There is a strong link between trauma and addiction. Some people who experience a traumatic event are not able to process what has taken place. Although not everyone will respond to a major accident or violent crime by developing an addiction, research shows that it is often much more likely. People who go through traumatic events or circumstances as children are around five times more likely to become addicted to drugs or alcohol.
HOW TO HANDLE TRAUMA IN ADDICTION RECOVERY
When a person is dealing with the effects of a trauma from the past and also substance abuse, they are known as dual-diagnosis. This means that they need to have both conditions treated separately, while at the same time. In many cases a mental illness like PTSD can fuel addiction and so it is necessary to break the link between the two conditions when they present in one person.
One of the most effective techniques used to treat patients dealing with trauma and addiction is cognitive behavioral therapy. CBT is a discussion-based method of changing learned behaviors in order to respond in healthy ways to negative stimulus. Much of the work done in rehab is focused on making significant changes to how a person lives their lives to promote a healthier life in recovery.
In order to make the behavioral changes required to achieve recovery, it is necessary to identify the specific thought processes driving both addiction and a person’s response to trauma. Through this process, therapists are able to guide people to adapt the way they think and feel and ultimately change the way they behave.
FIND EFFECTIVE WAYS OF DEALING WITH TRAUMA IN ADDICTION RECOVERY IN ORANGE COUNTY
If you are concerned about yourself or a loved one’s drug and/or alcohol use, we can be of help. We devise completely personalized treatment programs that address the unique needs of each patient in our care. Contact us now at Casa Recovery for a confidential consultation on mental health treatment in San Juan Capistrano, CA and start your journey to recovery in Orange County today.