Trauma and addiction are deeply connected. Those who experience a traumatic event are at higher risk of developing substance use disorders. This connection is rooted in the effects of trauma on the brain and the body. This crucial link is vital to understanding effective treatment models and long-term recovery.
What is the relationship between trauma and addiction?
Trauma significantly alters how a person’s brain and body react to stressful situations. When trauma is experienced, the fight-or-flight response is activated. Though this natural reaction prepares the body to deal with danger, when it occurs in excess, the brain can get stuck in a state of high alert. This often leads to chronic stress, anxiety, and other mental health issues.
Turning to drugs or alcohol becomes a typical way to numb the pain or manage the intense emotions that come with trauma. Over some time, this way of coping leads to substance use disorders. As the research shows, people who experience trauma are more likely to develop addiction compared to those who have not had similar experiences.
What is the trauma-informed model of addiction?
The trauma-informed model of addiction acknowledges that trauma is a central component in the formation of substance use disorders. This model focuses on understanding the impact of trauma and tailoring treatment to address it.
This method seeks to avoid re-traumatizing the patient. Instead, it works to create a safe and supportive environment. The patient, in this treatment plan, is encouraged to understand the relationship between their traumatic experiences and their substance use. They also teach, according to this plan, healthier coping strategies to manage stress and emotional pain, avoiding substance use as much as possible.
There is also an emphasis on the importance of addressing co-occurring mental health disorders. This includes post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or anxiety–both of which are commonly present in individuals who struggle with trauma and addiction.
What are the top forms of trauma that lead to addiction?
- Childhood Trauma. This includes all forms of abuse, neglect, witnessing violence, etc. Having these experiences during our childhood is a strong predictor of problems like substance use disorders arising later in life.
- Physical and Sexual Abuse. This should go without saying, but people who experience these sorts of abuses risk developing substance use disorders. Much pain and emotional turmoil often lead to unhealthy coping and avoidance habits, leading to self-medication with drugs or alcohol.
- Domestic Violence. Due to fear, shame, and helplessness incurred by domestic violence, this often leads to addiction. If the domestic violence issues are persistent, it makes it more difficult to break free from the addiction.
- Combat Trauma. This involves veterans who have served in the Armed Forces. Those who suffer combat trauma often suffer from PTSD, deriving from the stress of memories in warfare that led to substance use as a way to escape.
Why does childhood trauma lead to substance abuse?
The reason childhood trauma leads to substance abuse is that when we are young, our brains are in the process of developing. A traumatic episode is more likely to disrupt the normal development of the brain’s stress response. Unfortunately, this leads to the child’s brain becoming wired to be constantly alert. Thus, the child always expects danger, though no danger may be realistically in sight. Issues that might arise include chronic anxiety, depression, and other mental illnesses.
When children grow into adults, they often turn to substances to manage these overwhelming feelings. As a consequence, it leads to addiction. Studies have shown that the more adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) a person has, the higher the risk of addiction becomes present.
Trauma and Addiction Recovery at Fifth Avenue Psychiatry
At Fifth Ave Psychiatry, we are an expert team of psychologists and psychiatrists who want to see people healed and restored. We understand that this looks different for everyone.
If you are interested in learning more about the connection between trauma and addiction recovery, please do not hesitate to contact us. Our outpatient services make our services ideal if you need additional support to help them regain control over their life.
To inquire about our services, call (212) 734-0506.
