Individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events have a higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. Trauma and addiction may connect in multiple ways, worsening both conditions and requiring you to seek professional treatment. New Found Life uses evidence-based and holistic therapies to treat trauma and SUD.
Exploring the Intertwined Worlds of Trauma and Addiction
Trauma and substance use share risk factors and may influence one another in a variety of ways. For example, individuals who have experienced profound trauma may use substance abuse to manage trauma responses. Some other ways the two connect include:
- Abuse of substances may cause a person to engage in behaviors that increase their risk of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events
- Trauma may cause people to engage in high-risk or self-harming behaviors that lead to substance abuse
- Substance abuse may develop independently and affect trauma responses
Studies have shown that “[m]any individuals who seek treatment in behavioral health settings have histories of trauma, but they often don’t recognize the significant effects of trauma in their lives; either they don’t draw connections between their trauma histories and their presenting problems, or they avoid the topic altogether.” New Found Life understands that trauma and addiction interfere with people’s lives and cause significant emotional distress. Rehabilitation programs provide clients with a safe space to process trauma.
Raising Awareness: The Prevalence of Trauma and Addiction
Nearly half of individuals with a history of trauma will develop dependency or addiction in their lifetime. SUD commonly co-occurs with mental health disorders caused by trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “44.6% of individuals with lifetime PTSD also met criteria for an alcohol use disorder (AUD) or SUD and having PTSD at any point is associated with increased likelihood of a SUD diagnosis.” In addition, a higher percentage of people who chronically abuse alcohol or drugs also have a history of adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma compared to the general population.
Setting the Stage: Why Understanding This Relationship Is Crucial for Mental Health and Recovery
Understanding the relationship between trauma and substance abuse allows people to process their experiences and feelings in a safe way. New Found Life educates clients on the realities of recovering from addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. Understanding the different stages of recovery and what to expect from treatment often reduces stress during rehabilitation.
You may need to go through multiple levels of care before you learn to successfully manage your condition. Gradually increasing independence by stepping down through levels of care allows you to develop healthy coping strategies for SUD and trauma-related disorders.
Defining Trauma: Understanding Its Many Forms and Impact
Anyone can experience or witness a trauma. Many factors play a role in the development of mental health issues after a traumatic event. Not everyone who goes through a traumatic event experiences mental health problems.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Individual trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances that is experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life threatening and that has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being.” Unaddressed trauma may have a profound effect on a person’s health and relationships.
Exploring Different Types of Traumatic Experiences
Substance use and trauma share many overlapping risk factors. Traumatic experiences and addiction can cause people to experience significant emotional distress and ongoing health issues. Most people are unaware of how the impact of trauma on substance abuse can interfere with treatment. Healing trauma and addiction requires simultaneous treatment and a trauma-informed approach to care.
Some of the most common types of traumatic experiences include:
- Natural disasters
- Experiencing or witnessing an act of terror
- Domestic abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Childhood neglect or abuse
- Living or working in a war zone
- Accidents
- Act of violence
- A sudden and unexpected loss
- Medical trauma
- Generational trauma
- Witnessing a death
Any event that causes severe emotional distress may lead to trauma. Trauma-informed addiction treatment takes these factors into consideration to ensure the best outcomes for individuals in rehabilitation.
The Immediate and Long-Term Symptoms of Trauma
Side effects and symptoms of trauma may last for months or years. Unaddressed or unmanaged trauma responses can cause some symptoms to last a lifetime. Professional mental health treatment provides the best outcomes for individuals with complex trauma and addiction.
Some of the most common immediate and long-term symptoms of trauma include:
- Nightmares, night terrors, insomnia, and other sleep disturbances
- Flashbacks of the trauma or other dissociative events
- Physical reactions to reminders of the trauma (e.g., headaches, body pains, etc.)
Some people may not notice symptoms for an extended period of time after the initial trauma. For example, a veteran who worked in an active war zone may only notice trauma responses after retiring and moving to an environment that feels safe. Understanding trauma’s effect on addiction can help people heal more quickly.
Understanding Adverse Childhood Experiences and Their Lasting Effects
Adverse childhood experiences influence attachment styles, social development, and communication. The effects of childhood trauma and addiction can last a lifetime. Adults with a history of one or more ACEs have a higher risk of being diagnosed with SUD and mental health disorders.
