Treating Early Childhood Trauma During Adult Rehabilitation

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Early childhood trauma can profoundly affect a person’s ability to cope with substance use disorder (SUD). In addition, co-occurring mental health issues related to trauma can significantly impact recovery. According to Depression and Anxiety, “Ample evidence has shown that childhood trauma compromises neural structure and function, rendering an individual susceptible to later cognitive deficits and psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, [post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)], and substance abuse.” Newport Beach Recovery Center empowers clients to overcome trauma related to adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) using evidence-based treatments. 

The Connection Between Early Childhood Trauma and Substance Abuse 

Early childhood trauma is an umbrella term that covers a wide range of possible ACEs, including: 

  • Sexual abuse or exploitation
  • Witnessing domestic abuse or other traumatic events
  • Physical, emotional, or verbal abuse 
  • Not having access to necessities like consistent housing, clothing, and food
  • Physical or emotional neglect 
  • Witnessing or experiencing emotionally distressing events like the death of a loved one or a natural disaster
  • Chronic stress 
  • Racism
  • Bullying or harassment by peers 
  • Living in a war zone or area of high conflict 

The brain continues to develop until the mid-20s. Early childhood experiences have a significant impact on the development and structure of the brain. When a person’s gone through a significant number of ACEs, the prolonged stress caused by those experiences can trigger SUD.

Adverse Childhood Experiences and Co-occurring Disorders

According to the Child and Adolescent Psychiatric Clinics of North America, “Childhood traumas, particularly those that are interpersonal, intentional, and chronic are associated with greater rates of” the following: 

  • PTSD
  • Depression 
  • Anxiety 
  • Antisocial behaviors 

All of these conditions can make treating SUD more complicated and difficult. They involve treatment for multiple disorders at once.

Early Childhood Trauma Can Restructure the Brain 

Children who witness or live through traumatic events may experience structural changes in some regions of the brain, including: 

  • Hippocampus
  • Amygdala 
  • Corpus callosum
  • Cerebellum 

Children are incredibly resilient. If they get early treatment, it may not have a lasting effect. However, adults who struggle with untreated trauma-related issues may require more in-depth mental health treatment. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses individual and group therapy to help clients address substance abuse and underlying issues like trauma. 

Trauma-Focused Therapy and Treatment Options 

Adults struggling with the effects of untreated childhood trauma often benefit from trauma therapy. Many programs use a combination of therapy, peer support, and prescription medication to manage symptoms like panic, depression, and anxiety. During rehabilitation, a person needs to address any underlying trauma that may have contributed to the development of their SUD. Accepting, processing, and reintegrating those memories and events increases the effectiveness of treatment. 

Some therapy options for individuals with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders include: 

  • Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) 
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Exposure therapy (ET)
  • Transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS) 
  • Alternative holistic therapies 

Psychotherapy is the cornerstone of trauma treatment, and many people make significant progress through talk therapy alone. However, using psychotherapy alongside EMDR or other techniques can significantly speed up the healing process during rehabilitation. 

What Impacts Trauma Symptoms

The symptoms of early childhood trauma vary in type and severity depending on a wide range of factors, including: 

  • Type of trauma 
  • Family mental health history 
  • If the trauma was previously treated or left untreated 
  • How many instances of trauma 

Trauma symptoms often overlap with SUD and can contribute to the development of substance abuse. Every case is unique, and personalized trauma-informed care usually ensures the best possible outcome. 

Managing Symptoms of Early Childhood Trauma

Some common symptoms of childhood trauma include: 

  • Unhealthy attachment styles 
  • Underdeveloped social and communication skills 
  • Difficulty trusting others, especially authority figures 
  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Panic 
  • Self-harm or suicidal ideation
  • Sleep disturbances 
  • Changes to appetite and eating patterns 
  • Difficulty maintaining relationships 

Coping skills like mindfulness, meditation, deep breathing exercises, and relying on a support system can reduce the severity of symptoms. Talk therapy is one of the most valuable tools for healing from trauma. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers trauma therapy for every client. We believe, in most cases, SUD develops due to the presence of trauma.  

