Many factors can contribute to a person abusing substances. Addiction can happen to anyone regardless of gender, race, sexuality, or economic status. Genetics, mental health, and environment can contribute to a person becoming addicted to substances. Trauma is another factor that can lead to a person’s addiction. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event. Some common traumatic experiences a person may face are military combat, physical or sexual assault, an accident, a natural disaster, or parental neglect. A traumatic event can significantly impact a person’s physical and mental health and can often be what prompts people to abuse substances and become addicted. Addiction treatment should not just help clients overcome the physical symptoms of addiction but help them heal from the emotional trauma that led to their addiction. At Genesis Recovery and Wellness, we provide a trauma therapy program that addresses the connection between trauma and addiction to help our clients heal physically, mentally, and emotionally.
How are Trauma and Addiction Related?
To understand addiction and treatment, it is also important to understand the connection between trauma and addiction. So how are trauma and addiction related? In many instances, trauma will lead to addiction. Experiencing a recent traumatic experience or enduring childhood trauma can lead to significant long-term mental health issues. It is not uncommon for a person to begin abusing substances to cope with the negative side effects of unresolved trauma. If left untreated, trauma can affect a person’s physical, mental, and emotional well-being. Substance abuse may temporarily relieve some of the intense emotions and symptoms of a traumatic experience, but addiction will only worsen things. Recognizing the signs and symptoms of trauma and addiction can help you or someone you know gets professional help. Some signs and symptoms of trauma include:
- Dramatic mood shifts
- Erratic behavior
- Continuous feelings of fear or anxiety
- Trouble sleeping
- Avoiding certain things or places that remind you of the event
- Difficulties with personal relationships
Some signs and symptoms of addiction include:
- Changes in hobbies and social groups
- Financial problems
- Acting secretive or lying
- Difficulties with personal relationships
- Extreme mood changes
- Changes in energy
If you suspect that you or someone you love has experienced a trauma and displays signs of addiction, get the help necessary at Genesis Recovery and Wellness.
Understanding the Connection Between Trauma and Substance Abuse for Treatment
When a person is struggling with unresolved trauma and substance abuse, it affects their overall well-being. This can make treatment more complex as clients heal from the physical and mental impacts. It is essential to find a treatment program that understands the connection between trauma and substance abuse and their different impacts on each other. A proper addiction treatment facility can help an individual go through detox and receive treatment for withdrawal symptoms. Once this stage of treatment is complete, the client can go through other treatment and therapy programs like trauma therapy to heal from the mental and emotional impacts of trauma and addiction. This allows a person to understand the connection between trauma and addiction and learn how to live healthier lives free of substances.
Treating Trauma and Addiction at Genesis Recovery and Wellness
Overcoming trauma and addiction is not easy. At GROW, we offer our clients a variety of treatments and programs to help them heal and provide them with the support they need. Our trauma therapy program addresses the connection between trauma and addiction and helps clients improve their mental and emotional well-being. Some of our other programs and therapies include:
- Dual Diagnosis Treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Treatment
- Outpatient Addiction Treatment
- Partial Hospitalization Program
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy
- Family Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Individual Therapy
Contact Genesis Recovery and Wellness as 216.331.2998 to learn more about how our team can help you.