What are the types of trauma associated with addiction? Trauma is a contributing factor in the development of many forms of addiction. Often, people abuse alcohol and other drugs because of an underlying mental issue.
Drugs and alcohol are how many people deal with shame, anxiety, guilt, anger, irritability, fear, insomnia, depression, among other negative feelings. Various types of trauma lead to addiction, such as sexual abuse and dealing with the death of a loved one.
Types of Trauma and How It Affects Addiction
What is trauma? How do you know that you have trauma? The first thing to remember about trauma is that it does not discriminate. Even the most resilient person can experience it. You must also remember that it is not the victim’s fault.
The good thing is there are treatments for both trauma and PTSD with the help of professionals. If it leads to addiction, treatment centers make sure to address both issues so that you can go back to living a normal life.
Trauma is the body’s involuntary response to a disturbing or distressing event. Responses include a reduced sense of self or inability to manage stressful emotions. The effects of trauma are troubling as they can intensify one’s addiction.
Many types of trauma cause or intensify addiction. Among the forms of trauma that affect addiction include:
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Domestic violence
- Death of a loved one
- Distressing breakup or divorce
- Military combat
How Trauma Affects Addiction
Many do not realize it, but addiction and trauma are like the two sides of a coin. Trauma is one of the leading factors in the development of many forms of addiction. People with traumatic experiences are at an increased risk for substance use disorders by self-medicating with alcohol or drugs.
Those with trauma often have uncontrollable fear and anxiety, and try to dull these feelings using external substances. Even teens can turn to drugs and alcohol to manage their uncomfortable emotions, drowning the pain of their trauma.
When a person has trauma, they are unable to cope with negative or distressing emotions. Through therapy and counseling, people with addiction can also learn how to manage these feelings. They can learn coping skills and strategies to regulate these intense reactions.
Addiction treatment programs also provide them with a strong support network. At rehab centers, clients can take advantage of a well-rounded approach to healing and recovery. With dual-diagnosis treatment, both trauma and addiction receive treatment and care.
Trauma Treatment for Addiction Recovery
Rehab centers provide a comprehensive program to treat trauma alongside addiction. They use various evidence-based treatments to heal both diseases. With that, you gain a better chance to achieve sobriety and stay away from drugs and alcohol.
When receiving trauma treatment, the medical physician and psychiatric professional will assess you first. They seek to determine whether you have co-occurring disorders. Most clients who enter into an addiction treatment have a history of, and sometimes undiagnosed, trauma.
When diagnosed, you will be offered the ideal type of treatment. There are multiple types and levels of substance abuse treatment. The treatment plan you will undergo depends on your specific needs.
Levels of treatment usually include:
- Medical detox
- Outpatient addiction treatment
- Aftercare
The types of addiction treatment may include:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy
- Dialectical behavior therapy
- Holistic therapies
- Counseling
- Group therapy
Reach Out for Help at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center Today
Is someone you know suffering from addiction and trauma? With all the different types of trauma, it is crucial to reach out to a professional. Only they can direct you to the best treatment plan to deal with your needs. Please don’t wait till it is too late. Contact the expert team at the Georgia Addiction Treatment Center at [Direct] for dealing with various types of trauma today!