Healing and Thriving

Overcoming issues related to ACEs requires patience and a determination to change. However, a person can successfully heal and thrive during recovery. Rehabilitation in a dual diagnosis system allows them to reprocess trauma in a safe and structured environment with a reduced risk of relapse. 

Most people make major life changes after attending treatment. In addition to no longer abusing substances, they often do the following: 

  • Cut off toxic relationships with individuals related to past substance abuse
  • Set clear boundaries at work, school, and home to ensure positive mental health 
  • Change eating, exercise, and sleep patterns 
  • Repair relationships with loved ones 
  • Find new hobbies and activities to replace the time previously spent misusing substances 

Accepting the current circumstances and finding healthy solutions for improving your lifestyle will help you thrive during recovery. Decisions an individual makes during treatment and aftercare can impact how quickly they learn to manage trauma-related challenges. The Newport Beach Recovery Center care team provides each client with a comprehensive aftercare plan to guide them through these essential changes. People can build a happier, healthier future for themselves and their loved ones. 

Early childhood trauma can play a significant role in the development of substance use and mental health disorders. Untreated childhood trauma can affect how adults think about themselves and interact with people around them. Treatment for trauma-related issues usually involves a combination of psychotherapy and prescription medication. Childhood traumas impact development, and many clients in treatment for SUD require simultaneous trauma therapy and essential life skills education to address these issues. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to treat trauma. Our care team collaborates with clients to ensure they feel supported and have the tools they need to heal. Find out more about our programs by calling us today at (855) 316-8740.

How Does Brain Chemistry Affect Recovery?

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Substance use disorder (SUD) can cause chemical imbalances in the brain that affect mood, behavior, and thought patterns. In addition, brain chemistry can contribute to the development of SUD. According to the US Surgeon General (SG), addiction is “associated with changes in the function of brain circuits involved in pleasure (the reward system), learning, stress, decision making, and self-control.” Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based treatments to treat SUD and co-occurring mental health disorders.

Addiction Is a Brain Disease

The media, social stigmas, and misinformed politicians all help perpetuate the misconception that SUD is something only experienced by people with low moral character. Addiction is a brain disease, not a personal choice. SUD has zero indication of someone’s personality. Changes in the brain and body cause behavioral patterns to develop over time though.

People often struggle to combat the compulsions caused by the effects of substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Drugs change the brain in ways that make quitting hard, even for those who want to.” Rehabilitation programs like those provided at Newport Beach Recovery Center provide necessary support and personalized treatment to ensure clients get the help they need to reverse chemical changes in the brain. Our brains have plasticity and can usually heal over time.

How Does Substance Abuse Change Brain Chemistry?

Your brain function is controlled by a delicate balance of absorbed or produced chemicals that affect how your demeanor. Substance abuse severely damages your brain’s natural ability to balance these chemicals. According to NIDA, “Long-term use also causes changes in other brain chemical systems and circuits . . . affecting functions that include:

  • learning
  • judgment
  • decision-making
  • stress
  • memory
  • behavior”

Too much or too little of any chemical can cause significant changes to your overall health. The regions of the brain most commonly affected by SUD include:

  • Basal ganglia
  • Extended amygdala
  • Prefrontal cortex

Substance abuse can alter your brain’s ability to absorb, transmit, or produce essential chemicals like dopamine. As stated by the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “Many studies have shown that neurons that release dopamine are activated, either directly or indirectly, by all addictive substances, but particularly by stimulants such as cocaine, amphetamines, and nicotine.” In most cases, these changes are temporary, and after a period of sobriety, the brain repairs itself. However, it may take more time for some individuals, and long-term abuse of certain substances may lead to permanent changes.

How Does Brain Chemistry Affect Physical and Mental Health?

