There is a well-documented link between traumatic experiences and problematic drug and alcohol use. Not only can past exposure to trauma increase your risks for substance abuse and addiction. If it goes unaddressed in rehab, trauma’s ongoing effects can seriously disrupt your recovery. These facts explain why trauma treatment is such an important rehab resource. The time you spend in a trauma therapy program may be as important as any other part of your recovery plan.
The Basics of Unresolved Trauma and Substance Problems
Large numbers of Americans experience traumatic events as children or adults. These experiences are notable because they heavily strain your tolerance for extreme stress. Adults typically have a greater ability to handle this strain. However, as with children and teens, their coping attempts are sometimes unsuccessful. The end result of this kind of stress overload varies. But in many instances, it leads to increased use of drugs and alcohol.
Studies show that any form of unresolved trauma can contribute to an eventual diagnosis of serious substance problems. However, some lingering traumas tend to have a greater impact, including:
- Physical or sexual abuse during childhood
- Rape and sexual or physical assault
- Recurring exposure to intimate partner violence
In addition to experiencing diagnosable substance problems, you may also develop posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Other kinds of trauma-related mental health issues can also co-occur with substance abuse or addiction.
The Importance of Trauma Therapy as a Substance Rehab Resource
It’s hard to overstate the importance of dealing with trauma. That’s true even if you never develop a substance problem. It’s also true even if you never develop PTSD or a related condition.
In the context of substance treatment, trauma therapy may prove essential. Why? Say, for example, your substance use is partly motivated by unresolved trauma. If that trauma goes unaddressed, one of the most significant sources of your problems also goes unaddressed. In these circumstances, your odds of recovery will likely drop.
The importance of trauma therapy is even greater if you’re also affected by a trauma disorder. Unless you recover from that disorder, your drug or alcohol problems may grow worse. At the same time, your substance problems may make your trauma symptoms worse. This closed loop of dysfunction may be impossible to break without trauma therapy.
The Benefits of Trauma Therapy for Substance and Trauma Recovery
Trauma therapy is a category of substance and mental health treatment, not a single method. Many of the available treatments are forms of cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). In fact, there’s a form of this therapy designed explicitly for those affected by unresolved trauma. You may also benefit from another CBT option called prolonged exposure therapy.
What are the benefits of trauma therapy? Common results for those who participate include:
- Reduced susceptibility to current reminders of a past trauma
- A better ability to cope with any remaining trauma reactions
- Reduction of any other trauma-related symptoms
- An improved ability to make progress in substance recovery
- You may also experience a general improvement in your mood and outlook.
Overall, integrating trauma therapy into your recovery plan can pave the way for healing and resilience while enhancing your overall quality of life.
Contact Northpoint Today for More on the Importance of Dealing With Trauma
Traumatic experiences can derail your ability to function in everyday life. They can also increase your risks for substance abuse and addiction. The importance of trauma therapy in these situations is widely acknowledged. Without it, you may have difficulty reaching your rehab goals.
Want more information on this vital topic? Call the professionals at Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281. You can also contact us online. We’re your source for up-to-date information on the need for trauma treatment. We’re also your source for customized trauma therapy. We frequently use this therapy in our substance and mental health recovery plans.
