Addiction is a complex condition that requires comprehensive treatment. Instead of treating just the physical aspects of addiction, it is critical to address the psychological, emotional, and behavioral aspects of this condition.
Mental health experts believe trauma may be one factor that can contribute to substance use disorder (SUD). People with trauma and addiction require specialized treatment to address these conditions at the same time.
This article will explore some of the therapies used to treat trauma. You will learn:
- What trauma is
- How trauma and addiction are connected
- The importance of treating trauma during addiction treatment
- Five trauma therapies used during rehab
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love lives with the effects of trauma and addiction, you are not alone. Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to explore our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a highly distressing or frightening event. Some examples of traumatic events include:
- A serious accident
- The death of a loved one
- Living in a war zone
- Surviving a natural disaster
- Being the victim of a physical or sexual assault
- Childhood abuse or neglect
After experiencing trauma, some people may develop a mental health condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a long-term condition that can cause significant, disruptive symptoms.
Some symptoms of PTSD include:
- Experiencing flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Aggressive or angry outbursts
- Low self-esteem
- Changes in sleep or appetite
- Severe anxiety or depression
- Nightmares
- Frequently feeling overly alert or “on guard”
The symptoms of PTSD can make many aspects of life much more challenging. People may experience chronic stress and symptoms that harm their mental, physical, and emotional well-being.
How are Trauma and Addiction Connected?
Mental health experts believe there is a link between trauma and substance abuse. People who experience lingering symptoms of trauma or PTSD may be more likely to use drugs and alcohol to cope with them. Addiction specialists refer to this as “self-medication.”
Self-medicating with drugs and alcohol may provide brief relief from PTSD symptoms. However, it is a hazardous way to cope. Prolonged substance use can change how the brain and body work. These changes can make it very difficult for someone to stop using these substances when they choose.
Many people with drug and alcohol addiction require intensive treatment to break free from this life-threatening condition. People with PTSD and addiction require specialized therapies and support during rehab to address both conditions.
Understanding the Importance of Trauma Therapy in Addiction Treatment
People living with trauma and SUD require comprehensive treatment to address the physical, emotional, psychological, and behavioral aspects of these conditions. During treatment, people must identify the source of their trauma. They must learn new coping skills to reduce symptoms and address their trauma in healthy ways.
It is critical to treat co-occurring disorders at the same time. Addressing only the addiction or treating only the trauma is ineffective. People must receive treatment for their mental health conditions and addiction to recover from both.
5 Trauma Therapies Used During Rehab
Rehab programs for PTSD and addiction use specialized therapies to help people address trauma. Here is an overview of five of the most common therapies used in addiction treatment.
EMDR
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy has reported benefits in helping people process trauma. During sessions, a licensed mental health practitioner leads the client through a series of eye movements as they think or talk about a traumatic event. Some mental health experts believe this therapy can help a person’s brain store memories differently.
Narrative therapy
Narrative therapy can help people change the stories they tell about themselves. During sessions, people work with a licensed mental health professional to tell and re-tell stories about their past. This therapy can help people identify strengths and think about the past differently.
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT) helps people identify the connection between their thoughts, behaviors, and emotions. People identify harmful patterns and work to change them. People learn skills, including emotional regulation, distress tolerance, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness.
Prolonged exposure therapy
Prolonged exposure can help people re-process traumatic experiences in new ways. People work with a licensed therapist to gradually approach situations, memories, or emotions related to the traumatic event. It helps people face their fears rather than avoid them. This may help to reduce PTSD symptoms and increase quality of life.
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT)
Cognitive processing therapy (CPT) can help people identify and challenge their negative thoughts about a traumatic experience. People work with a licensed therapist to identify “stuck points” and change them. This kind of therapy can help people change their thoughts, which can impact the way they feel.
Contact the First Step Behavioral Health specialists to learn more about these and other trauma therapies.
Find Treatment Now
If you or someone you love struggles with trauma and substance abuse, you are not alone. Find compassionate, effective treatment at First Step Behavioral Health. Contact us today to learn more about our programs or schedule an appointment.
References:
- Science Direct: The association between type of trauma, level of exposure and addiction
- National Institute of Health (NIH): A Review of PTSD and Current Treatment Strategies
- American Psychological Association: PTSD Treatments
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Overview of Psychotherapy for PTSD