Brain chemistry directly affects your health. The way your brain absorbs and transmits certain chemicals controls how you perceive the world around you. Too little or too much of neurotransmitters can cause the following:

  • Mood swings
  • Loss or increase in appetite
  • Increased or decreased stress tolerance
  • Lack of energy
  • Reduced ability to empathize with others
  • Difficulty making decisions
  • Hyperactivity
  • Suicidal ideation
  • Risk-taking behaviors like continued substance abuse

Neurotransmitters contribute to brain function, emotions, and behaviors. Some of the neurotransmitters affected most by substance abuse include:

  • Dopamine
  • Serotonin
  • Endorphins
  • Glutamate
  • Norepinephrine

Often, psychiatric medications are necessary to return the brain to baseline. Additionally, the reward system must be retrained to respond properly to feel-good neurotransmitters.

What Are the Most Effective Treatments?

Rehabilitation for SUD often incorporates multiple methodologies. According to the HHS, “[A] spectrum of effective strategies and services are available to identify, treat, and manage substance use problems and substance use disorders.” The personalized treatment plans at Newport Beach Recovery Center incorporate a combination of evidence-based methods, including:

  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Prescription medications, when appropriate
  • Psychotherapy
  • Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)

Some social activities can improve your general well-being and contribute to more balanced brain chemistry. Peer support also provides emotional relief. Healthy social interactions can improve coping skills and activate certain areas of the brain that increase positive mental health. Rehab programs can facilitate these social interactions by providing holistic therapies and group outings.

How Do Changes in Brain Chemistry Affect Long-Term Recovery?

Many behaviors and activities can lead to long-term side effects from SUD. Individuals with the following issues may experience more severe or prolonged symptoms:

  • Malnutrition or physical health issues caused by poor diet
  • Some prescription medications can interfere with brain chemistry
  • Sleep disturbances, including insomnia

The longer a person abuses substances, the more time it will take for their mind and body to return to a balanced state. Underlying issues like co-occurring disorders can complicate recovery and require ongoing therapy or medication. Newport Beach Recovery Center has every client participate in an admissions assessment to help our care team identify issues that might complicate the recovery process.

You Can Recover From SUD

We can successfully help clients recover from SUD. With our help, you can overcome issues related to changes in brain chemistry. Our care team collaborates with each client to ensure the best possible outcome. In addition, we offer aftercare planning and other services to connect you with essential complimentary treatments that will help you continue healing from the effects of SUD. You can learn to manage your condition. With the help of professional treatment services, you can go on to live a happy, healthy, and functional life.

Brain chemistry affects the development of substance use disorder. Substance use disorder is a brain disease and not a moral failing or indication that you do not want to get better. The relationship between chemical imbalances in the brain and maladaptive behaviors is extremely complex. Significant changes in the brain that affect certain chemicals like dopamine can cause addictive behaviors. Our brain is capable of healing our neurotransmitter levels. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods to treat SUD and co-occurring disorders. In many cases, cognitive-behavioral therapy is combined with medication to help people manage symptoms. Additionally, we offer groups and holistic therapies to encourage social healing. To learn more about our treatments, call us at (855) 316-8740.

What Sets Trauma Therapy Apart From Other Forms of Therapy?

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Individuals who live through traumatic experiences have a higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring issues like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Rehabilitation often requires dual diagnosis treatment using evidence-based methods like trauma therapy. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Individuals with PTSD and SUD can safely engage in and benefit from trauma-focused, cognitive behavioral psychotherapies for PTSD.” Newport Beach Recovery Center uses a trauma-informed approach and trauma therapy to help clients recover from SUD and co-occurring disorders. Rather than taking a trauma-focused mindset, we like to consider ourselves resiliency-focused.

What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy focuses on identifying how traumatic events have impacted a person’s mental, physical, emotional, and spiritual well-being. In most cases, the therapist will have specialized training that allows them to recognize and address trauma.

Trauma therapy provides clients with the following:

  • Emotional stabilization
  • Symptom relief
  • Skill development
  • A safe healing environment
  • Effective collaboration
  • Resiliency-factor awareness

Trauma therapy is an essential tool used to treat many co-occurring mental health issues. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Individuals who have experienced trauma often have complex medical, behavioral health, and social service needs and, therefore, receive care from an array of providers.” Newport Beach Recovery Center connects clients with local support services to ensure they have all the necessary resources. We can make sure you have access to complimentary treatments as well.

