The link between addiction and trauma is strong. Trauma increases your risk of developing addictive behaviours, and addictions increase the likelihood of experiencing traumatic experiences. This isn’t limited to substance use disorders but also includes other forms of addiction like problematic gambling, social media addiction, and video gaming addiction.
Adverse childhood experiences have a strong correlation with addiction and various mental health disorders. These experiences can predict an earlier onset of substance use and increase the risk for developing dependencies on alcohol, tobacco, and prescription drugs, highlighting the significant long-term impact of such early traumatic events.
Past and current trauma play a significant role in addiction recovery. At PCP, we are dedicated to supporting individuals through comprehensive treatment that addresses both addiction and underlying trauma.
This article examines the link between trauma and addiction, how traumatic experiences affect addiction recovery and special considerations when dealing with trauma and addiction.
How Childhood Trauma Can Contribute to Addiction
● Research suggests that a strong link exists between childhood exposure to trauma and early alcohol exposure, tobacco use, prescription drug use, substance use disorders, and mental illness. A study showed that children who experienced abuse are 4.3 times more likely to develop substance use disorders, possibly as a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma. Childhood trauma significantly increases the risk of developing psychological issues, such as PTSD, which can drive individuals to self-medicate with substances like alcohol and drugs.
● People with a history of physical, emotional and sexual trauma are more likely to develop anxiety, depression and PTSD. Some medications used to treat these conditions can be misused and are potentially addictive. This includes certain antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, stimulants, and sleeping aids. This could lead to self-medication, drug misuse, dependence and addiction. Adverse childhood experiences are strongly correlated with the development of personal alcohol abuse in adulthood.
● Physical trauma could lead to drug misuse in several ways. This includes dependence on painkillers (one of the root causes of the opioid crisis), as well as self-medication as a means of dealing with emotional distress, unemployment, financial stress, and social isolation.
● Trauma can disrupt social and environmental stability, leading to isolation and reduced access to healthy coping mechanisms. This often results in individuals turning to substances as a form of self-medication. A lack of supportive relationships and environments can further worsen the reliance on substances to cope with trauma. Individuals often self-medicate with substances to numb or escape the emotional pain associated with traumatic experiences.
● Chronic stress from unresolved trauma can lead to the use of substances as a coping mechanism. The relief provided by substances, although temporary, can become a crutch, leading to addiction. Over time, the brain’s reward system is altered, increasing the reliance on substances to manage stress and emotional pain.
The Neurobiological Impact of Trauma on Addiction
Trauma can significantly alter brain chemistry, affecting how individuals process stress and reward. The amygdala, which is responsible for emotional regulation, becomes hyperactive in response to trauma, leading to heightened stress and anxiety. The hippocampus, which is involved in memory formation, may shrink, making it difficult for individuals to distinguish between past and present threats. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and impulse control, may also be impaired, increasing the likelihood of substance use as a coping mechanism.
Psychological trauma can overwhelm coping mechanisms and lead to significant fear and dysfunction, often resulting in addictive behaviors as individuals seek relief from the distress associated with such trauma.
How Trauma Affects Addiction Recovery
● Underlying trauma may remain unrecognized. A dual diagnosis, also known as co-occurring disorders, refers to the condition in which an individual simultaneously experiences a mental health disorder and a substance use disorder. Co-occurring disorders significantly impact addiction recovery, as untreated mental health issues can exacerbate substance abuse and vice versa.
Healthcare providers may sometimes overlook underlying trauma or mental illness and focus exclusively on managing the SUD. This may leave certain underlying issues and triggers unresolved, increasing the risk of relapse. It also leads to fragmented and suboptimal care.
● The direct relationship between the severity of trauma and the risk of developing SUDs. Exposure to chronic trauma like domestic violence and intense trauma like combat increases your risk of SUD. Chronic stress can alter brain chemistry and increase vulnerability to addiction. The severity of a traumatic event directly correlates with the risk of developing SUDs, as more severe trauma can lead to more profound emotional and psychological damage.
● Greater risk of relapse. People with a history of trauma may experience triggering events like flashbacks, chronic stress, panic attacks, and mental illness. During stressful periods, people who have experienced trauma are more likely to relapse as they often use drugs as a maladaptive coping mechanism for stress.
● Co-existing mental illness. People with a history of trauma are more likely to be affected by certain mental health conditions like anxiety, depression, PTSD, and schizophrenia. A dual diagnosis often complicates addiction treatment and recovery. It requires specialized, coordinated, integrated care for both mental health issues and substance abuse, making the process more challenging.
● Makes it hard to receive care. Individuals with traumatic histories may be more reluctant to seek help or fully engage in treatment programs. They may feel distrustful, anxious, or fearful about the treatment process, particularly if past experiences with help-seeking have been negative. Trauma can affect a person’s ability to engage in group therapy, share personal experiences, or trust others, which are often key components of addiction treatment programs.
