Trauma and Substance Abuse: Healing the Root Causes of Addiction

Trauma as an Underlying Cause of Substance Abuse

During our lives, there will be many things that we experience. Hopefully, the bulk of our experiences will be happy memories. Celebrating a birth, school graduations, or family get-togethers are all examples of memories that we will want to hold on to and remember as happy times. However, it’s undeniable that you will experience memories that may negatively impact you and trigger an addiction to drugs or alcohol. As you take steps toward overcoming your addiction, it’s imperative that you have a clear understanding of the connection between trauma and substance abuse. Recognizing that connection will help you begin healing the root causes of addiction and lead live a sober life.

How Trauma Can Lead to Substance Abuse

When you are unable to mentally or emotionally process the traumatic events in your life, you may turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate. While just one drink or one drug may sound appealing in terms of “taking the edge off,” this pattern of behavior can quickly spiral out of control. By not addressing the emotions or how you feel due to trauma, the feelings of pain will only continue to fester as your addiction continues to grow.

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Why Its Important to Treat the Root Causes of Addiction

Without uncovering the root cause of your addiction, you put yourself at a disadvantage when it comes to being able to overcome it. The Muse team will help show you that these experiences and associating emotions are not something that you need to fear. When you work with a group of experienced professionals who can gently lead you through these experiences, you can rest assured that you will have the support and understanding that you require during this period in your recovery.

Trauma-Informed Substance Abuse Treatment

At Muse Treatment, we utilize different forms of therapy to help you work through your trauma. Over and above group therapy and individual counseling, we have found that these types of treatment can also help you to overcome your addiction and work through your trauma:

• Art therapy: Some clients find it difficult to verbalize how they feel when it comes to addiction or trauma. Art therapy provides you with the unique opportunity to express yourself differently. You may come to find that you have a true talent and develop a new hobby.
• Cognitive behavioral therapy: One of the leading ways to overcome a trauma or addiction is by working toward retraining your mind to combat traumatic events in your life.

Other Mental Health Disorders That Can Lead to Substance Abuse

Several mental health disorders can potentially lead to substance abuse. Here are a few examples:

• Depression: It’s important to remember that consuming alcohol or drugs can give you a euphoria feeling. When you’re depressed, you are continuously looking for things that can make you feel happier, which is why many people suffering from this disorder tend to turn to alcohol or drugs to achieve that feeling.
• Anxiety: When you have anxiety, you may feel as though you are unable to breathe. There is a knot in the center of your chest that never seems to go away. People who struggle with substance abuse often feel as though they get relief from their anxiety because it is not something that they have to think about because they are under the influence.
• Post-traumatic stress disorder: PTSD can manifest for several reasons. Many people who were first responders or those who were abused at some point in their life also suffer from PTSD.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders at Muse

The Muse Treatment team is well-versed in helping patients who suffer from both addiction and mental health disorders. We take the time to learn more about you, your history, and the goals for your long-term sobriety. Whether you are interested in an inpatient or outpatient program or you would like to transition into one of these programs after detox, our team of addiction experts is here to help. Don’t suffer another day with co-occurring disorders. Reach out to us today at (800) 426-1818 to start the admissions process.

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