Trauma and addiction are complex issues that are deeply connected. Although not everyone who experiences trauma will develop a substance use disorder, many people struggling with different types of addictions do have a history of trauma, especially childhood trauma. Many leading addiction experts have concluded that addiction treatment must be trauma-informed to properly address the emotional and psychological pain that causes an addiction to manifest in the first place. If you are looking for help with a substance use disorder, it is helpful to know that trauma may be the root cause.
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Defining Trauma and Addiction
Addiction is a chronic condition that can be characterized by compulsive substance use or other destructive behaviors despite experiencing negative consequences as a result. Addiction may refer to sex addiction, gambling, substance use, and other activities that have damaging consequences. Trauma, on the other hand, refers to any experience that causes significant emotional, psychological, or physical distress or harm, including childhood abuse, neglect, sexual trauma, domestic violence, military combat, and natural disasters.
Trauma and addiction are deeply intertwined in various ways, as trauma is a powerful subconscious force that can lead people to engage in destructive behaviors in an attempt to self-medicate and numb their inner pain and suffering. Unfortunately, addiction can, and often does, exacerbate physical and psychological symptoms of trauma, causing individuals to relive old traumatic experiences or experience new ones, creating a vicious cycle.
The Adverse Childhood Experience Study
The Adverse Childhood Experience study (ACE) was a large-scale research project that investigated the connection between childhood trauma and neglect and behavioral problems later in life. The study found that people with more adverse childhood experiences were more likely to struggle with addiction, mental health issues, and physical health problems.
According to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN), up to 59% of adolescents with PTSD develop substance use problems. Not only does PTSD lead to substance abuse, but it can also make it more difficult for people to stop using. Studies and statistics like these support the connection that many experts have identified between childhood trauma and addiction, as well as the need for trauma-informed treatment to be the new standard of care for anyone struggling with addiction.
Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Treatment
Trauma-informed care differs from traditional addiction treatment in that it prioritizes the individual’s experiences, strengths, sensitivities, and unique circumstances. The essence of trauma-informed care is compassion for and sensitivity to the needs of every person while utilizing a range of modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), EMDR, yoga, and holistic therapies to promote healing and resolve traumatic experiences.
Traditional addiction treatment approaches tend to focus on a person’s substance use without addressing the underlying trauma. Although people can get sober by taking a more traditional route, sobriety and healing are not the same. The high risk of relapse associated with traditional treatment methods indicates that it is not the most effective approach and that there is room for improvement. By addressing trauma and addiction, trauma-informed care can lead to better treatment outcomes and improved overall health and well-being.
How We Can Help You
At Ethan Crossing, we believe that addressing trauma is crucial for effective addiction treatment, which is why all of our programs are trauma-informed. When you invest in your healing, you deserve to be met with the gold standard of compassionate, professional treatment. We encourage everyone to consider choosing a treatment center that offers trauma-informed care on every level, and that is designed to address your unique needs. If you or a loved one are struggling with a substance use disorder or mental health issue, contact us today.
