How Trauma-Informed Care Can Help with Addiction Treatment
Many people struggling with trauma or symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) may not realize what they’re experiencing. Trauma occurs in many situations, from one-time events like a car accident to long-term scenarios such as living in an abusive environment. Although it may feel like you cannot escape traumatic memories, trauma therapy makes it possible to move forward.
Counseling is very effective for treating trauma or PTSD. Trauma therapists help patients process their psychological trauma and identify PTSD symptoms. By creating a safe space, (PTSD) therapists make it possible for patients to speak openly about their experiences and understand how it affects them.
Trauma therapy may seem intimidating, as dredging up traumatic memories can be painful and anxiety-inducing, but it can also be freeing. Trauma therapy helps establish healthy techniques to recognize triggers and cope with bad memories, alleviating some of the mental weight so you can live a fuller life.
Holistic Approach to Mental and Physical Health in Santa Cruz, CA
Holistic treatment is designed to meet a person’s physical, emotional, mental and spiritual needs, ensuring they receive well-rounded care to treat trauma, PTSD or addiction.
There’s a strong link between substance use and trauma. Research shows that exposure to a traumatic event, especially as a child, has been linked to substance use and codependency.
A substance use disorder can develop when a person turns to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms associated with a dysregulated biological stress response, which makes individuals more vulnerable to addictive behaviors.
Trauma can also cause depersonalization, numbness or other mental conditions such as anxiety and depression. Drugs and alcohol change a person’s emotions by producing pleasure and offering a reprieve from intrusive thoughts or other common symptoms of trauma and PTSD. Over time, an individual may increase their consumption to cope with these symptoms, leading to substance dependency.
Trauma-Induced Addiction
Symptoms can vary depending on the type of trauma experienced. People with trauma or PTSD may experience a wide range of symptoms, such as trouble maintaining relationships, angry outbursts or low self-esteem. Individuals may turn to substances to repress their symptoms instead of healing.
Collective Traumatic Events
Collective trauma is a shared psychological reaction to a major traumatic event. Examples of events that can cause collective trauma or PTSD include wars, pandemics, terrorism, divorce & loss of employment.
Childhood
More than two-thirds of children report experiencing at least one traumatic event before age 16. Types of childhood trauma can include physical, psychological or sexual abuse, community or school violence & neglect.
Sexual Assault PTSD
Survivors of sexual assault are at an increased risk of developing PTSD. Survivors may experience severe trauma symptoms, including insomnia, nightmares, flashbacks, intrusive thoughts & relationship issues.
Traumatic Loss
Traumatic loss can happen anytime and spark a wave of emotions where you may find relief in using substances to release the pain. Traumatizing circumstances include homicide, suicide, natural disasters, accidents & war or terrorist attacks.
Medical Trauma
Medical trauma occurs when an individual develops persistent traumatic stress reactions after a serious injury, life-threatening illness or major illness, especially if the threat is long-term or permanent.
Violent Assault PTSD
Survivors of violent crimes may experience PTSD symptoms such as mood swings, anxiety, numbness and avoiding certain situations. Examples of violent assault include robbery, physical assault, prowlers/stalkers & domestic abuse.
Treatment Options for Trauma Therapy in Santa Cruz, CA
Why Co-Occurring Disorders Need Treatment During & After…
A person struggling with both a substance use disorder and a mental health condition is typically diagnosed with a co-occurring disorder. Without proper treatment, an individual may turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate symptoms of an untreated mental illness such as PTSD, depression or anxiety. Instead of treating the symptoms, this can make them worse.
Co-occurring disorders cause a lot of turmoil in a person’s life, making it harder to heal trauma. In Santa Cruz, CA, trauma and addiction treatment can primarily benefit clients and assist with personal growth.
The Key Addiction Treatment Center: Trauma Therapists in Santa Cruz, CA
Living with past trauma or PTSD can be difficult, causing many to turn to drugs or alcohol to suppress negative emotions. The KEY is to address those emotions and learn how to cope with them. If you live in the Santa Cruz, CA, area and are seeking trauma therapy near you, The Key IOP program can help you address the roots of your issues. Call us today and take the first steps toward a healthier lifestyle.