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Come Together to Fight Addiction

How are Trauma and Addiction Connected?

trauma and addiction

The unfortunate reality of life is that many people suffer through traumatic events. Whether this trauma occurred over many years, many years ago, or in a single event recently, there is an all too common connection between trauma and addiction. The connection between trauma and addiction is clear because trauma can cause severe psychological and physical reactions in people. For some, the pain is enough to push them toward drugs and alcohol. A trauma therapy program offers a comforting and effective way to manage your trauma and addiction safely. Contact A Better State online or call us at 781.412.1488 today to learn how our trauma therapy and addiction program can help.

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Trauma and substance abuse are undeniably linked together in a harmful dance. 75% of people who receive treatment for substance abuse have reported histories of trauma and addiction. A trauma therapy program at A Better State can be successful because it aims to uncover, address, and make sense of your traumatic experiences and PTSD through individual counseling that takes a holistic approach to treat you as a whole, complex, unique individual. At the same time, our medical professionals work on digging deep to unearth the roots of addiction to heal the whole of you and point you in the direction of a brighter, better, and healthier future. Some of the most common forms of trauma that can lead to addiction include:

  • Childhood neglect
  • Abuse (sexual, physical, emotional)
  • Domestic violence
  • Death of a parent, child, spouse, or close friend
  • PTSD
  • Natural disasters
  • Surviving an accident

When battling trauma and substance abuse simultaneously, we have seen that a patient may feel overwhelmed and alone while attempting to cope with the harm caused by childhood trauma and addiction. This is why we place the utmost importance on designing a trauma therapy program just for you, one that deals with your past trauma and co-occurring mental health issues and the subsequent substance abuse endured. Our Hudson, New Hampshire facility is safe, clean, and comfortable and is staffed by a compassionate team who understands and appreciates the connection between trauma and addiction. When being treated properly, an individual patient of ours will learn that they are not alone, that their trauma and addiction are seen, and know that it is possible to overcome a traumatic past and enjoy a happier life going forward.

Trauma impacts not only a person’s emotional state but their physical well-being too. When suffering from intense trauma and addiction, a person may experience:

  • Abnormal sleep
  • Respiratory issues
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Muscle pain
  • Cardiovascular concerns
  • Neurological issues

The Importance of a Trauma Therapy Program

No one should have to handle their trauma and substance abuse alone because people fighting two battles without a strong support network or the professional help they deserve are more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the hurt, memories, and regret. Self-medication offers only temporary relief for the pain caused by trauma. A substance use disorder will appear in the long run, and the drugs will put the patient in a deeper hole. This then makes mental health problems even more difficult to manage daily.

You need and deserve professional help for your trauma and addiction. Thankfully, through the skilled, expert help offered in A Better State trauma therapy program, you will be treated holistically to discover if any co-occurring disorders may be causing you further mental, physical and emotional distress. There is no one size fits all approach to treating trauma and addiction, so a personalized treatment plan will be designed with you and only you in mind. This way, your trauma, and substance abuse will be addressed properly, allowing you to begin to heal and recover and learn coping mechanisms and life skills that you will rely on to overcome, avoid relapse, and ultimately foster a lifetime of recovery.

Learn More at A Better State

Learn how the trauma-informed, holistic approach to treatment A Better State can be the starting point for reframing your life and moving forward safely and confidently without drugs or alcohol. Contact us using our secure online form or call us confidentially at 781.412.1488 today.