The Importance of Trauma-Informed Treatment

Many people who are working to overcome addiction benefit from trauma-informed treatment. After all, according to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), nearly 75 percent of people who seek out substance abuse treatment have experienced trauma.

What Is Trauma?

Many people think of trauma as one life-altering event, such as a school shooting, a violent crime, or being involved in a bad car accident. But trauma can result from a series of painful or terrifying events as well. For example, people who survived childhood abuse experience trauma over many years. People who have been abused often experience high levels of substance use, anxiety, and depression.

It’s likely that a person who suffered abuse for an extended period of time would also be diagnosed with PTSD disorder. In war, circumstances are often volatile and changing. Being deployed overseas and experiencing life-threatening events repeatedly is also traumatic. People who have experienced combat also experience anxiety, depression, and PTSD at much higher levels than the general population.

Trauma-Informed Care Is Crucial

Trauma-informed care is a compassionate and therapeutic approach that considers a client’s trauma when developing a treatment plan. Therapists who use this approach are trained to understand and recognize the symptoms of trauma. By assessing the signs and symptoms of trauma, they can better help clients and support their mental health needs.

Many people who live with substance use disorder are self-medicating their trauma symptoms, such as anxiety or depression. Learning to recognize these symptoms and seek healthier coping skills is another part of recovery. You don’t have to get high or drunk to cope with your feelings.

Many people react in anger or fear as a defense mechanism when harboring some form of inner trauma. Addressing those feelings and helping a client feel safe and move toward healing is the goal of trauma-informed therapy.

Getting and Accepting Help

If you or somebody you love has a substance use disorder, help is available. We’ve helped people from all walks of life get sober in a stress-free, discreet environment. We’re only here to help you get comfortable and get ready to start living a higher quality of life.

Substance use can put a wall between you and your loved ones. It can chase away your dreams and goals. But recovery IS possible. Give yourself a chance! Reach out at 619-452-1200 to learn more about how we can help.