As per growing scientific data, trauma, particularly early trauma, is strongly connected to addiction. Lifelong trauma has long been considered the single most significant risk factor for addiction. Thanks to the well-established trauma-to-addiction connection, the term “traumatized addict” has become a common cliche in media such as television, film, and literature. As a result, how can we sort through all the confusing webs of painful and addictive bonds? How can we use this understanding to stop the cycle of reliance and abuse for those who have previously lived through trauma?
Addiction and Trauma: What’s the Connection?
What’s the link between all this and substance abuse? For the most part, drug abusers are motivated by the immediate psychological effects of the substances they consume. People’s moods are influenced by alcohol and other substances in two ways: by increasing pleasure and decreasing distress. People with trauma-induced stress system dysregulation may find relief from chronic anxiety and hyperarousal from abusing drugs. Relaxation can be achieved by using benzodiazepines, alcohol, cannabis products (i.e., depressants), and opioids. A trance-like condition is also induced by gambling, especially when it is done using electronic gaming machines.
Individuals with a trauma experience may be more susceptible to addiction to control their mood, suppress undesired thoughts, and lower stress hormone-induced arousal. Abusing drugs and addictive behaviors might briefly create a numbness (while leading to neuro-adaptations that increase, instead of solve, the original issue). Trauma-stricken individuals may respond in various ways (depending on type of trauma, age of occurrence, duration of trauma, and biological characteristics of the individual). Some people defend themselves against long-term trauma by dissociating or depersonalizing instead of being hyperaroused. Even when they’re not feeling it, these folks may be apathetic.
Drugs like amphetamines, cocaine, synthetic medicines, and nicotine are all stimulants that increase energy levels and alertness. It’s also possible to break out of numbness by engaging in non-suicidal self-injury, sexual activity, and gaming. Individuals who have experienced trauma may be more susceptible to addiction because of the mood-altering properties of drugs and rewarding behaviors. Addiction may be the best option to deal with the physiological and neurological effects of childhood trauma, including depersonalization and hyperarousal.
A trauma-informed strategy is needed to comprehend and effectively treat due to this complex link between the traumatic experience and substance misuse diosrder.
Are you abusing drugs as a way to cope with your trauma?
Don’t give up if are suffering from substance abuse because of a traumatic experience. You could benefit from the guidance of a skilled therapist if you’ve endured childhood trauma. Regardless of the circumstances, you can conquer and recover from trauma if you are ready to put in the effort and investigate all of your choices. Whether it’s via group sessions, 12-step programs, music, or workout sessions, there is a means for you to heal from your trauma. And the first step is to acknowledge the trauma you’ve experienced.
We offer trauma-informed treatment at Skyward Treatment Center in Houston. As we’ve learned, trauma-informed care is a useful therapeutic method that provides patients and everyone else engaged in the healing process, including clinicians, with psychological, emotional, and physical safety standards.
