Both trauma and addiction can be incredibly difficult to deal with on their own, but the challenges can increase exponentially when they co-exist. It’s well established that trauma and substance use disorders frequently co-occur,[1] or are present at the same time. Co-occurring issues with trauma and addiction have widely been associated with a more complex path to recovery,[2] including chronic physical and mental health challenges, difficulties in social functioning, higher rates of suicide, increased legal issues, and higher risk of experiencing violence.
The link between trauma and addiction is multifaceted and intricate, involving psychological, biological, and social factors. Trauma and addictive behaviors can influence one another, creating a complex interplay where the experience of trauma may contribute to the development of addictive behaviors, and in turn, engaging in addictive behaviors may also exacerbate the impact of trauma. This cyclical relationship underscores the importance of addressing both aspects comprehensively in the journey toward healing and recovery.
In today’s article, Clear Behavioral Health will examine the relationship between trauma and addiction, along with why it’s recommended to engage in comprehensive, holistic treatment to address both issues at once.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an enduring emotional reaction that frequently stems from enduring a distressing event.[3] Going through a traumatic experience can adversely affect an individual’s feelings of safety, self-identity, and capacity to manage emotions.
Trauma can be either physical or emotional in nature and is often associated with negative and lasting effects on a person’s mental, emotional, and physical well-being. Traumatic experiences can vary widely, and what is traumatic for someone may not be traumatic for someone else.
There are many different kinds of trauma,[4] including:
- Physical Trauma: Involves bodily harm or injury resulting from accidents, falls, or intentional harm.
- Emotional or psychological trauma: Arises from experiences that deeply affect a person’s emotional and mental well-being. This can include emotional abuse, witnessing violence, or other emotionally distressing events.
- Sexual Trauma: Involves any unwanted or non-consensual sexual experience and sexual abuse that causes significant distress or harm. This can encompass various forms of abuse, assault, harassment, or violence of a sexual nature.
- Developmental or Childhood Trauma: Occurs during childhood and can impact a person’s emotional and psychological growth as a result of early life stress and adverse childhood experiences such as child abuse and abandonment trauma. This trauma may become apparent throughout the teenage years or later in life.
- Secondary Trauma: Also known as vicarious trauma, this type occurs when individuals are exposed to the trauma experienced by others, such as healthcare professionals, first responders, or caregivers.
- Complex Trauma: Involves exposure to multiple traumatic events, often over an extended period. This can have cumulative and severe effects on an individual’s mental health.
- Unresolved Trauma: Occurs when a person who experienced a traumatic event consciously or subconsciously tries to forget and suppress the event instead of processing it.
The impact of trauma can manifest in various ways, including the development of a mental illness such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, dissociation, and other mental health disorders.
Does All Trauma Lead to the Development of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
While everyone who has PTSD has experienced trauma, not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD.[5] Trauma is a broad term that encompasses a range of experiences, and individuals respond to traumatic events in different ways. While some people may develop PTSD following a traumatic experience, others may not.
PTSD is a specific mental health condition characterized by symptoms such as intrusive memories, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety, often triggered by a traumatic event.[6] It’s important to recognize that people can experience trauma without developing PTSD. The impact of trauma varies based on several factors, such as the nature of the event, individual resilience, available support systems, and current coping mechanisms.
How Can Trauma Affect My Mental Health?
Trauma can have diverse and profound effects on mental health (beyond PTSD), impacting individuals in various ways. Depression can be both triggered and exacerbated by trauma, leading to persistent feelings of sadness, hopelessness, and diminished interest or pleasure in activities. Some individuals coping with trauma may experience dissociation—a disconnection between thoughts, identity, consciousness, and memory—which can create a sense of detachment from reality. Additionally, trauma has been linked to the development of anxiety and anxiety-related disorders in some individuals as well.
Trust Issues and Trauma
Trust issues often emerge from trauma—particularly when the trauma(s) involves a betrayal of trust—making it challenging for individuals to form and maintain healthy relationships due to fears of vulnerability and suffering further potential harm. Additionally, trauma significantly influences self-perception and self-worth, which can lead to the development of negative self-beliefs, and feelings of guilt, shame, or worthlessness.
