It’s common for people who have been through traumatic experiences to turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as self-medication. Trauma is often at the heart of addiction, which is why trauma-informed addiction treatment is so vital for long-term recovery. At BRC Healthcare, we understand the importance of addressing both addiction and trauma during treatment. We provide a comprehensive approach to healing that incorporates evidence-based practices for addressing co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD, substance use disorder, and depression. Our trauma-informed care addresses the underlying causes of addiction while providing individuals with the tools they need to manage their triggers and build a healthy lifestyle.
Trauma-informed addiction treatment at our centers in Austin, TX helps our clients safely reprocess trauma and regain control over their lives. Through insightful trauma-informed care, we help people address the physical, emotional, and sexual trauma that leads to addiction. Contact BRC Healthcare today at 888.559.2036 to learn more about our trauma-informed addiction treatment programs and get the help you need for lasting recovery. Together, we can create a foundation of healing and recovery.
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
Trauma and addiction often go hand-in-hand. Traumatic events can lead to substance misuse as a form of self-medication. This is because some drugs, such as opioids and stimulants, can provide temporary relief from the intense emotions associated with trauma. Unfortunately, these coping strategies can become addictive and lead to further substance misuse.
Some examples of traumas that people often self-medicate from include:
- Sexual abuse
- Child abuse
- Physical and emotional neglect
- Domestic violence
- Combat or war-related experiences
People with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are more likely to develop an addiction in comparison to most. In part, this is because individuals try to mask the emotional pain that they feel through substance abuse. PTSD can cause:
- Increased amygdala function (which elevates fear and stress levels)
- Decreased long-term memory and ability to make decisions
- Smaller hippocampus in terms of volume (issues with emotional responses)
- Increased cortisol and norepinephrine responses to stress
Those in need of trauma and addiction treatment may have severe withdrawal symptoms when they try to stop using drugs and alcohol. This often stops people from getting the help they need.
What Is Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment?
For those who have endured trauma, addiction treatment must address the underlying causes of substance misuse. This is why trauma-informed addiction treatment is so important. Trauma-informed addiction treatment integrates evidence-based practices into personalized plans that help individuals identify and address trauma. All staff members on a trauma survivor’s recovery team must be in the mindset to validate their feelings with an individualized approach. This means gently uncovering each client’s respective trauma to heal its wounds. This type of treatment focuses on the following:- Ensuring that clients can safely identify trauma without further harm
- Recognizing the widespread impact of trauma and its distinct paths to recovery
- Helping everyone connected to the trauma victim recognize and uncover hidden trauma
- Implementing organizational rules and procedures that reflect a trauma-informed perspective
Why Is Trauma-Informed Care Necessary?
Trauma-informed therapy is important because it allows individuals to resolve any emotional wounds from trauma in the long term. It also helps people break unhealthy patterns of behavior, such as substance misuse. Trauma-informed care focuses on helping individuals understand why they turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the pain associated with past traumas. This type of treatment also helps individuals regain control over their lives and develop healthier coping strategies.
Heal from Trauma at BRC Healthcare
At BRC Healthcare, we understand the importance of addressing trauma and addiction together for long-term recovery. We provide a comprehensive approach to healing that incorporates evidence-based practices for addressing co-occurring disorders, such as PTSD, substance use disorder, and depression. We help our clients achieve long-term recovery and have experience helping even the most treatment-resistant individuals. Contact BRC Healthcare today at 888.559.2036 to learn more about our trauma-informed addiction treatment in the Austin, TX area.