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Focused Therapy?

Trauma can happen to anyone and includes a wide range of experiences. According to SAMHSA, “Examples of trauma include, but are not limited to:

  • Experiencing or observing physical, sexual, and emotional abuse;
  • Childhood neglect;
  • Having a family member with a mental health or substance use disorder;
  • Experiencing or witnessing violence in the community or while serving in the military; and
  • Poverty and systemic discrimination”

Trauma therapy can treat individuals struggling with any of these issues. The primary benefits of trauma-informed care include the following:

  • Sessions address multiple underlying traumas using a handful of techniques
  • Methods used integrate easily into individualized treatment plans
  • Therapists trained to address trauma can provide stress reduction

Often, clients feel more comfortable talking to a trauma therapist about underlying issues related to co-occurring mental health disorders. Many people feel more comfortable talking about difficult topics if they know the therapist has special training in that area.

How Does Therapy Affect Co-occurring Disorders?

Most people with SUD have co-occurring disorders that impact their ability to function. Healing from substance abuse takes dedication and motivation. If left untreated, co-occurring conditions can make it difficult to focus on rehabilitation. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods like trauma therapy to help clients overcome challenges related to mental health. Once you have the tools to manage your symptoms, you can refocus your energy on recovering from SUD.

A few ways co-occurring disorders can affect recovery include:

  • More severe and prolonged symptoms
  • Difficulty establishing and maintaining healthy social connections
  • Overlapping symptoms might make diagnosis more challenging

Early intervention and treatment can help people avoid complications caused by co-occurring disorders. Newport Beach Recovery Center uses comprehensive admissions assessments to determine if there are any active mental health issues. Treatments usually involve a combination of psychotherapies, holistic therapies, and prescription medication.

What Therapeutic Methods Work Best?

Everyone reacts differently to trauma. The treatment options your care team offers will depend on various factors, including the type and severity of your symptoms. However, trauma-focused talk therapy provides the most significant relief for many people. Other therapeutic techniques used to treat SUD and trauma include:

  • Exposure therapy (ET)
  • Eye-movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Biofeedback therapy

Many respond the best to traditional talk therapy like CBT. According to the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), “[T]he most effective trauma-related behavioral health treatments are trauma focused CBTs, which are broadly defined to include ET and EMDR.” The care team will often combine these techniques with holistic therapies or prescription medication.

What Are the Lasting Effects of Trauma Therapy?

Recovering from trauma and SUD sometimes requires ongoing therapy and medication. However, many people achieve emotional stability and learn to effectively manage their symptoms. Rehabilitation provides a structured environment that allows you to focus all your attention on healing  Ultimately, you’ll make positive life changes.

Some of the most significant lasting effects of trauma therapy include the following:

  • Increased quality of life
  • Greater self-confidence and self-efficacy
  • Improved communication and social skills

Newport Beach Recovery Center uses evidence-based methods like EMDR and CBT to help clients with trauma achieve sobriety and emotional stability. We offer a smooth transition between levels of care and ongoing recovery. Many clients also benefit from our alumni services that help them maintain sobriety during aftercare. You can successfully overcome the effects of trauma and SUD with the help of trauma therapy and other treatments.

Trauma can cause mental health issues like post-traumatic stress disorder. The symptoms range from mild to severe. They increase the risk of a person developing SUD. Many people who abuse substances have a history of adult or childhood trauma. Newport Beach Recovery Center offers trauma therapy to address those issues. Our care team encourages every client to attend trauma therapy. The focused treatment can help you process thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and beliefs affected by past events. It’ll also help you learn your resiliency. You can successfully heal from SUD and trauma. Our team will guide you through developing coping skills and other tools to help you heal. To find out more, call us at (855) 316-8740.

Does Talking About Trauma in a Group Setting Help?

