Trauma and addiction are two very serious issues that often go hand in hand. Trauma can be caused by a variety of different things, such as sexual, physical or emotional abuse, the death of a loved one, or a natural disaster. Traumatic events can leave people feeling overwhelmed and helpless, which can lead to substance use disorder as they try to cope. Addiction is a serious problem in its own right, but when it occurs alongside trauma, it can be even more difficult to overcome.
Trauma Defined
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) says that trauma is an emotional and psychological response to a horrible event such as a car accident, sexual abuse, or natural disaster. Immediately after the traumatic event occurs, it is normal to experience feelings of shock and disbelief. However, some people experience great difficulty in moving on from the traumatic event and experience significant symptoms that impact their ability to live their lives. Changes in mood, behavior, and thinking can occur after experiencing a traumatic event. Many people self-medicate to cope with trauma, which becomes the foundation for the link between trauma and substance abuse.
Signs and symptoms of trauma can last for days, weeks, months, and even longer. Common signs and symptoms of trauma include:
Many people experience trauma and it is not a rare thing. In fact, roughly 50% of women and 60% of men experience some sort of trauma in their lifetime. Trauma can occur one time, multiple times, or be a chronic occurrence. Trauma impacts everyone differently and is dependent on several variables such as age, type of trauma, frequency of trauma, and underlying mental and physical health issues. The impact of trauma ranges in severity and can impact your life and overall functioning in many ways. Trauma can lead to mental and behavioral health problems such as alcohol or drug abuse and addiction issues.
Trauma and Mental Health
If trauma symptoms are left untreated, they can lead to mental health and substance use disorders.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental illness that can develop after a person experiences trauma. Symptoms of PTSD include the symptoms listed above as well as:
- Re-experiencing the event over and over (flashbacks)
- Intrusive or scary thoughts about the event
- Avoiding thoughts about the trauma
- Avoiding places, things, and people that remind you of the trauma
- Being easily startled
- Feeling agitated or on edge
- Negative thoughts about yourself
If you think you may have symptoms of PTSD, talk to a licensed mental health professional to see if you meet the criteria and help develop an appropriate treatment plan that suits your needs. Camelback Recovery has licensed mental health professionals that can work with your physical, mental, emotional and spiritual healing.
Trauma and Addiction
Studies suggest that people who have trauma histories are at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders versus individuals who have not experienced trauma. Symptoms of addiction include:
- Neglecting daily responsibilities at work, home, and school
- Change in physical appearance including weight loss, bloodshot eyes, tooth decay, odor
- Legal issues
- Financial problems
- Risky behavior and poor judgment
- Problems in interpersonal relationships
- Changes in personality and attitude
- Paranoia, anxiety, and other mental health concerns
Due to the correlation between trauma and addiction, both substance use and trauma must be treated simultaneously. Fortunately, trauma and addiction can be effectively treated by licensed mental health professionals, and Camelback Recovery understands the importance of addressing both issues concurrently. We offer trauma and addiction therapy in Arizona at our intensive outpatient (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs.
Trauma and Addiction Therapy in Arizona
Camelback Recovery offers both IOP and PHP programs at our sober living in Scottsdale to help you overcome mental health and addiction challenges. A PHP program can be thought of as an intensive day program and is suitable if you are experiencing significant mental health challenges that are interfering with your ability to function. PHP is not suitable for people who are at risk of harming themselves or others. PHP meets up to 5 days a week for several hours a day.
An IOP program is an intensive program where you meet at least three hours a day, three days a week. IOP usually occurs after PHP as it is less intensive than PHP. An IOP provides you the opportunity to continue to maintain responsibilities at home with your family and at work. It supports abstinence from drugs and alcohol and is suitable if you have a stable living environment and support network.
Mental Health and Addiction Services in Phoenix, Arizona
Camelback Recovery incorporates trauma and addiction therapy in Arizona into both PHP and IOP and offers services that address both your mental health and substance abuse needs and even put the fun in sobriety. Services included in both programs include case management, life coaching, sober living options, evidenced-based therapy such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, and medication management, among many others. Call an admissions coordinator at (602) 466-9880 or fill out the contact form. You can expect to hear from us within one business day.
Sources:
- https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
- https://www.apa.org/topics/trauma#:~:text=Trauma%20is%20an%20emotional%20response,symptoms%20like%20headaches%20or%20nausea.
- https://wp.nyu.edu/steinhardt-appsych_opus/addressing-trauma-in-substance-abuse-treatment/
- https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
- https://www.tn.gov/behavioral-health/substance-abuse-services/treatment—recovery/treatment—recovery/prescription-for-success/warning-signs-of-drug-abuse.html
