Individuals with a history of childhood trauma or adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have an increased risk of being diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) later in life. According to Mental Health and Substance Use, “A large proportion of individuals with SUD experience their first trauma in childhood (i.e., under the age of 16 years).” Many risk factors connect childhood trauma and addiction. Bright Mission Recovery uses psychotherapy, alternative holistic therapies, and other support services to help clients in rehabilitation heal from the effects of childhood trauma. Comprehensive treatment programs address the underlying issues and mental health symptoms caused by childhood trauma and addiction.

Does Childhood Trauma Cause Addiction?

Many types of misinformation, disinformation, and stigma surround SUD and mental health issues. For example, many people believe childhood trauma or ACEs cause addiction. This is not accurate. Childhood abuse does not cause people to abuse alcohol or drugs. However, trauma and ACEs may increase a person’s risk of developing addictive behaviors. Childhood experiences may contribute to unhealthy behaviors without directly causing them. 

Misinformation and disinformation may cause people to believe childhood trauma causes addiction due to the following: 

• Mistaking correlation with causation 
• Oversimplifying narratives to fit a personal belief
• Viral misinformation 
• Confirmation bias
• Lack of nuance when researching scientific evidence 

Bright Mission Recovery educates individuals, families, and communities on the realities of SUD and the potential factors contributing to addictive behaviors. Most people are unaware of the many possible risk factors associated with alcohol and drug abuse. Clients learn to connect unhealthy behaviors with underlying issues. By addressing all contributing factors during treatment, clients heal and grow. Intake specialists do extensive assessments to determine what factors may affect a client’s mental and physical health. Clinicians use this information to educate clients and their loved ones. 

The Risk Factors for Childhood Trauma and Addiction

Many of the risk factors related to childhood trauma also apply to SUD. The many connections between childhood trauma and addiction can make it challenging for some people to build the foundation for a healthy lifestyle. Understanding the potential environmental, social, and health issues contributing to addictive behaviors helps people develop healthier coping skills. 

The potential causes and risk factors for childhood abuse may interfere with a person’s ability to create meaningful relationships and trust in their care team. Some of the most common risk factors for childhood trauma and addiction include: 

• Physical or sexual abuse
• Neglect
• Witnessing domestic violence 
• Living in an unsafe environment 
• Parental or guardian substance abuse
• Family dysfunction 
• Use of alcohol or drugs at an early age
• Poverty or financial stress
• Parental figures with mental health disorders

Any significant form of childhood trauma or adversity could lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms, including substance abuse. Children are especially susceptible to peer pressure and model behaviors witnessed within the family and community. The best way to reduce the negative impact of childhood trauma is by addressing it using therapy or other forms of support. 

Health Side Effects of Childhood Trauma and Addiction

Childhood trauma has lasting effects on how people build relationships and their physical health. Individuals with a history of childhood trauma and addiction have an increased risk of the following: 

• Developing SUD or mental health disorders 
• Heart disease 
• Chronic stress 
• High blood pressure
• Sleep disorders
• Lower resilience to stress
• Impaired emotion regulation 

The health side effects may cause chronic, preventable medical conditions if left untreated. Treatment programs for substance abuse address the physical and emotional side effects of trauma and addiction using a variety of therapeutic modalities and medications. 

How Does Bright Mission Recovery Treat Childhood Trauma and Addiction?

Trauma is a common underlying factor contributing to mental health and behavioral issues. Addressing trauma takes time. However, professional trauma therapy can help clients heal more quickly. In recent years, trauma-specific treatments have become more common, and many rehabilitation programs offer comprehensive trauma therapy. Bright Mission Recovery treats trauma using individual and group psychotherapy and specific trauma-focused services, including eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy. 

Trauma therapy and other support services help people build healthier support networks to establish and maintain sobriety. Bright Mission Recovery offers comprehensive aftercare planning to ensure clients receive essential support during continuing care. Many people benefit from participating in trauma support groups and other community-based services during aftercare.

Finding a Healthy Path Forward

The effects of childhood trauma impact how people react to treatment. Many individuals with SUD benefit from going through a continuum of care involving multiple rehabilitation programs to gradually increase independence and reduce reliance on structured care. The connections between trauma and substance abuse make it critical for people in treatment to address both issues simultaneously. Using therapy and other support services to treat the effects of trauma reduces the risk of relapse and improves overall mental health. Bright Mission Recovery offers trauma-specific residential and outpatient care to clients with SUD and dual diagnosis. 

Trauma during adolescence and young adulthood continues to affect people as they grow older. Adverse childhood experiences also contribute to the development of unhealthy behaviors and coping mechanisms. Over half of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder report having experienced trauma, neglect, or abuse during childhood. Often, these underlying risk factors continue to impact people’s mental and physical health until they are addressed through therapy or other treatments. Bright Mission Recovery uses trauma-specific treatments, family therapy, peer support, and other services to help clients heal from childhood trauma. To learn more about our rehabilitation programs and how we treat trauma related to childhood experiences, call our office today at (747) 444-3284.