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Trauma and addiction are two extremely complex and intertwined subjects that impact people’s mental and emotional well-being. If you are curious to know about the correlation between substance use disorder or alcohol addiction and how it relates to trauma, there’s an extensive connection between the two.
To explain elaborately, developing an addiction is characterized by an individual’s compulsive need to indulge in substance abuse or behavioral abuse despite knowing the consequences. Trauma, on the other hand, is characterized by one’s experience with distressing events in life.
If you are struggling with addiction or know people with addiction, there are chances that you have a history of trauma and bad decisions that led to the downfall. We will explore more on that subject in detail in this guide.
Is Trauma a Precursor to Substance Abuse and Addiction?
There are extensive studies that indicate that signs of addiction are often triggered by past trauma. Individuals who have a history of trauma are at heightened risk of being addicted to drugs and alcohol.
But the question is, “Why does it happen?” Why do people make bad choices when they have a history of trauma? The answer to that is simple – Alcohol and drug addiction is considered a form of self-medication. It is a form of recluse that people choose to find momentary respite from the horrifying experiences they have had in the past.
Many individuals who are addicted to drugs or alcohol often confess that these provide them with a temporary escape from their haunting memories and enable them to cope with the situation they are likely struggling with. So, to answer your question, “Is trauma a responsible factor behind addiction?” The answer to that is yes.
In some instances, trauma survivors get attuned to different kinds of addiction to self-soothe and regain control over their lives that they have likely lost track of.
What are the Signs of Addiction Triggered by Trauma?
Irrespective of the forms of addiction that one is struggling with, identifying the signs and science of addiction is crucial to overcoming the complications.
There are several behaviors and subjective symptoms that indicate one’s struggle with substance addiction, nicotine addiction, and other kinds of addictions too, which are triggered by trauma. Following is a list of the signs and symptoms worth paying attention to:
- The degree of addiction is progressively getting worse, especially with how much the individual is relying on the source of addiction to sustain themselves.
- The individual is struggling with withdrawal symptoms when they are repeatedly trying to quit their addiction.
- When they go without having access to their source of addiction, be it a cigarette, smoke, or drugs, they become restless, and there are significant changes in mood and behaviour.
- Drug misuse and addiction lead to individuals having an unfulfilled life, especially one that affects their work, social relationships, their obligations, etc.
- Individuals who are experiencing the symptoms of addiction are often at risk of finding themselves in unsafe and risky situations.
- When they find themselves in situations where their trauma is triggered, it can force the individuals to use drugs or individual in alcohol use as well.
Addiction and mental health adversities go hand in hand. If you are personally struggling with trauma that’s forcing you into behavioral addiction and substance abuse, it is time to identify the shortcomings and seek help to overcome the challenges proactively.
What is the Correlation Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction?
When talking about trauma and its impacts on people’s lives, addiction is a concern that often comes up time and time. In a recent Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) study, it has been mentioned that childhood trauma can lead to addiction for individuals later in their lives.
Some of the factors that can contribute to childhood trauma include:
- Physical or emotional abuse
- Household dysfunction
- Sexual abuse, etc., are factors that often lead to childhood trauma later in life.
Not just one multiple studies indicate that childhood trauma often leads to long-term health conditions and addiction complications down the time.
What are the Treatment Options for Addiction Induced by Trauma?
When it comes to the development of drug addiction and its effective treatment, we have to understand that there are several factors at play. Being affected by addiction takes time to work through. You have to identify the risk factors of addiction, prioritize the state of your physical and mental health, and consult professionals and support services to be able to overcome the challenges.
If you are seeking professional help to stop taking the drug, alcohol, or other complications, the key is to identify the right treatment approach.
Following are a few effective treatments for overcoming addiction:
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Treatment
When you are struggling with trauma and addiction, this is one of the most effective lines of treatment. It focuses on identifying the history of addiction and the triggers that contributed to the issue in the first place.
In short, the treatment addresses both addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders. The treatment approach is effective in helping people with untreated addiction, post-traumatic stress disorder, and other forms of physical addiction that are triggered by trauma.
Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
CBT is another effective therapeutic approach that helps manage the symptoms of drug abuse and helps people who have become addicted to drugs. In most cases, the treatment identifies the negative thought patterns in people who are struggling with addiction and switches them to positive experiences.
In the context of trauma and addiction, CBT can assist individuals in understanding the connection between their thoughts, emotions, and substance use, promoting healthier coping mechanisms
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
Several factors lead to substance abuse and increase the risk of addiction, especially when one’s mind is straying and not focused on the present. Indulging in mindfulness and deep breathing exercises have proven benefits in promoting present-moment awareness to overcome signs and symptoms of severe substance use disorder.
This kind of treatment is also considered effective after initial drug use and when the treatment plan is being implemented at an earlier stage of the possible addiction. Even the National Institute on Drug Abuse prioritizes this treatment approach as an effective choice for patients struggling with alcohol use disorder, substance use, etc.
Group Therapy
Knowing that you aren’t alone in the journey is one of the most effective forms of addiction treatment programs. Group therapy enables individuals to listen to other people’s struggles in a validating environment.
When you are struggling with addiction and are trying to heal yourself by getting help, listening to other people’s challenges is an effective way to feel seen and included. Many people struggling with addiction often feel isolated. So, if you seek treatment, opt for group therapy as a starting point in your healing journey.
People become addicted to several toxic items for a variety of reasons. The term addiction is quite expansive, and trauma happens to form the basis of addiction for several individuals. If you are struggling with addiction due to past trauma in your life, it’s quintessential that you identify the challenges ahead of time instead of using drugs just to feel good about yourself. Addiction provides temporary relief but takes away tenfold from your home.
FAQs
If your life is adversely affected due to substance use, wherein you aren't able to keep your career and social relationships due to the effects of the drug, it is a sign that you need help.
A formal diagnosis of addiction begins with a comprehensive consultation with a professional or drug counselor. They will evaluate the symptoms you are experiencing and then confirm the diagnosis.
Addiction is a debilitating experience, but with proper treatment, it is possible to overcome drug and alcohol use and lead a normal life.
