Treating Trauma And Addiction

The roots of drug and alcohol addiction cannot be traced to any single factor. However, trauma is known to often play a role in their development.

Trauma-related disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), also frequently co-occur with substance use disorder, making trauma-informed care especially important in dual diagnosis treatment.

Treatment for trauma and addiction often includes evaluation and assessment, behavioral therapy, medications and medication management, and mindfulness techniques. Read on to learn about what trauma is, its role in addiction, and how trauma and addiction are treated.

Recognizing Trauma

The first step in treating trauma and addiction is to understand and recognize when someone is experiencing the effects of trauma. In some cases, people don’t know they are dealing with past trauma until they’ve unpacked it through therapy and counseling. Below we’ll explore the different types of trauma, their causes, and their signs and symptoms.

Causes And Types Of Trauma

There are several types of trauma including acute, chronic, and complex trauma. Acute trauma results from a single distressing event, such as an accident or natural disaster. Chronic trauma involves repeated and prolonged exposure to highly stressful events, such as abuse or domestic violence. Complex trauma is a combination of multiple traumatic events, often of an invasive, interpersonal nature.

Experiences that often lead to trauma include:

• childhood abuse or neglect
• sexual abuse
• physical violence, especially in the home
• natural disasters
• war and combat
• serious accidents
• the death of a loved one
• childhood bullying

Note that while not everyone who experiences or witnesses these terrifying incidents will develop trauma, many do. Trauma is not always obvious and can even remain buried, especially when it happens at a young age, with effects that are far-reaching.

Trauma Signs And Symptoms

The signs and symptoms of trauma can vary widely but often include emotional, psychological, physical, and behavioral indicators.

Emotionally, people may experience intense fear, anxiety, anger, or sadness, along with mood swings and feelings of helplessness or hopelessness.

Psychologically, trauma can lead to intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and difficulty concentrating.

Physically, symptoms might manifest as sleep disturbances, changes in appetite, headaches, and unexplained aches and pains.

Behavioral signs can include withdrawal from social activities, irritability, and increased use of substances as a coping mechanism.

The Relationship Between Trauma And Addiction

The complex relationship between trauma and addiction has been explored by researchers in recent years. In many cases, people diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) have come to recognize that they experienced trauma at a young age, before they ever consumed drugs or alcohol. However, addiction can also lead to the development of or exacerbate trauma, due to the risks surrounding substance abuse.

How Trauma Affects Addiction

People who have experienced trauma may use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and alleviate their emotional pain. This coping mechanism can lead to dependency and addiction, as the temporary relief provided by substances reinforces their use.

Trauma can also alter brain chemistry, increasing vulnerability to addiction. The stress and anxiety associated with traumatic experiences can create a cycle of substance use and worsening mental health.

The following demographics experience high levels of trauma and addiction:

• veterans
• active military personnel
• adolescent and adult survivors of sexual, physical, and emotional abuse
• people in the LGBTQ+ community
• first responders

Co-Occurring Disorders

When someone experiences both a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder, which can stem from trauma, they are said to have co-occurring disorders, also known as a dual diagnosis.

Trauma can lead to mental health disorders that tend to co-occur with addiction, such as:

• depression
• anxiety disorders
• PTSD and other trauma-related disorders

The National Center for PTSD found that about six of every 100 people, or 6% of the U.S. population, will have PTSD at some point in their lives.

To cope with undiagnosed mental illness, people may turn to substance use, which again may develop into dependency and addiction.

Trauma In Children And Teens

A scientific study published in the journal Depression and Anxiety highlights how traumatic events, especially those experienced in childhood, can lead to drug or alcohol addiction. Children and teens who experience trauma are profoundly impacted, with long-lasting effects on their emotional, psychological, and physical well-being.

Trauma stemming from experiencing or witnessing abus e, neglect, violence, or life-threatening accidents or natural disasters can disrupt children’s development, leading to issues like anxiety, depression, behavioral problems, and difficulties in school. Traumatized children may struggle with trust and attachment, affecting their relationships with peers and family members. Adolescents might resort to risky behaviors, including substance use, as coping mechanisms.