Some examples of ACEs include:
- Physical, sexual, verbal, or emotional abuse
- Physical or emotional neglect
- Dysfunctional family dynamics
- Toxic living environment
- Domestic assault or other forms of violence
- Parental separation
- Financial insecurity
- Discrimination
- Bullying
According to Addictive Behaviors Reports, “ACEs have been associated with several mental health issues such as depression, anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder.” Rehabilitation programs help clients identify the root causes of addictive behaviors, including ACEs. Clients learn healthy ways to address the lingering effects of childhood trauma. People in rehabilitation learn to break the cycle of trauma and addiction.
Unpacking Addiction: A Disease of Compulsion and Dependence
Many people with SUD do not realize the traumatic roots of addiction. Rehabilitation programs must provide trauma recovery and addiction treatment that educate clients on the connection between substance abuse and trauma.
Addiction is a disease that causes people to act compulsively and develop alcohol or drug dependence. Treatment involves detoxification and developing healthy ways to manage any lingering symptoms, including cravings and intrusive thoughts.
What Is Addiction?: Defining Substance Abuse and Its Core Characteristics
Addiction is a chronic condition characterized by an inability to control alcohol or drug consumption. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “No one factor can predict if a person will become addicted to drugs.” However, “The more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs can lead to addiction.”
Some of the core characteristics of addiction include:
- An inability to stop abusing the substance despite negative consequences
- Intense cravings, intrusive thoughts, and an urge to use the drug
- Needing more of the substance to achieve the same results
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms during periods of abstinence
- Neglecting personal, professional, and educational responsibilities to abuse the substance
- Loss of interest in activities that previously felt enjoyable
- Engaging in risk-taking behaviors while under the influence of the substance (e.g., driving while intoxicated)
Individuals with trauma-related mental health issues may experience more severe side effects and have multiple factors influencing their behavior. Recognizing the behavioral symptoms of addiction can prompt people to get the help they need more quickly. Overcoming trauma and addiction through rehabilitation and other support services reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall wellness.
The Impact of Addiction on Individuals, Family, and Community
Addiction can affect entire communities, and family members often experience their own trauma after witnessing a loved one experience addiction. The risk factors for substance abuse may involve multigenerational trauma or cycles of abuse, neglect, or unaddressed mental health disorders. Breaking the cycle by actively participating in treatment programs can help everyone in the family heal and develop healthier relationship dynamics.
The Connection Unveiled: How Trauma Can Lead to Addiction
Addiction as a coping mechanism can interfere with many areas of a person’s life. Some people use alcohol or drug abuse to manage stress, emotional distress, or pain caused by past trauma. Addiction as a response to trauma often causes significant health issues and may increase the risk of complications during detoxification and the early stages of recovery. Treating emotional trauma and substance abuse involves collaboration between clients and the care team to ensure treatment plans address all factors impacting sobriety.
Self-Medication: How Individuals May Use Drugs or Alcohol to Numb Emotional Wounds
The connection between trauma and addiction may start as a way to manage mental health symptoms. Some people develop addiction as self-medication for trauma. Chronically abusing substances often significantly worsens the effects of trauma and makes it harder to heal. Treating addiction with a trauma-focused approach can help individuals address mental health symptoms using healthy coping skills.
Common Symptoms and Presentations of Trauma-Related Addiction
Many symptoms for SUD and mental health disorders overlap, increasing the risk of a misdiagnosis. Recognizing when trauma and addiction co-occur can help clinicians make an accurate diagnosis.
Trauma-related addiction may cause symptoms to look slightly different, including:
- Heightened sensitivity to triggers
- Increased risk of emotional numbness or dissociation during treatment
- Difficulty identifying, expressing, and understanding emotions
- Stronger feelings of guilt, shame, or regret
- Unconscious self-sabotage when symptoms begin to improve
- Avoidance of peer support groups due to mistrust or fear
Most people diagnosed with SUD experience emotional dysregulation. Difficulty managing intense emotions after trauma may make it more difficult for these individuals to navigate withdrawal and the transition to aftercare. New Found Life helps clients maintain emotional regulation through skill development and ongoing support.
The Impact of Trauma on the Addiction Recovery Process
Unresolved trauma can hinder recovery by causing challenges in establishing or maintaining sobriety. The role of trauma in substance use disorders varies from person to person. Trauma may play a prominent role in some people’s motivation to engage in addictive behaviors. However, other individuals may have co-occurring trauma that does not directly impact their substance abuse. Engaging in a treatment program that utilizes trauma-informed care helps individuals process their trauma in a safe way, allowing them to focus more fully on overcoming addiction.
