Trauma can be defined as a deeply disturbing or distressing event. The results of a traumatic event can affect an individual’s physical, emotional or psychological wellbeing. A person who has suffered serious trauma is at greater risk for depression, anxiety, substance abuse, and even suicide. To overcome the long-term effects of trauma, people often require a trauma therapy program at a trauma treatment center, consisting of specialized medical, psychological, and psychiatric care. To learn about the treatment options available for trauma, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today at 866.516.8356.
How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body
Immediately after a traumatic event, individuals may demonstrate a range of reactions, which depend on their life experiences, coping skills, community support, and other factors. Reactions may range from very loud, reactive and emotional, to very quiet and even stoic. The actual form that the initial reaction takes is less important than whether their coping mechanism allows the victim to operate successfully, completing daily tasks, maintaining self-esteem, and maintaining healthy relationships.
The response to trauma becomes concerning when they are long-lasting and disruptive. More severe responses to trauma may include:
Emotional
- Depression
- Irritability/Hostility
- Anxiety
- Numbness
Mental
- Memory Loss/Amnesia
- Emotional Detachment
- Depersonalization-Sense of being outside of one’s own body.
Physical
- Sleep disorders
- Gastrointestinal issues
- Cardiovascular issues
- Urological disorders
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Possibly long-term mental health issues triggered by trauma where the person may experience anxiety, flashbacks, anxiety, nightmares, as well as uncontrollable memories of the traumatic event.
Biological Changes
Trauma may also result in long or short-term changes in biological functions. These changes may contribute to the physical, emotional, and physical issues listed above. These biological changes may include:
- Limbic System – The limbic system is the part of the brain that deals with emotions, memory, and arousal and includes the Amygdala, Hippocampus, Thalamus, prefrontal cortex. Additionally, the victim may experience the memory of the traumatic event, complete with a replay of emotional and physical sensations.
- Hypothalamus- In patients suffering from trauma, the hypothalamus may continue to release corticotropin-releasing-hormone (CRH), which appears to play a role in depression
Trauma can have a long-lasting impact physically, emotionally, and psychologically. The effects of trauma can dramatically alter a person’s life. They can disrupt work, family life, and other social interactions and make the individual more susceptible to drug and alcohol abuse, as well as suicide.
Trauma Therapy Program Offers Treatment
An effective trauma therapy program in Houston will involve a multi-faceted approach dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional impacts of trauma. There are several methodologies for treating trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), including:
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)-This type of therapy involves helping the patient understand their thoughts and feelings and how to change disturbing thoughts and behaviors.
- Cognitive processing therapy- Guided by the therapist, the patient identifies and challenges distortions in the way they perceive themselves, the world, and others.
- Medication-assisted treatment-Treatment may also involve medication in conjunction with therapy to deal with the symptoms of trauma and PTSD. For example, benzodiazepine may be prescribed for anxiety. Care must be taken, however, because some drugs are addictive.
To determine how trauma therapy can help you overcome addiction and trauma, please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today for treatment.
Seek Treatment at Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston Today
If you or someone you love is suffering from trauma or PTSD, seek support immediately. Look for a trauma therapy program that offers a variety of therapeutic approaches and deep experience in trauma therapy.
If you are seeking a trauma therapy program, consider the trauma treatment center at Serenity House Detox & Recovery House. In addition to long experience in helping patients deal with trauma, we are also experienced helping patients deal with the substance abuse that often goes hand in hand with trauma. We offer a range of substance abuse treatment options, including:
No one deserves to struggle with trauma or substance abuse alone. Please contact Serenity House Detox & Recovery Houston today by calling us today at 866.516.8356.