disruptive symptoms that impair daily functioning. The symptoms of PTSD include:
- Anxiety
- Depression
- Low self-esteem
- Flashbacks (re-living the event)
- Insomnia
- Feeling alert or “on-guard” a lot of the time
- Having mood swings or angry outbursts
- Avoiding places, people, or things related to the traumatic event
The symptoms of PTSD can keep people from having healthy relationships or taking care of themselves. They can also increase the risk someone will develop substance use disorder (SUD). People who live with PTSD and other types of trauma can benefit from treatment.
What is the Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
Living with trauma makes it more likely someone will develop a substance use disorder. But what is the connection between PTSD and substance use disorder?
PTSD symptoms can make many aspects of life more challenging. People may struggle with intense anxiety and chronic stress. They may have nightmares and insomnia. They may also experience flashbacks and avoidance of anything related to the trauma.
People may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with the physical and emotional pain related to their traumatic experiences. Using drugs or alcohol as a coping mechanism is a form of self-medication. People who self-medicate with addictive substances may quickly develop a life-threatening addiction to them.
People with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and SUD must receive trauma-informed treatment. Trauma-informed treatment consists of evidence-based treatment for addiction and mental health support.
What to Expect in Treatment for Trauma and Substance Abuse
Substance use disorder is more than simply a physical condition. SUD is a complex condition with roots in a person’s emotions, past experiences, genetics, behaviors, and more. People with PTSD who develop SUD require trauma-informed care and addiction treatment.
Treatment for trauma and substance abuse consists of talk therapy, education, medications, and holistic therapies. Here is a brief overview of the therapies used to treat SUD and trauma.
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a common therapeutic approach in addiction treatment. This form of therapy helps people explore the relationship between their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. People set goals and learn coping skills that help them reduce the risk of relapse and manage mental health symptoms.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy can help people process traumatic memories differently. In this therapy, a mental health professional leads the client through a series of eye movements as they recall a traumatic memory. Some experts believe EMDR can help the brain store memories differently and reduce their impact on a person’s mind and body.
Prolonged exposure therapy
Prolonged exposure therapy can let people think about traumatic experiences differently. Clients work with a licensed mental health provider to think about their memories instead of trying to avoid them. Some mental health experts believe this therapeutic approach may help people feel more empowered to confront and work through trauma.
In addition to these and other therapies, people with PTSD and SUD must receive evidence-based therapies to address both conditions. A comprehensive SUD and trauma treatment plan may include:
- A medically-supported detox program
- Behavioral therapies
- Medications and medical care
- Relapse prevention education
- Symptom management education
- Coping skills
- Holistic therapies like yoga, exercise, nutrition support, and mindfulness
- Aftercare planning and support
People may attend inpatient or outpatient treatment programs. Before beginning treatment, each person must undergo substance abuse and mental health evaluations. This will ensure they receive tailored care at every stage of their treatment and recovery.
Find Treatment for Trauma and Addiction
Trauma and addiction don’t have to control your life. Overcoming PTSD and substance use disorder can be challenging, but having the right support can help.
If you or someone you love struggle with substance abuse or mental health conditions, you are not alone. Find compassionate, holistic treatment and support at Archstone Behavioral Health. Contact our intake team to learn about our programs or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD
- National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA): Trauma and Stress
