Physiological trauma is a common underlying cause of substance use disorder (SUD) and mental health conditions. In addition, individuals diagnosed with SUD have an increased risk of experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Unaddressed trauma has the potential to impact all areas of a person’s life. Driftwood Recovery uses evidence-based and alternative holistic therapies to help clients process and heal from psychological trauma.
Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Substance Abuse Recovery
Trauma has a profound effect on a person’s mental and physical health. Many people have difficulty managing stress, building trust, and developing healthy coping skills after experiencing a trauma. Childhood trauma and adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) increase the risk of a person developing trauma-related mental health disorders and substance use disorder.
What Is Trauma?
Psychological trauma is an emotional reaction to experiencing or witnessing a highly stressful event. Trauma can happen to anyone at any time, and how people react depends on many factors, including their access to mental health care, support systems, and coping skills. Research by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) describes “individual trauma as an event or circumstance resulting in:
- physical harm
- emotional harm
- and/or life-threatening harm
The event or circumstance has lasting adverse effects on the individual’s:
- mental health
- physical health
- emotional health
- social well-being
- and/or spiritual well-being”
Everyone responds differently to trauma. Some individuals have an increased risk of developing mental health issues or substance abuse after witnessing or experiencing traumatic events.
Common Signs and Symptoms of Trauma
Some of the most common signs and symptoms of trauma include:
- Intrusive memories or thoughts related to the traumatic event
- Flashbacks and other dissociative episodes
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares related to the trauma
- Hypervigilance
- Increased startle response
- Self-isolating behaviors
- Emotional numbness
- Feeling disconnected from others
- Difficulty concentrating
- Memory issues
- Guilt, shame, or blame related to the trauma
- Depressive episodes
- Anxiety
- Intense feelings of fear related to thoughts, memories, or reminders of the traumatic event
Untreated trauma has the potential to cause people to develop maladaptive coping techniques, including substance abuse, to manage their symptoms.
How Trauma Affects Mental Health and Substance Use Disorder
Trauma can make it more difficult for people to get the help they need to address substance use or mental health disorders. We customize care to ensure individuals with psychological trauma and co-occurring substance use disorder receive the most appropriate care. Our clinicians use a trauma-informed approach to make sure clients avoid experiencing secondary trauma during the treatment process.
Substance use and mental health disorders have multiple possible connections, including:
- Traumatic events may cause people to abuse substances as a method of coping
- Substance abuse may cause people to witness or experience traumatic events
- Both conditions may develop independently
Driftwood Recovery uses a multidisciplinary approach to client care, ensuring individuals with a history of trauma work with experts in addiction recovery, mental health, and trauma therapy. Tailored services reduce the risk of retraumatization and improve treatment outcomes.
The Role of Cognitive and Emotional Support in Trauma Recovery
Cognitive and emotional support play crucial roles in trauma recovery and provide clients with a nurturing environment for personal healing and growth. In addition, cognitive support gives clients the necessary context to successfully reframe negative thoughts and beliefs in a more positive way. Clients in rehabilitation learn to develop healthier coping skills to manage stress and the symptoms of trauma-related mental health disorders. Emotional support services provide clients with a safe space for processing feelings and building trust. Clients learn to overcome the effects of trauma using various evidence-based and holistic therapies.
The Importance of Emotional Resilience
Improving emotional resilience benefits people in treatment for co-occurring substance use disorders and mental health issues. According to the European Journal of Psychopharmacology, people may use “mindfulness, relaxation techniques, exercise, cognitive strategies ranging from distraction to reframing and cognitive flexibility, and social support.” Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), family therapy, and other forms of treatment promote emotional resilience.
Strategies for Handling Trauma-Related Stress
Trauma-related stress negatively impacts how people function. Creating strategies for handling trauma-related mental health issues ensures clients have the resources to maintain ongoing sobriety and positive mental health. Clinicians collaborate closely with clients and their loved ones to develop effective strategies to meet their needs.
Building a Strong Community Support Network
Community services keep individuals in recovery accountable for their actions while providing essential social and emotional support. We offer referrals to private and community-based recovery and mental health support services to ensure clients have the tools and resources to maintain healthy lifestyle changes after completing treatment.
Involving Family and Caregivers in Recovery
Some individuals may require additional support to maintain long-term recovery. We offer family therapy and other support services to help clients establish healthy relationships and daily routines before completing treatment. Our team reduces the risk of client relapse by educating family members and caregivers on the importance of structure and accountability during early recovery. By involving family members in the treatment experience, we ensure clients and their loved ones understand the best way to maintain long-term sobriety and positive mental health.
Utilizing Peer Support and Community Resources
Peer support is an integral part of recovery from trauma and substance abuse. Trauma may make it difficult for clients to connect with others or feel comfortable building a trusting relationship with their care team. Driftwood Recovery facilitates peer support through group therapy, support groups, and community activities. Clients learn to set boundaries and develop healthy connections with others.
Personalized Trauma Recovery Plans at Driftwood Recovery
The personalized care plans at Driftwood Recovery take into consideration all the factors impacting a client’s mental and physical health. We understand trauma can have a profound impact on how people navigate recovery and long-term sobriety. Our team uses personalized plans based on collaboration with clients and comprehensive assessments.
Long-Term Support and Aftercare Programs
Aftercare programs ensure clients remain motivated to maintain positive lifestyle changes and continue practicing abstinence. The services also provide essential support for individuals living with the effects of trauma. Aftercare programs offer emotional and practical support to help clients remain sober and develop healthier outlooks on life. Driftwood Recovery ensures clients can access aftercare services, including individual therapy, self-help groups, sober companions, and our community integration program (CIP). We use all the resources at our disposal to support clients and their ongoing recovery. Our clinical team may refer some clients to private trauma specialists to ensure they get the help they need to heal and recover.
Trauma has the potential to impact all areas of a person’s life and, if left untreated, can contribute to the development of mental health disorders or substance use disorder. To learn more about trauma treatment at Driftwood Recovery, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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