Substance Use Leading To Trauma

Due to the risks involved with untreated addiction, trauma may develop or become exacerbated as addiction progresses. For example, surviving a life-threatening overdose or witnessing a friend experience an overdose could lead to trauma symptoms that require treatment.

Treatment Approaches For Trauma And Addiction

Many addiction treatment approaches are able to recognize and address symptoms of trauma and trauma-related disorders.

Trauma-Informed Care

Trauma-informed care is an overarching treatment approach for trauma and addiction. It emphasizes understanding, empathy, and the creation of safe environments for people affected by trauma, which is often necessary for their recovery.

Trauma-informed care involves five key principles:

• safety
• trustworthiness
• choice
• collaboration
• empowerment

Treatment providers are trained to recognize the signs of trauma and to avoid practices that might re-traumatize clients. Trauma-informed care integrates knowledge about trauma into all aspects of service delivery, including policies, procedures, and interactions. It acknowledges the widespread prevalence of trauma and its potential to affect anyone.

Evidence-Based Therapies

Evidence-based therapies for trauma are grounded in research and proven to be effective in helping people process and heal from traumatic experiences.

One of the most widely used therapies is cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), which focuses on identifying and challenging negative thought patterns related to trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is another effective method that helps people process traumatic memories through guided eye movements. Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT) specifically targets children and adolescents, integrating cognitive-behavioral techniques with trauma-sensitive interventions.

Other approaches include:

• dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): combining cognitive and behavioral techniques with mindfulness practices
• narrative exposure therapy (NET): helping people construct their own narrative of their trauma to facilitate healing
• exposure therapy: safely and gradually exposing clients to trauma-related memories so that these memories lose their power

These therapies aim to reduce symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression while enhancing coping skills and emotional regulation.

Treatment Medications

Treatment medications for trauma can help manage symptoms associated with PTSD and other trauma-related conditions. Selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), such as sertraline and fluoxetine, are commonly prescribed to alleviate symptoms of depression and anxiety that may arise from trauma. These medications help to balance neurotransmitters in the brain, improving mood and emotional regulation.

Other classes of medications may be used, including serotonin and norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors (SNRIs) like venlafaxine, which can also effectively treat PTSD symptoms. For people experiencing acute anxiety or panic attacks related to trauma, benzodiazepines may be prescribed for short-term relief. However, they are not recommended for long-term use due to the risk of dependence.

Holistic Therapy

Holistic therapy seeks to break the cycle of trauma and addiction by promoting healing on multiple levels. Key components of holistic treatment include mindfulness practices, such as meditation and yoga, which help people develop greater self-awareness and emotional regulation. These practices encourage clients to connect with their bodies, where a sense of safety and presence can be manifested with the right instruction, which can be particularly beneficial for trauma survivors.

Nutrition and lifestyle changes supporting overall health and well-being are also often part of holistic therapy. Proper nutrition can enhance mood and energy levels, while exercise releases endorphins, improving mental health.

Holistic therapeutic modalities include:

• art and music therapy
• mindfulness meditation
• yoga
• acupuncture
• nutritional counseling
• spiritual counseling
• massage therapy
• Reiki healing
• aromatherapy

Support Groups

Support groups for trauma provide a space to share experiences, create connections, and gain emotional support. These groups are often led by trained facilitators or peers who understand the complexities of trauma, creating a safe and non-judgmental environment. Participants can share their stories, discuss coping strategies, and explore their feelings, which can be validating and empowering.

Support groups can vary in structure, from closed groups that meet for a set period to open groups where anyone can join. They often focus on specific types of trauma, such as sexual assault, childhood abuse, or combat experiences, allowing members to relate more closely to one another.

The benefits of participating in trauma support groups include:

• reduced feelings of isolation
• increased self-esteem
• enhanced coping skills
• a sense of community and belonging

Support groups can serve as a bridge to professional therapy, encouraging participants to seek further help if needed.

Trauma-Informed Care At Spring Hill

The road to addiction recovery and healing from trauma can begin today. Call Spring Hill Recovery Center to learn about our treatment programs.