How Does Trauma Affect Addiction?

Many people have suffered through traumatic events in their lives. Whether this trauma occurred over many years or in a single event, there is an all too common connection between trauma and addiction. Trauma can cause severe psychological and physical reactions in people and, for some individuals, the pain is extreme enough to push them toward drugs and alcohol. A trauma therapy program offers a safe and effective way to manage your trauma and addiction. Contact Midwest Recovery Center online or call us at [Direct] today to learn how our trauma therapy program can help.

The Unfortunate Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Severe trauma and the use of harmful substances like drugs and alcohol are intrinsically connected. 75% of people in substance abuse treatment programs have reported histories of abuse and trauma. Trauma therapy for addiction can be successful because it uncovers and makes sense of the traumatic experiences and PTSD through individual counseling for addiction and trauma therapy treatment. Medical professionals in a trauma therapy program work to address the deep roots of your addiction as a way of healing the whole self and pointing an individual toward a brighter future. Some of the most common forms of trauma that can lead to addiction include:

  • Childhood neglect
  • Sexual, physical, emotional abuse
  • Domestic violence
  • Death of a parent or a child
  • PTSD, military combat experiences
  • Acts of nature
  • Surviving a horrific accident

If suffering simultaneously from trauma and substance abuse, you may feel overwhelmed and alone while attempting to cope with childhood trauma’s persistent negativity, which may lead to a furthering of your addiction. It’s important that a trauma therapy program is staffed by a compassionate team who understand and appreciate the connection between trauma and addiction. When being treated properly through trauma therapy for addiction, an individual will come to learn that they are not alone and know that it is possible to overcome a traumatic past to enjoy a happier, healthier future free of drugs and alcohol.

Trauma impacts a person’s emotional state and physical well-being. When suffering from intense trauma or PTSD, plus an ensuing substance use disorder at the same time, a person may experience:

  • Abnormal sleeping patterns
  • Respiratory issues
  • Gastrointestinal problems
  • Muscular pain
  • Cardiovascular issues
  • Neurological problems

The Importance of a Trauma Therapy Program

No one should have to handle their trauma and substance abuse alone. When they do, the trauma and addiction may become more intense and debilitating. This is because people fighting two battles without a strong support network or the professional help they deserve from trauma therapy treatment will turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the hurt, anger, memories, and regret. Self-medication, however, offers only short-term relief for the PTSD caused by the traumatic events of the past. In the long run, a substance use disorder will appear, and the drugs will put you in an even deeper hole, making your mental health concerns from past trauma even more difficult to manage daily.

You need and deserve to receive professional help found in our trauma therapy program. Through the skilled, expert help offered in trauma therapy for addiction, 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 approach to treating trauma and addiction. In a trauma therapy program, a personalized treatment plan will be crafted to address your specific case of post-traumatic stress disorder, trauma, and addiction. This will allow you to begin to recover, heal, and see a brighter future without the need for dangerous substances. A trauma therapy program is a proven way to learn coping mechanisms and life skills to help overcome both trauma and addiction, avoid relapse, and ultimately show you a way forward for a lifetime of recovery.

Learn More at Midwest Recovery

Learn how trauma therapy treatment at Midwest Recovery 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 [Direct] today.

*The stories shared in this blog are meant to illustrate personal experiences and offer hope. Unless otherwise stated, any first-person narratives are fictional or blended accounts of others’ personal experiences. Everyone’s journey is unique, and this post does not replace medical advice or guarantee outcomes. Please speak with a licensed provider for help.

Levels of Care

Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
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Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
Our IOP gives you the flexibility to continue work, school, or family life while receiving evidence-based treatment several days a week. You’ll participate in group and individual therapy focused on relapse prevention, coping skills, and long-term healing.

Outpatient Program (OP)
For those transitioning from a higher level of care or seeking ongoing support, our outpatient program offers continued therapy at a pace that fits your lifestyle. It’s a supportive bridge that helps you maintain recovery and stay connected to care.

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MAT combines FDA-approved medications with therapy and counseling to reduce cravings and support long-term recovery from opioid or alcohol addiction. Our team monitors each plan closely to ensure safety, comfort, and effectiveness.

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