It’s well known in the behavioral health field that trauma is strongly correlated with addiction. The work with Veterans-in-recovery that we do at our treatment center focuses on coping with and processing PTSD, and we’ve seen great results in the Veteran population as well as the first responders.
However, a recent study published in the European Archives of Psychiatry and Clinical Neuroscience has revealed that psychological trauma increases one’s risk of mental disorder by threefold.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)
Not only military service, but also adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) contribute to trauma responses. If a traumatic event happens during childhood, it can alter a child’s feeling of security. Some examples of ACEs are:
- Verbal, sexual, or physical abuse
- Domestic violence
- A separation from a parent
- An early and serious illness or invasive medical procedures
- Neglect
ACEs can rewire the brain and influence behavior, including increasing the likelihood of developing a substance use disorder (SUD).
Effective Therapeutic Interventions are Available for Trauma
The good news is that there’s better tools for processing trauma than ever before, and these methods are increasingly available to those who need them.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) for Trauma
EMDR is a form of psychotherapy developed to alleviate the distress associated with traumatic memories such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In EMDR, the person being treated recalls distressing experiences whilst doing bilateral stimulation, such as side-to-side eye movement or physical stimulation, such as tapping either side of the body. The result is that the memory is interrupted and the traumatic event’s influence on the patient is reduced.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Trauma
Four interventions are strongly recommended, all of which are variations of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Cognitive behavioral therapy focuses on the relationships among thoughts, feelings and behaviors; targets current problems and symptoms; and focuses on changing patterns of behaviors, thoughts and feelings that lead to difficulties in functioning.
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) – Cognitive processing therapy is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that helps patients learn how to modify and challenge unhelpful beliefs related to the trauma.
- Cognitive Therapy – Cognitive therapy entails modifying the pessimistic evaluations and memories of trauma, with the goal of interrupting the disturbing behavioral and/or thought patterns that have been interfering in the person’s daily life.
- Prolonged Exposure – Prolonged exposure is a specific type of cognitive behavioral therapy that teaches individuals to gradually approach trauma-related memories, feelings and situations. By facing what has been avoided, a person presumably learns that the trauma-related memories and cues are not dangerous and do not need to be avoided.
Getting Help for Trauma and Addiction
Statistically, about two-thirds of the population with an addiction problem have experienced a traumatic event. Experiencing unpleasant feelings or emotions from a traumatic memory leads many sufferers to “self-medicate” with alcohol or drugs. Eventually, they develop a tolerance to the drug and increase their use, which only worsens the situation.
When PTSD and addiction are both present, they are known as co-occurring disorders, and we describe the person as having a dual diagnosis.
To treat someone with a co-occurring SUD and trauma, both issues should be addressed by a trained counselor simultaneously. But first, detoxification from the substance is necessary. This should be done under medical supervision in a rehab facility. After detox, the patient can learn certain coping skills that replace the need to self-medicate.
You are Not Alone and Help is Available
If you or someone you love is struggling with a SUD that is complicated by past trauma, take comfort in the knowledge that this is a common diagnosis, and help is increasingly available. A good starting point might beThe Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration which can be reached at 800-662-HELP (4357).
The 12-Step program of Alcoholics Anonymous has been a huge help to many, as well as the numerous alternatives that have emerged, like SMART recovery, Celebrate Recovery, and Narcotics Anonymous. Individuals can also talk to their doctors, who can do a screening assessment and make referrals.
If you are in the Southern California area, you are welcome to contact me directly at 619-993-2738.