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Memories associated with trauma are stored differently in the brain, which can cause side effects and symptoms that interfere with the recovery process. Some people experience flashbacks, dissociative events, and high anxiety when talking or thinking about the trauma. However, the benefits of talking through traumatic events far outweigh the initial discomfort. 

At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we treat underlying trauma using various methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), mindfulness-based techniques, and trauma-focused group therapies. 

What Happens During Group Therapy? 

Group therapy usually consists of guided discussions, peer support, and skill development. We provide clients at our facility with a safe space where they can talk about their traumatic experiences. 

We use gender-specific groups to give clients a comfortable space where they can disclose details about the trauma that they might not be comfortable talking about in co-ed groups. Our group leaders use a wide range of therapeutic modalities like CBT and DBT to create a truly personalized experience that addresses the issues of each participant.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), cognitive-behavioral group therapy can do the following for individuals with trauma-related disorders:

  • Promote self­-control skills to manage overwhelming emotions
  • Teach functional behaviors that may have deteriorated as a result of the disorders
  • Provide relapse prevention training

We incorporate multiple modalities in group therapy because they all have helpful tools that clients can use to heal.

Do You Have to Talk About Your Trauma? 

No one is required to talk through their trauma in a group setting. Listening to others share their traumas and coping mechanisms can help clients feel less alone. SAMHSA indicates that sharing painful events with compassionate peers can decrease symptoms of trauma, including: 

  • Anxiety 
  • Depression 
  • Stress responses
  • Hyperarousal and hypervigilance 
  • Dissociative events 
  • Flashbacks 
  • Intrusive thoughts 
  • Distressing sense memories

By talking through how you feel about recovery and the effects of trauma, you can discover new perspectives and view the events from a more objective point of view. According to the United States Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “The treatments that work best for PTSD are trauma-focused talk therapies.â€Â 

At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use a trauma-focused approach to treatment that minimizes the risk of re-traumatization and encourages clients to open up to peers during group therapy. 

What Types of Trauma Can You Share? 

Clients often feel uncertain about discussing details of sexual or physical abuse in a group setting. We personalize our treatments, which means the therapist will inform group members of potential triggers. Although it is not required, we encourage clients to talk through anything that causes them pain or distress. In addition, we tailor each group to meet the needs of every participant, and individuals who identify as LGBTQIA+ can choose which groups to attend. 

Common traumas we address in group therapy include: 

  • Sexual abuse 
  • Domestic abuse 
  • Physical abuse 
  • Chronic stress 
  • Trauma-related to military service 
  • Trauma-related to experiencing or witnessing an overdose 
  • Serious injury or illness 
  • Self-harming behaviors 
  • Emotional abuse

Some traumas are easier to talk about than others; in some cases, people feel uncomfortable talking about traumas related to stigmatized behaviors. We tailor our groups to ensure that the participants feel comfortable disclosing details that can help them heal and move forward in their recovery. 

Benefits of Talking About Trauma in Group Therapy

We ensure our groups feel welcoming to clients who may have never previously discussed their trauma. Talking through issues in group therapy can have many benefits. In addition, groups offer the following:

  • A judgment-free zone where clients can safely discuss feelings of loss, betrayal, and pain
  • Multiple perspectives that provide a learning opportunity and tips for coping with triggers
  • An open line of communication that can enhance social skills
  • Space to grow and learn new ways of looking at the world and past experiences

Group therapy works best when clients actively engage with others and talk about the things that have contributed to their substance misuse. Clients can discuss trauma using metaphors to make the discussion less stressful. We encourage them to trust their care team and peers.

Should You Continue Group Therapy During Aftercare? 

Group therapy provides a healthy place to discuss details about your treatment and recovery with others who understand what you have gone through. Many people find it helpful to continue attending group therapy after rehabilitation. Community-based self-help and 12-Step groups offer similar benefits. 

However, a more formal therapy setting can encourage more significant growth during early recovery. At Newport Beach Recovery Center, we can provide referrals to community-based and private group therapy to individuals who want to continue taking advantage of these treatment options during aftercare. 