Trauma survivors might feel coerced into treatment, leading to resistance and a lack of genuine participation. They may comply superficially without truly engaging with the recovery process.
Signs of Trauma
A traumatic experience, such as bullying or childhood trauma, can lead to various signs of trauma, including psychological and behavioral issues, a high risk of addiction, and a strong correlation with PTSD symptomology.
● Persistent fatigue
● Sleep disturbances like insomnia or nightmares
● Frequent headaches
● Chronic unexplained pain
● Anxiety
● Depression
● Irritability
● Mood swings
● Overwhelming feelings of guilt or shame
● Memory and concentration problems
● Flashbacks
● Social isolation and struggles maintaining stable relationships
● Self-destructive behaviour
● Work or school issues
Who Is at Risk of a Dual Diagnosis of Substance Use Disorder?
Individuals who experience trauma, particularly in childhood or through significant hardships, are at a higher risk of dual diagnosis. Those at risk of dual diagnosis of trauma and SUD include:
● Combat veterans
● Domestic violence survivors
● First responders
● Sexual assault survivors
● People with co-occurring mental health disorders
● Individuals with a family history of substance abuse
● LGBTQ+ individuals
● Incarcerated individuals.
Special Considerations When Treating Trauma and Addiction
Treating individuals with both trauma and addiction requires a specialized approach that addresses the complexities of their conditions. Traumatic events necessitate specialized treatment approaches to effectively support those affected and mitigate harmful coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Here are some key considerations:
Greater Emphasis on Therapy
It’s crucial to provide integrated therapies that address both trauma and addiction concurrently. This often involves trauma-focused therapies such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR).
This helps patients develop healthy coping mechanisms to manage triggers and stressors that stem from their trauma. This might also include mindfulness practices, relaxation techniques, and other stress management strategies. Teaching individuals how to avoid or manage stress is essential, as stress is a common trigger for both trauma symptoms and substance use.
Professional Training in Trauma-Informed Care
Many addiction treatment providers may not have adequate training in trauma-informed care, which is essential for treating individuals with dual diagnoses. Specialized training programs for healthcare providers can improve treatment outcomes.
Trauma-informed care is an approach that recognizes the widespread impact of trauma and understands potential paths for recovery. It emphasizes safety, trustworthiness, peer support, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural, historical, and gender issues.
Integrating trauma-informed care into addiction treatment involves training staff to recognize signs of trauma, creating safe environments for clients, and offering trauma-specific therapies.
Extensive Aftercare Services
Individuals with trauma and addiction often require more extensive aftercare assistance to maintain their recovery. This can include:
● Ongoing therapy and counselling, including mental health services.
● Support groups like Alcoholics Anonymous or Narcotics Anonymous.
● Medical therapy for withdrawal, cravings or coexisting mental health conditions.
● Providing a sober living environment such as transitional housing and other forms of housing assistance.
● Helping obtain financial independence and employment.
● Providing legal assistance if required.
● Teaching former drug users relapse prevention techniques like strategies to cope with cravings, triggers, stress, and high-risk situations parties.
● Improving family and community relationships.
● Monitoring individual progress via regular check-ins and promoting accountability through mentors or sponsors.
Social and Community Support
Building a strong social and community support system is vital for dealing with trauma and addiction. Support from family, friends, and community groups can provide the necessary encouragement and stability for individuals in recovery.
Participation in support groups, such as those offered by Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA), can provide peer support and allow members to share experiences that are helpful for recovery.
Careful Medication Practices
Careful medication practices are essential to avoid potential substance misuse and manage co-occurring mental health conditions effectively. Medications for PTSD, anxiety, or depression should be prescribed and monitored by healthcare professionals experienced in dual diagnosis treatment.
Whenever possible, non-addictive medications should be used to manage symptoms of trauma and mental health disorders to reduce the risk of developing additional substance use issues.
Preventive Measures and Early Intervention
Preventive measures and early intervention are key in addressing the link between trauma and addiction. Strategies include providing trauma-informed education in schools, offering support services for at-risk youth, and ensuring access to mental health care. Early intervention can involve screening for trauma and substance use in healthcare settings, providing counselling and support before issues escalate, and connecting individuals with resources to build resilience and coping skills.
Seek Help Today
Treating trauma and addiction requires a holistic, integrated approach that addresses both conditions together. Emphasizing therapy, stress management, comprehensive services, specialized training for providers, strong aftercare support, and careful medication practices can significantly improve outcomes for individuals with dual diagnoses.
If you or anyone you know is struggling with drug addiction and trauma do not hesitate to reach out. At PCP, we are dedicated to supporting individuals through comprehensive treatment that addresses both addiction and underlying trauma,
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