Overcoming Trauma Through Addiction Treatment

Overcoming Trauma Through Addiction Treatment

There are many factors that may contribute to addiction including genetics and environment. One such factor is trauma. Clients may or may not realize that an underlying issue to their substance use is the trauma that they have experienced. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common co-occurring disorder in clients struggling with addiction.

What is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health disorder that develops when a person has experienced a traumatic event. It could be anything from a natural disaster, car accident, or military service to physical, sexual, or verbal abuse. It can affect people of all ages, backgrounds, genders, and more, just like addiction. It can lead to nightmares, flashbacks, heightened alertness or anxiety, mood swings, trouble sleeping, and other challenges.

PTSD and Addiction

Sometimes people turn to drugs or alcohol as a way of coping with the symptoms of PTSD. They try to forget their problems, calm their anxiety, or help themselves fall asleep. This can in turn escalate to drug dependency or addiction, which can exacerbate problems or create new ones. However, there is help available to overcome PTSD and addiction.

At JC’s Recovery Center, clients can engage in trauma resolution therapy. Various psychotherapeutic approaches are used to support clients in working through trauma and not letting memories of the past interfere with the present. They are able to develop healthier coping mechanisms that do not include drugs or alcohol. At the same time, they are building strategies, tools, and supports necessary for long-term recovery. Trauma resolution therapy has been highly researched and found to be an effective approach to treating PTSD.

Clients can receive comprehensive treatment for addiction and PTSD at JC’s Recovery Center. Dealing with trauma and recognizing it as a contributing factor to addiction can support more effective recovery and promote healing.

[cta] If trauma is impairing your recovery, contact JC’s Recovery Center to find out how we can help. [/cta]