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Silver Pines and Steps to Recovery have provided addiction recovery programs in Pennsylvania for over a decade with detox, residential, outpatient, and sober living services. Last year, we expanded our services to include robust mental health services, new locations, and specialized services for our nation’s veterans with more to come this year! We are visually recognizing our growth with a unified look that better reflects who we are today and the passion we have for helping everyone with their addiction and mental health recovery journeys.

Trauma Therapy

Trauma Therapy for Addiction Treatment

At Silver Pines, our facilities provide whole-person, holistic treatment
for alcohol addiction, substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis.

Trauma Therapy for Addiction Treatment

At Silver Pines, our facilities provide whole-person, holistic treatment for alcohol addiction, substance use disorder, and dual diagnosis.
Contact Us

Biologically, trauma impacts the brain’s limbic system, which controls emotion and behavior. In response to danger, it activates the autonomic nervous system. Therefore, trauma can trigger survival skills and behaviors that lead to addiction, according to research. While not everyone with a traumatic experience from their past will develop a substance use disorder, research indicates an apparent link between trauma and addictive behaviors because of the activation of the autonomic nervous system. Professional trauma and addiction treatment is vital if an individual develops an addiction after a traumatic experience. Residential addiction treatment that includes trauma therapy in its curriculum helps individuals with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) make significant strides toward long-term recovery.

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

Trauma is processed differently by everyone. It is possible for trauma to have a less dramatic impact on a person’s daily life if they can process it more easily. Sometimes, trauma overwhelms individuals. Eventually, they may have trouble getting through the day. There are, however, some traumatic situations that most people have difficulty processing, including:
  • Sexual assault or abuse
  • Death of a loved one
  • Natural disaster
  • Childhood neglect or abuse
  • Divorce or a breakup
Addiction is also linked to trauma in veterans. Drug abuse is common among military members who have fought in wars and witnessed violence first-hand. Trauma-informed care and treatment can help them cope with overwhelming emotions and stay sober.

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 with 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.

To learn more about our trauma-based addiction treatment, our specialized addiction treatment can put your loved one on the path toward lasting recovery.

Call Today 267.209.7313
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