If left untreated, trauma can have a lasting and damaging effect on a person’s health and well-being. Group therapy and other methodologies provide a safe space where you can reprocess trauma and learn how to manage symptoms. Talking about trauma is not always easy. However, at Newport Beach Recovery Center, we use a trauma-informed approach to care that minimizes the risk of re-traumatization. Our team understands the healing power of peer support and group therapy. We provide a space where you can talk through the events, thoughts, and emotions that may have left you feeling helpless or overwhelmed. Trauma does not have to define you. We are here to help, and we believe in your ability to overcome challenges related to substance use disorder and trauma. To learn more about our program, reach our facility today by calling us at (855) 316-8740.

How to Deal with Trauma in Sobriety

There is a very strong connection between trauma and addiction. One often leads to the other. People struggling to numb the effects of traumatic experiences in their lives will often self-medicate on drugs and alcohol. While this works as a quick-fix, continued abuse of these substances quickly leads to addiction, exposing the addict to additional trauma. On the other hand, trauma may be the result of a lifestyle of abusing drugs and alcohol.

Trauma and Addiction Co-occurrence

 

Trauma occurs as a result of experiences that are too disturbing that they overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. This varies from person to person, depending on their resilience. For example, adults are generally more resilient in the face of traumatic experiences than children. Examples of traumatic events include sexual assault, child abuse, military combat, domestic violence, natural disasters, car accidents, battling life-threatening ailments and any other events that elicit fear, intense pain, and dreadful memories.

Unresolved trauma may lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which presents symptoms such as nightmares, anxiety, depression, irrational fear, and a predisposition to addiction. Alcohol and drugs offer trauma survivors temporary reprieve and escape from painful feelings giving them an illusion of control over their lives and the world around them. Unfortunately, substance abuse does more harm than good in the long run. It soon becomes a problem and instead of helping ease the pain causes more harm to the already suffering trauma survivor.

Another possible explanation for the addiction and trauma connection begins with substance abuse. The lifestyle of an addict exposes him/her to dangerous neighborhoods, unsavory acquaintances, and dangerous behavior. It is no surprise that most addicts are victims of crime, abuse, violence, accidents, and other traumatic events.
Treating trauma and addiction

Drug and alcohol abuse is a valid coping mechanism since it effectively dulls the emotional pain and suppresses the memory of trauma. Evidence of past trauma can be so well hid in some addicts that many treatment centers end up not noticing it. Non-trauma-focused, addiction treatments set up alcohol and substance abusers for relapses or other addictive behaviors such as gambling, overeating, and sexual promiscuity, among others.

Regardless of which comes first, trauma or addiction, both have to be treated if the sufferer is to lead a healthy life. One cannot maintain sobriety while still harboring unresolved trauma. It is recommended that addicts first detox before working on recovery from addiction and trauma in an integrative and comprehensive manner with clear minds and stronger bodies.
Fortunately, there are a number of effective treatment plans that help addicts kick their addictions and conquer their trauma. These include medication and comprehensive therapies that teach coping skills, mindfulness, problem-solving, and relapse-prevention skills that lead to lifelong sobriety and improved quality of life.

 

Dealing with Trauma in Sobriety

Getting over a traumatic experience is easier said than done. Most recovering addicts prefer not to face the pain and fail to realize how it is intertwined with their addictions until it is too late. They choose to bury and ignore past trauma with the hope that it will go away and as a result, are unable to maintain their sobriety.
After a successful detox and a commitment to stay sober with the help of coping tools and skills, the next step is to heal from your trauma. Dealing with trauma in sobriety can be a difficult task which does not happen overnight. With the right attitude, however, you can deal with and overcome your trauma while maintaining your sobriety.
Healing from trauma is a process
When you’ve numbed yourself for so long with drugs and alcohol, the feelings may flood back and overwhelm you during recovery. You must recognize this as progress. The healing process may be tough, but as long as you are moving from one stage to another, you are making progress.

 

Drugs and Alcohol Abuse Will Not Help

It is important to realize that using drugs and alcohol may numb the pain, but once the euphoric state of mind has passed, the symptoms of unresolved trauma will still be there and are likely to be more disruptive than ever. While there is a temptation to take a break from the pain caused by the traumatic event, you must realize that escapism by way of substance abuse will not help.

