Ongoing research into addiction is beginning to offer an increased understanding of this disease and its causes. While experts may know more now than ever, they continue searching for answers to pressing issues, such as the link between trauma and addiction. Many people who have suffered trauma develop substance use disorders later on. Understanding why this happens can help those suffering from substance use to begin to heal finally. Because trauma seldom affects only one person alone, many addiction treatment programs also include a family program that can help a whole family to recover.
Seeking help for addiction is seldom easy or straightforward, and it can be even more intimidating to do so when there is previous trauma to consider. However, taking the chance to begin recovery can start a happier, healthier life. At CeDAR, we understand that trauma and addiction must both be addressed so that patients can truly heal. We offer a wide range of programs and trauma-informed care. If you are ready to get help, you can call us at 720.848.3000 to learn more about our services.
How Are Trauma and Addiction Related?
Trauma can drastically change how a person relates to others and copes with stress. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder or PTSD is a common diagnosis when a person has experienced prior trauma. Those who suffer the symptoms of this condition often experience some of the following symptoms:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks of the traumatic event
- Constant guardedness or hypervigilance
- Irritability
- Trouble controlling anger
- Guilt or shame
A person with PTSD can often feel like they are in constant “fight or flight” mode, which can significantly strain their physical, mental, and emotional health. Relationships can suffer because of their reluctance to be vulnerable even for a second, and they may lash out at the closest ones.
Due to the immense pain that their trauma is causing them, those who have PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate. However, if the trauma is not addressed, they may build up a tolerance due to constantly using substances for relief. This can quickly spiral into a substance use disorder, as more and more of the substance is needed to achieve the same effects as before.
How Do You Treat Trauma and Addiction?
If you feel that you have experienced trauma and that it has impacted your substance use, then that trauma must be addressed during your recovery. Untreated trauma can cause a person to relapse in the middle of recovery, even when they feel they are doing everything right. The best way to treat trauma and addiction is with a dual diagnosis program, which will treat both conditions simultaneously.
Because the support system is also a key part of recovery, at CeDAR, our programs include a family program to address any dysfunctional relationships that previous trauma or substance use may have caused. Family can learn how to communicate clearly and address issues that might cause a person to relapse. In doing so, they can encourage the healing that is an essential part of recovery.
Get Addiction Treatment and Psychiatric Care at CeDAR
At CeDAR, we know that many people who suffer from drug and alcohol addiction are doing so because they are desperately seeking relief from the pain of trauma. That’s why we offer trauma-informed care so that we are sure to address the root of the addiction. We also offer a dual diagnosis program so that each patient can heal completely, and we can ensure that unhealed trauma does not cause them to relapse.
Some of the services we offer at CeDAR include:
- Family therapy programs
- Residential care with gender-specific living arrangements
- Outpatient services
- Remote partial hospitalization for those with a robust support system at home
- Alumni services to support recovery once you finish the program
If you want to learn more about what we can do to help you on your journey towards recovery, call us at 720.848.3000.