Trauma Therapy for Addiction
Treatment
Home » Treatment Approaches » Trauma Therapy
Trauma-Informed Treatment for Addiction
For some people, addiction becomes a coping mechanism to deal with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic or life-changing event. Overwhelming events can lead to negative emotions like anxiety, fear, and vulnerability, and substance abuse can alleviate stress in the short-term. However, abusing substances to manage unpleasant situations and feelings is an unhealthy coping mechanism.
Many people who struggle with addiction can see when their addictive behaviors started. Some people can quickly identify a single (or recurring) traumatic event or issue that changed their outlook on life. Perhaps they experienced an event that was the opposite of wholesome and nurturing. Maybe they lived through a moment that diminished their ability to cope with real life. Or they experienced a situation that altered their perception of themselves and their place in the world around them. Any of these traumas can cause addiction and related addictive behaviors.
Common Sources of Trauma
- Sexual assault or abuse
- Death of a loved one
- Natural disaster
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Divorce or a breakup
Recognizing the Link Between Trauma and Addiction
There is a strong link between trauma and addiction. When an individual recognizes the link between trauma and addiction recovery, they can begin to heal. High-quality trauma and addiction treatment should include trauma-informed care for anyone who has lived through a life-changing event. This exhaustive type of therapy allows individuals to work through their issues and develop recovery skills they can use for the rest of their lives.
Once a person learns how trauma affects their behavior, letting go of old addictive behaviors becomes easier. Addiction represents safety and control for a person caught in the cycle of abuse. Learning to recognize addiction as a negative coping mechanism is key to getting sober and maintaining sobriety.
Techniques Used for Treating Trauma
We take a trauma-informed approach to treatment at our trauma treatment center. Trauma has a profound impact on addiction, and our therapists understand this. Using this knowledge, they help individuals recover from substance abuse. Additionally, our therapists understand how to recognize trauma symptoms in clients and families. Using this knowledge, they can create individualized treatment plans.
The therapists at our trauma treatment center use several techniques to treat individuals who have experienced trauma. We offer therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) as part of our trauma treatment program. Trauma-focused CBT focuses on the client’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. In time, they learn how to change these automatic responses and adjust their reactions.
Trauma Treatment At Silver Pines
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction due to past trauma, we can help. Our trauma-based addiction treatment provides a safe and private environment for healing and recovery, away from the stressors of everyday life. An integral part of our trauma treatment programs is helping clients discover positive coping mechanisms and learn new life skills to take with them beyond treatment in their long-term recovery.
Our trauma treatment center offers a detox program and residential addiction treatment wih individualized, holistic, and therapeutic support throughout each level of care. We also offer dual diagnosis treatment for individuals struggling with addiction and a mental health disorder.