Adult survivors of childhood neglect and abuse have a higher risk of experiencing substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health issues. Untreated trauma caused by adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) has a profound effect on how adults relate to others and approach rehabilitation for SUD. Driftwood Recovery provides trauma-informed services and personalized care to adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect.
Understanding the Effects of Adolescent Abuse and Neglect
Adolescent abuse and neglect have long-lasting adverse effects on a person’s physical health and mental well-being. Individuals with a history of ACEs often struggle to make connections with peers and may find it challenging to manage everyday stressors. Driftwood Recovery offers comprehensive treatment programs, providing clients with the tools to identify and address the maladaptive behaviors and thought patterns caused by childhood abuse or neglect.
Defining Abuse: Types and Forms
All forms of childhood abuse and neglect affect how individuals develop. Some of the most common forms of adolescent abuse include:
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Verbal abuse
- Neglect
- Witnessing domestic abuse
- Substance abuse by caregivers
- Educational neglect
- Financial abuse
- Cyberbullying
Adult survivors of abuse and neglect often have lingering trauma related to their experiences. Some individuals use maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse, to manage symptoms or side effects of trauma.
The Impact of Childhood Neglect and Psychological Abuse on Adults With Substance Use Disorder
Adult survivors of childhood abuse have a higher risk of experiencing additional trauma in adulthood and developing SUD or mental health disorders. According to the Journal of Traumatic Stress, “[R]esearch suggests that both exposure to childhood abuse and later exposure to trauma can contribute to substance use problems.” We use evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help people heal from the effects of substance abuse and co-occurring trauma-related mental health disorders.
The Effects of Abuse and Neglect on Adolescent Mental Health
All forms of adolescent abuse and neglect can have an impact on social, behavioral, cognitive, and physical development. People who experience trauma at a very young age are more likely to report severe or persistent trauma responses.
Some of the potential effects of abuse and neglect on adolescent mental health include:
- Anxiety disorders, including attachment disorders
- Depressive disorders
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Low self-esteem and self-worth
- Suicidal thoughts or behaviors
- Self-harming behaviors
- Behavioral issues
- Academic problems
- Developmental delays
- Chronic stress
- Dissociation
- Eating disorders
Abuse and neglect in adolescents often affect how people manage daily stressors and relationship conflicts. The long-term effects vary depending on multiple factors, including how people manage their trauma triggers and the type of abuse experienced.
Risk Factors and Causes of Adolescent Abuse
Some of the most common risk factors and causes of adolescent abuse, trauma, and neglect include:
- Parental substance abuse or mental health issues
- Poverty or financial instability
- Parental absence or incarceration
- Unstable housing or homelessness
- Lack of social support
- High-stress environments
Adolescents in families with fewer resources have a higher risk of experiencing adverse childhood experiences.
The Role of Substance Abuse and Social Isolation in Adolescent Neglect
Caregivers who engage in substance abuse often neglect adolescents due to an impaired ability to provide practical care and emotional support. Adolescents with caregivers who abuse substances have an increased risk of misusing substances themselves. Substance abuse by adolescents may lead to social isolation and worsen the effects of parental abuse or neglect.
Family History of Substance Abuse and Ending the Cycle of Addiction
Substance abuse often becomes a multigenerational health issue, passing down pain and emotional distress to new generations. Individuals and families can stop the cycle of addiction by seeking professional addiction and mental health treatment. Driftwood Recovery offers family therapy and support services to help clients and their loved ones end the cycle of abuse.
Effective Therapeutic Approaches for Trauma Related to Adverse Childhood Experiences
ACEs impact behavioral and social development. Treatment for adults living with the side effects of unaddressed ACEs may include the following:
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
- Drama therapy
- Exposure therapy
- Self-help groups
- Group psychotherapy
Alternative holistic therapies, including yoga, acupuncture, and meditation, also help clients heal from the trauma and emotional distress caused by ACEs.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Its Role in Healing
Many people with a history of childhood abuse or neglect struggle with low self-esteem and may engage in negative self-talk. CBT helps individuals in rehabilitation identify and challenge negative thought patterns. Clients learn to recognize unhealthy or maladaptive beliefs, thoughts, and behaviors. CBT also helps clients develop healthy coping skills, including positive self-talk and regular self-care.
The Importance of a Supportive Community and Safe Spaces
Many adults with a history of ACEs have difficulty trusting others and building healthy relationships. A supportive community and safe space allow people to explore new connections. At Driftwood Recovery, we encourage peers to uplift and empower one another during their healing journey.
Coping Strategies and Resilience Building for Adult Survivors of Abuse and Neglect
Some practical life skills, coping mechanisms, and stress management techniques clients learn in treatment include:
- Approaching situations from a more objective perspective
- Using mindfulness and relaxation techniques to reduce stress and regulate emotions
- Conflict resolution and effective communication
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Tracking mood changes and monitoring patterns of behavior
We provide each client with coping strategies tailored to meet their unique needs. Adult survivors of childhood abuse and neglect benefit from building a toolkit of practical and effective coping strategies. Driftwood Recovery uses a combination of psychotherapy, peer support, holistic therapies, and prescription medication to help clients build resilience and develop essential skills for managing trauma responses. Our rehabilitation programs ensure clients have the tools and resources to regulate emotions and create new routines to support long-term sobriety and positive mental health.
Driftwood Recovery’s Approach to Treating Adults With a History of Adolescent Abuse and Neglect
We offer personalized treatment programs and trauma therapy to support clients with a history of adolescent trauma. Our programs include residential treatment, intensive outpatient care, and community integration. The holistic therapies and community support at Driftwood Recovery provide clients with a nurturing space to heal and grow. We collaborate with clients to develop appropriate and effective treatment plans to support healing and long-term sobriety.
Childhood abuse and neglect can have a profound effect on adult mental health. Driftwood Recovery addresses underlying trauma caused by adverse childhood experiences using psychotherapy, prescription medication, and other treatments. To learn more about our programs and services, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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