Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma may contribute to the development of substance use disorder (SUD) in some individuals. Childhood trauma has a profound and lasting effect on people’s lives. Trauma therapy is an essential part of recovery from substance abuse for many people in recovery. Driftwood Recovery uses childhood trauma therapy and other therapeutic methodologies to help clients overcome the lasting effects of psychological trauma or emotional neglect.
Understanding Childhood Trauma Therapy
Childhood trauma is caused by witnessing or experiencing emotionally distressing events. Untreated childhood trauma affects cognitive and behavioral development in children and teens. Some of the most common causes of childhood trauma include:
- Neglect
- Abuse
- Domestic violence
The impact of childhood trauma on mental health may lead to risk-taking behaviors, including alcohol or drug abuse. Trauma also affects relationships and may impact how people interact with others, reducing access to social support.
How Childhood Trauma Affects Emotion and Behavior
Long-term psychological trauma in childhood can lead to anxiety, depression, and substance abuse later in life. Many individuals experience long-lasting effects of trauma. Without professional treatment and healthy coping strategies, people may continue to experience the impact of trauma for decades. Individuals or families concerned about the effects of childhood trauma may benefit from speaking with a mental health professional. The experts at Driftwood Recovery educate families and individuals about the realities of addiction and mental health issues affected by childhood trauma.
Therapeutic Approaches to Childhood Trauma Recovery
Childhood trauma therapy is one of the most effective ways to treat trauma-related mental health symptoms. Anxiety, depression, and other symptoms may interfere with recovery from substance use disorder unless clients address the underlying issues. Clinicians use trauma therapy techniques to help clients grow, heal, and safely reprocess trauma.
Some of the therapeutic approaches Driftwood Recovery uses to address childhood trauma and co-occurring trauma-related mental health disorders include:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Family therapy
Childhood trauma may have a more profound impact on people’s mental health compared to individuals who experience trauma as an adult. According to Mental Health and Substance Use, “Individuals with co-morbid [substance use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder] who have experienced [childhood trauma] present with a more severe and chronic clinical profile [. . .] compared to individuals with adulthood only trauma histories.” Experts at Driftwood Recovery have years of experience treating childhood trauma in adults with SUD.
The Therapeutic Relationship: Building Trust and Creating a Safe Space Using Childhood Trauma Therapy
Healing the mind and body allows people to cope with childhood trauma more effectively. Building trust is an essential step in the healing journey. Developing a therapeutic relationship ensures clients and clinicians feel safe and comfortable during treatment sessions.
Childhood trauma therapy teaches essential emotion regulation and stress management techniques to clients experiencing trauma-related symptoms. Therapy sessions also help clients process grief, shame, anger, and other strong emotions caused by childhood abuse and neglect.
Addressing Substance Use Disorder Using Childhood Trauma Therapy
Individuals who have experienced childhood trauma have an increased risk of developing substance abuse. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “People with a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse have, respectively, a 74% and 73% greater risk of developing a substance use disorder in their lifetime than other people.” The stress caused by childhood trauma may permanently change how the brain functions. Areas of the brain responsible for learning, reward, and motivation can become affected. These are the same regions impacted by substance abuse. Clinicians use childhood trauma therapy and other tools to address the underlying causes of addiction.
Holistic Approaches in Childhood Trauma Treatment
Some of the holistic therapies used to address childhood trauma during treatment include:
- Acupuncture
- Art or music therapy
- Pain management
- Mindfulness
- Meditation
Clinicians may incorporate one or more of these holistic treatments into trauma recovery therapy, allowing clients to heal from physical and emotional pain caused by childhood trauma.
Family Therapy, Childhood Trauma Therapy, and Community Integration for Long-Term Healing
Close family members may be a source of trauma or provide additional support. The clinical team works closely with clients to ensure they feel safe during treatment. Family members who have abused or neglected clients during childhood are generally not part of the treatment process unless their presence may help clients heal. Every case is unique, and the care team carefully prioritizes client safety and security. Incorporating family therapy and childhood trauma therapy into treatment plans addressing childhood trauma allows clients to process their past, develop healthier family dynamics, and move forward with their recovery.
Building a Supportive Community for Ongoing Mental Health
Clients build a comprehensive support network during treatment to promote positive mental health. Close friends, family, peers, and community members are essential in supporting individuals in recovery. Family and friends provide practical support, while peers and community members offer additional resources, treatment, and aftercare. The clinical team ensures each client has a strong support network to assist them in managing their condition long-term.
Clients benefit from participating in trauma-specific programs and trauma therapy. Driftwood Recovery offers a continuum of care to individuals healing from childhood trauma, including outpatient and residential treatment programs. Overcoming childhood trauma improves people’s quality of life and empowers them to make healthier choices. Addressing childhood trauma through therapy and other treatment modalities enhances emotional wellness and overall health. By acknowledging the effects of childhood trauma and other underlying issues, clients recover more quickly from the effects of chronic substance abuse or dual diagnosis.
The impact of childhood trauma and neglect may affect adults for decades unless they receive professional, trauma-specific treatment. Driftwood Recovery offers childhood trauma therapy and other trauma-specific services to help clients heal and move forward with their lives. To learn more about our trauma therapy and treatment programs, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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