Understanding Treatment Approaches for Co-Occurring Trauma and Addiction
New Found Life uses various approaches to co-occurring trauma and addiction, depending on the severity of symptoms and type of disorders. We understand the long-term effects of trauma on addiction and take steps to address both using integrative treatment programs and trauma-informed care. We use therapy, peer support, prescription medications, and holistic therapies to ensure you have the tools to process trauma and develop healthy coping skills.
SUD treatment generally involves the following:
- Individual and group therapy
- Family therapy
- Meditation and other holistic therapies
- 12-Step facilitation (TSF) or other forms of peer support
- Life skills development
- Relapse prevention education
- Aftercare planning
Stress is a significant risk factor for SUD, and many people with a history of trauma have a reduced tolerance to stress. Rehabilitation programs assist you in creating stress management strategies to improve treatment outcomes. Our clinical team uses compassion, empathy, and clear communication to help you feel more comfortable engaging in treatment and preparing for a sober future.
New Found Life: Providing Compassionate Care for Trauma and Addiction
Co-occurring trauma and substance use affect how people relate to others. Some individuals in treatment may find it difficult to trust the care team or fully engage in recovery. The compassionate experts at New Found Life build trust through daily positive interactions and community activities. We use therapies for trauma and addiction to address all active disorders simultaneously, providing you with the skills to heal and grow.
Seeking Help and Finding Hope: Resources for Trauma and Addiction
We will help you find the resources you need to maintain sobriety and positive mental health during aftercare. New Found Life also offers alumni support and transitional living to smooth the transition from structured treatment to continuing care. We give you the necessary tools to successfully navigate long-term recovery. New Found Life offers access to a thriving community where you can build the foundation for a happier future with the help of peers and the clinical team.
Frequently Asked Questions About Trauma and Addiction
Below are some of the most commonly asked questions about trauma and addiction.
What types of therapy are effective for individuals with trauma and addiction?
Traumatic experiences and addiction often respond positively to the same types of therapy. For example, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) can be used to treat both trauma and addiction. Other forms of therapy include:
- Mindfulness-based therapy
- Experiential therapy
- Trauma therapy
Every therapy session is tailored to the unique needs of the client. You can use therapy to discover new ways of identifying triggers, processing events, and expressing yourself. Trauma-specific therapies, including eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), often provide significant emotional relief to individuals with co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. The clinical team at New Found Life encourages clients to use therapy as a tool for healing from the effects of trauma and addiction.
How can family members support a loved one struggling with trauma and substance abuse?
Every member of a family unit feels the effects of substance abuse. Family members support their loved ones by offering the following:
- Empathy
- Compassion
- Practical and emotional support
Family members often play a critical role in their loved one’s support network. New Found Life educates families on what to expect from treatment and how best to help individuals in rehabilitation or aftercare. Family members can also help with trauma recovery by being consistent and open with their support.
How can individuals with trauma and addiction navigate the healthcare system?
Many individuals with a history of trauma hesitate to seek medical care due to fear, shame, or uncertainty about what to expect. You can more easily navigate the healthcare system with the support of experts in addiction and mental health recovery.
Individuals with trauma and addiction can more easily navigate the healthcare system by doing the following:
- Seeking professionals who have been trained to provide trauma-informed care
- Having a trusted advocate (e.g., family member, case manager, etc.)
- Being honest with clinicians about both trauma history and substance abuse
- Requesting accommodations for trauma-related symptoms
Overcoming trauma and addiction takes time and a willingness to make lifestyle changes that support ongoing sobriety and positive mental health. The care team at New Found Life provides trauma-informed care and comprehensive addiction recovery services to help people heal and build a healthier life.
Trauma affects everyone differently. Some individuals may struggle to manage the mental health side effects caused by trauma. Self-medicating with alcohol or drugs may provide temporary relief. However, over time, substance abuse worsens mental health issues or causes additional health complications. Early intervention and treatment are the best way to avoid severe, long-lasting, or permanent side effects of co-occurring substance use and mental health disorders. People benefit from attending professional rehabilitation programs that offer trauma-informed care and trauma therapy. New Found Life has a dedicated team of mental health and addiction recovery experts trained to provide trauma-informed care. To learn more about our programs, call our office today at (562) 434-4060.