Sleep Disturbances and Trauma
Sleep disturbances are common among trauma survivors, disrupting normal sleep patterns and causing difficulties in falling asleep, staying asleep, or experiencing restful sleep. Hypervigilance, characterized by being constantly on edge and alert to potential threats, can also leave an indelible impact. This heightened state of arousal contributes to increased anxiety and difficulty in relaxing.
Cognitive Effects of Trauma
Trauma can also affect cognitive functioning, leading to difficulties in concentration, memory, and decision-making. Individuals may struggle with focusing on tasks or contend with intrusive thoughts that interfere with daily functioning.
How Can Trauma Lead to Substance Abuse and Addiction?
Trauma can significantly contribute to the development of addiction concerns,[8] as people may resort to substances or addictive behaviors as coping mechanisms for emotional pain and distress associated with their traumatic experiences.
Self Medicating
Individuals who have experienced trauma often self-medicate by using substances like drugs or alcohol. These substances may provide temporary relief from emotional pain, anxiety, or depression linked to the traumatic experience. Substance use or addictive behaviors can serve as coping mechanisms for those struggling with trauma, offering temporary relief or escape. Once a habit has formed with personal alcohol abuse, for example, individuals may experience psychological and physical symptoms of withdrawal. This can
Unhealthy Coping Mechanisms
Some individuals use drug abuse as a strategy to avoid confronting or processing traumatic memories and emotions. Instead of addressing and working through the pain, the addictive substance or behavior becomes a means of escape and a way to block out the memories and re-experience the trauma.
Impacted Decision-Making
Trauma can impair decision-making abilities, making individuals more susceptible to engaging in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. The compromised judgment resulting from trauma may increase the likelihood of experimenting with drugs and alcohol or participating in other addictive behaviors, which in turn can lead to the development of additional trauma.
Neurological Impact
The neurological impact of trauma on the brain’s reward system and stress response can also contribute to an increased susceptibility to addictive behaviors. Chronic stress, for example, can alter neurotransmitters such as dopamine, affecting the brain’s reward pathway.[9] Feelings of isolation and disconnection from others, stemming from trauma, may lead individuals to turn to addictive substances or behaviors. In an attempt to cope with loneliness or a lack of social support, they seek solace and attempt to fill the void through drug and alcohol abuse.
The Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction
It’s important to recognize that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop an addiction, and the relationship between trauma and addiction is complex and multifaceted. Genetic, environmental, and individual factors also play roles in the development of addiction. Addressing both the trauma and the addiction through comprehensive treatment that includes therapy, counseling, and support can be essential for recovery. Integrated approaches that consider the interconnected nature of trauma and addiction are often more effective in helping individuals achieve lasting recovery.
The Importance of Treating Trauma and Addiction Simultaneously
Addressing trauma and addiction concurrently is critical for comprehensive, effective treatment.[10] Trauma and addiction frequently co-occur, and each can exacerbate the other, forming a complex interplay that influences an individual’s well-being.
Treating trauma and addiction simultaneously holds several key benefits:
- Treating all the underlying causes: Addiction is often seen as a symptom of deeper underlying issues, and trauma can be a common root cause. By addressing both trauma and addiction together, treatment can target the core issues contributing to addictive behaviors.
- Taking an integrated approach: Integrated treatment models recognize the interconnectedness of trauma and addiction. Therapeutic approaches that consider both aspects simultaneously, such as trauma-informed care, can lead to more holistic and lasting recovery. Additionally, EMDR therapy is a great way to process trauma and can open the door for healing.
- Better preventing potential relapse: Untreated trauma can be a significant trigger for relapse in individuals recovering from addiction. By addressing trauma during addiction treatment, the likelihood of relapse may be reduced, as the underlying issues are being actively worked on.
- Improved overall mental health and well-being: Treating trauma alongside addiction can lead to improvements in mental health overall. Individuals may experience reduced symptoms of conditions such as anxiety, depression, or PTSD, enhancing their overall well-being and quality of life.
- Providing enhanced coping skills: Learning healthy coping mechanisms to manage trauma-related stressors is vital for long-term recovery. Integrating coping skills into addiction treatment can empower individuals to navigate challenges without resorting to substance use.
