Often, those who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) also experience mental health struggles. This is called dual diagnosis, and receiving treatment for both at the same time is integral to long-term success. Those who struggle with SUD and mental health may also have experienced trauma. Trauma and substance use often go hand in hand, as people who struggle with substance use may use it as a form of escape. When people rely on substances to get through their mental struggles, it can make it difficult to achieve sobriety. Bright Mission Recovery believes that it is important to understand the connection between trauma and substance use to overcome addiction.
Working through trauma means using therapy to make a difference in how your mind reacts to those memories. Being able to employ coping skills will allow you to work through these difficult emotions without needing to turn to substances to escape. Therapy and intervention can help you make a difference in your mental health and your sobriety. Achieving sobriety is possible through treatment and support. Therapy will make a difference in both the frequency of traumatic memories as well as dependence on substances.
What Is Trauma?
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) defines trauma as “an event or circumstance resulting in: physical harm, emotional harm, and/or life-threatening harm.” Anything that causes pain or emotional distress can be trauma if it deeply affects the person who experienced it. Trauma can cause someone to react in negative ways to stimuli that remind them of the event or memory. When traumatic memories become unbearable, they may develop into post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This is when someone struggles with memories, dreams, and feelings relating to their traumatic memories.
If someone develops PTSD, it is important to get treatment. People who have PTSD may struggle with managing the disorder on their own. Likely, treatment may be required to get through the symptoms of PTSD. Often, people who have trauma may act out when they are working through their trauma. Trauma may cause someone to engage in risky or self-harming behavior as a way to escape negative feelings. Sometimes, this may lead to substance abuse.
Trauma and Substance Use Disorders
At times, people with mental health disorders may turn to substances as a way to escape. The US Department of Veteran’s Affairs (VA) states that “Some people try to cope with PTSD symptoms by using drugs or alcohol.” Someone may begin to use substances to avoid their feelings and find themselves dependent on them. If their substance use becomes a problem in their day-to-day life in school or a job, it may develop into SUD.
Many people with trauma may feel like they just want to escape. The feelings and memories from the trauma may be too big or too overwhelming. This causes a perfect storm for substance abuse, which in turn may cause dual diagnosis. When there is a struggle with both trauma and substance usage, treatment and therapeutic intervention are integral. Sobriety is possible through treatment and mental health care.
Treating Trauma to Achieve Sobriety
One half of the battle of getting sober is treating the underlying issues that may cause someone to turn to substances. Treating mental health issues will provide a clear mind that can focus on getting better. If you are spending all your energy trying to get through the day, it can be hard to focus on your sobriety. Trauma causes your brain to be constantly in flight or fight mode. While getting treatment for your trauma and mental health will not fully cure your mental illness, it will help you. Therapy can give you the skills that you need to cope healthily when issues arise.
Finding a care team that can treat both your SUD and your trauma is integral to treatment. Various forms of therapy can make a difference for both trauma and SUD. Talk therapy, group therapy, and individualized therapy can make a difference in mental health. Bright Mission Recovery provides individual therapy among our many treatments for each person who stays with us. Engaging each client with a therapist and care team will allow us to work through the underlying issues and provide the coping skills that will help you later on. Finding a treatment facility that provides holistic care is important to long-term well-being.
Sobriety is a constant journey, not a final destination. Trauma can make someone feel like they are alone or that there is no end in sight to the overwhelming feelings. Therapy can help someone work through these overwhelming thoughts and learn how to cope with the urges to escape when they arise. The ability to avoid these thoughts will help to stop cravings when they come up. Having a toolbox of healthy coping skills will allow you to avoid using them when memories come up. This will ensure sobriety can last.
People who struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) may have had an event of trauma in their life. Trauma may cause someone to act out or seek solace in substances. Using substances provides an escape from the overwhelming feelings and memories of traumatic events. People who struggle with SUD and trauma should seek therapeutic intervention to make a long-term difference in their care. Working through your trauma in a therapeutic environment will give you the healthy coping skills and tools that you need to stay sober. If you are struggling with trauma and substance use, Bright Mission Recovery has the resources to help. Get in contact today at (747) 444-3284.