 

You Are Stronger Than You Know

If you have survived a traumatic event and addiction, you are strong enough to survive the recovery. You must stop seeking temporary safety and face your trauma with the knowledge that you are worthy of love and redemption.

 

Your Habit Makes Perfect Sense

Trauma survivors have every right to chase after feelings of safety, worth, control, and to numb their painful feelings. Trauma changes you, and it is only rational to turn to substance abuse even if it is for the illusion of normalcy. You must, therefore, realize that even though your habits are bad, your intentions are pure. You only need a new coping mechanism that is healthy.  To make meaningful and lasting life changes while recovering from addiction, one has to change their thoughts, behavior, relationships, environment, and face the trauma that fueled their addictions in the first place.

 

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Sexual Trauma & Substance Abuse: How to Recover from Both

 

The troubling high rate of boys and girls who experience sexual trauma and abuse leads to a lifetime of challenges that include substance abuse. The signs are all there, and the findings from the  U.S. Department of Health and Human Services support the troubling realities. These traumatized kids turn into adults who struggle to come to terms with the emotional and psychological shrapnel of abuse. Survey results indicated that of those adolescents receiving treatment for substance abuse, some 70% had associated trauma.

In turn, the reports offer insight into some of the most prevalent tendencies and mental-health struggles associated with sexual trauma and abuse. Here’s a quick overview:

Depression

Sexual abuse often leads to feelings of isolation, loneliness, and self-deprecation, which also leads to clinical depression and often to substance abuse. It’s a vicious spiral, which also leads to severe difficulty in functioning on a daily basis in school, at work, or in your interpersonal relationships. It can just be something as simple as weight fluctuations, but there’s also the associated feeling of apathy. A depressed person may just not care what happens anymore, a self-loathing and self-destructive trend that can lead to falling even deeper into the abuse of alcohol and drugs. If the person doesn’t care anymore and simultaneously wants to forget the sexual trauma, substance abuse can be a dangerous avenue toward self-harm.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Any traumatic event can cause severe and long-lasting symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). You may be most familiar with associating PTSD with war and battle, but the effects can be felt when you’ve had a car accident, a surgery, or a vicious attack. The memory becomes linked with the physical and emotional repercussions, as nightmares and panic or anxiety attacks can lead to severe physical reactions: loss of breath, distress and increased heart rate related to sudden sounds, lights, smells, or anything related to the traumatic event.

Dissociation

Also, linked with traumatic encounters and abuse is the dissociation, which is also linked to PTSD. That’s the feeling of being separate or absent from one’s own body. It’s often associated with a feeling of being disconnected, an outsider. In trauma cases, dissociation is a coping mechanism to allow the person to survive and function. Long term, though, it can lead to more troubling effects like trouble focusing or concentrating. In more severe cases, dissociation can lead to a loss of the ability to function for periods of time. Depending on the severity of the dissociation symptoms, those affected by the disorder can also turn to alcohol or substance abuse to help or reinforce the numbing feeling that helps them cope with everyday life, and avoid memories of the past trauma.

How to recover

Even by itself, sexual trauma and abuse present difficult challenges coping with life and all of its challenges. Combined with the major depression, PTSD, and dissociation (as well as the potential for schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and other psychological illnesses and disorders), the obstacles may seem insurmountable.

Just as the studies track the troubling trends of trauma and substance abuse, though, they also offer hopeful moments. Recovery is possible, but awareness of the relationship between sexual trauma and substance abuse is key. If we don’t understand or grasp what is happening, we are not able to take the steps to prevent it from happening to other young trauma survivors, and we also will not be prepared to implement the appropriate treatment that’s so desperately needed (and lacking in many cases).

The process of recovery doesn’t happen overnight, and it’s not an easy journey, but with the right help and continued support system in place, you can be on the road of recovery.  Contact us today to make the first step. Newport Beach Recovery has trained professionals to help you get through this.