- Personal empowerment: Concurrent treatment acknowledges the individual’s strength and resilience, fostering a sense of empowerment. It allows individuals to actively participate in their healing journey and develop a deeper understanding of the connections between their trauma and addictive behaviors.
What Else Can I Do For Trauma and Addiction Concerns?
If you are struggling with trauma and addiction, there are many strategies you can implement to facilitate healing. Here are some helpful strategies:
Build a Support System
Building a support system is paramount; reach out to friends and family members for emotional support, inform them about your struggles, and your commitment to seeking help. A strong support system plays an essential role in the recovery process.
Holistic Healing
Exploring holistic therapies can be beneficial for some individuals. Practices like yoga, meditation, acupuncture, or art therapy can complement traditional therapeutic interventions, contributing to a more comprehensive approach to recovery.
Develop a Crisis Plan
Developing a safety plan for moments of crisis or intense emotions is vital. This plan should include coping strategies, emergency contacts, and steps to take when facing triggers. Creating such a plan can provide a structured approach to navigate challenging situations.
Education and Self-Care
Educating yourself about trauma and addiction is empowering. Gaining a better understanding of your experiences enhances your ability to navigate the complexities of recovery. Prioritizing self-care is also important for your physical and emotional well-being: engage in activities that promote relaxation, stress reduction, and overall self-care to support your recovery journey.
Seek Additional Support
If you’re unsure where to start, consider contacting a mental health or addiction hotline. They can provide guidance, support, and resources to help you take the next steps on your journey to recovery. Remember that reaching out for help is a sign of strength, people and resources are available to support you.
Clear Behavioral Health Can Help
At Clear Behavioral Health, our dedicated team understands the intricate connection between trauma and addiction and is committed to providing comprehensive and compassionate care. We offer a range of evidence-based therapies and holistic approaches tailored to address the unique needs of individuals facing such challenges.
Our integrated treatment model consists of detox and withdrawal management, inpatient rehab, and substance use disorder outpatient programs that aim to empower clients on their journey to recovery, fostering resilience and promoting long-lasting healing. With a focus on building a supportive and understanding environment, Clear Behavioral Health is here to guide you through the recovery process, offering expertise, personalized care, and a pathway toward reclaiming a healthier, more fulfilling life.
Call us today to learn more about treatment options for you or your loved one.
References:
- US Department of Veteran Affairs. (2014). Treatment of co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder in VA – PTSD: National center for PTSD. Va.gov. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp on December 2, 2023
- McCauley, J. L., Killeen, T., Gros, D. F., Brady, K. T., & Back, S. E. (2012). Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders: Advances in Assessment and Treatment. Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, 19(3), 283–304. https://doi.org/10.1111/cpsp.12006 on December 2, 2023
- Centre for Addiction and Mental Health. (2023). Trauma. CAMH. https://www.camh.ca/en/health-info/mental-illness-and-addiction-index/trauma on December 2, 2023
- Garrett Ducker. (2015, April 30). Recognizing and Treating Child Traumatic Stress. Samhsa.gov. https://www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma/recognizing-and-treating-child-traumatic-stress on December 3, 2023
- Van der Kolk, B. (2000). Posttraumatic stress disorder and the nature of trauma. Dialogues in Clinical Neuroscience, 2(1), 7–22. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3181584/ on December 4, 2023
- The National Institute of Mental Health. (2020). Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. Nih.gov. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd on December 4, 2023
- Trauma | Anxiety and Depression Association of America, ADAA. (2021). Adaa.org. https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/trauma on December 4, 2023
- International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies. (n.d.). Traumatic Stress and Substance Abuse Problems. https://istss.org/ISTSS_Main/media/Documents/ISTSS_TraumaStressandSubstanceAbuseProb_English_FNL.pdf on December 4, 2023
- Bloomfield, M. A., McCutcheon, R. A., Kempton, M., Freeman, T. P., & Howes, O. (2019). The effects of psychosocial stress on dopaminergic function and the acute stress response. ELife, 8. https://doi.org/10.7554/elife.46797 on December 4, 2023
- National Institute of Mental Health. (2021). Substance use and co-occurring mental disorders. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/substance-use-and-mental-health on December 4, 2023
