If you have ever experienced a traumatic event or even just everyday stress, you can understand why someone would turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate. Substance use is one of the most common ways people cope with the effects of trauma. But did you know that using drugs or alcohol also makes you more likely to experience trauma? If you struggle with substance use disorder and co-occurring disorders like trauma, you will benefit most from dual diagnosis treatment at a professional addiction treatment center.
At Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston, we understand the strong connection between substance abuse and trauma. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs can help you overcome the mental, physical, and emotional effects of substance use disorder while helping you process and heal from trauma. This comprehensive approach to treatment addresses the needs of the whole person for the most effective recovery. Give us a call today at 866.516.8356 to learn how we can help you heal from substance abuse and trauma simultaneously.
Why Are Addiction and Trauma Connected
Substance abuse and trauma are closely related. Millions of people in the United States struggle with substance use disorder, with significantly more experiencing at least one traumatic experience in their lifetime. A person experiences a traumatic event such as a major accident, military combat, a violent attack, or sexual abuse. In such cases, they may not know how to manage the lingering effects. Some of the most common effects of trauma are:
- Exhaustion
- Anxiety
- Fear
- Depression
- Anger
- Dissociation
Without proper treatment, a person may turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve the above symptoms. Although trauma is a significant trigger for substance use disorder, sometimes things occur the other way around.
The Relationship Between Addiction and Trauma
There are three primary relationships between substance use and trauma:
- Substance use serves to self-medicate the effects of trauma when healthier coping mechanisms are not in place.
- Substance use can make you more vulnerable to experiencing adverse effects after a traumatic experience. A person who abstains from drugs or alcohol may be more resilient to the stress caused by such an event.
- Substance use can make you more likely to experience a traumatic event in the first place. While many stressful events are not related to drug or alcohol use, using these substances can put you in situations where these events are more likely to occur. Some examples include sexual assault, being the victim of a violent act, or involvement in a serious accident.
Since substance use and trauma often occur together, it is vital to enroll in dual diagnosis treatment for thorough healing.
How to Heal from Co-Occurring Disorders
If you are experiencing the symptoms of trauma and struggle with substance use disorder, you may be unsure how to get your life back. Dealing with substance abuse and trauma can be a significant challenge, but you can reclaim your well-being with dual diagnosis treatment. This specialized approach to treatment involves:
- A treatment team of trauma-informed staff – This ensures your comfort and safety as you process past trauma and learn how to move on.
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy – This treatment can help you process and heal from trauma.
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – This modality helps you address the underlying causes of substance use disorder. It can also help you restructure negative thoughts and feelings regarding your past trauma to help you break free from beliefs that no longer serve you.
- Medication – This can help make withdrawal more comfortable and may help manage mental health conditions.
Dual diagnosis treatment will also provide you with support from your treatment team and your peers during group therapy sessions.
Heal from Substance Use and Trauma at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston
If you or someone you care about is self-medicating to manage the effects of trauma, reach out to Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs will help you get through withdrawal and address trauma and mental health conditions that are holding you back from enjoying life to the fullest. Call us today at 866.516.8356 to learn how to enroll in our evidence-based substance use and trauma treatment.
