If trauma suddenly seems like a hot topic in the recovery world, rightly so. In recent years, everyone from behavioral health experts to recovering addicts seems to have caught on: trauma matters and trauma-informed treatment can help.
Not only does a history of traumatic experience make people more likely to abuse substances – by up to 75% – but it can also be the stubborn wrench in the works that prevents meaningful life progress, even after getting clean and sober.
Why is this? The jury is still out, largely. However, countless research studies confirm the link between traumatic experiences in childhood and addictive behaviors in adulthood. In fact, researchers found that the more adverse traumatic events someone experienced in early life, the more likely they were to later struggle with addiction.
Some research suggests that this may be because people who experienced trauma have nervous systems that are often dysregulated – or, put more simply, out of wack. The chemical and physical processes associated with danger remain activated in their minds and bodies long after the difficult event occurred, leaving them stuck in a vigilant, stressed-out state.
Sounds like a stage set for drinking or using, no?
The overuse of substances in this case may have simply begun as a coping mechanism to deal with anxiety, depression, boredom, and lingering hurt. Eventually, though, this strategy fails.
Usually, people seeking treatment find that a comprehensive solution is required. Getting off the booze, drugs, or crazy behavior alone generally won’t cut it. And to do this, most need to turn and face their dark past. Including that old trauma that may have led them to substance abuse in the first place.
Because these two issues are so closely intertwined, treating substance abuse without addressing the underlying trauma will usually be incomplete. That is why seeking help from a trusted source that has the language, resources, and framework for this holistic healing approach is essential.
Enter Trauma-Informed Treatment.
Trauma-Informed Treatment in Scottsdale
At Scottsdale Providence, we believe that trauma-informed treatment works best when trauma and addiction are approached as co-occurring and interrelated issues. When people don’t meet their terror, shame, fear, and isolation, it is difficult to create comfortable and sustainable sobriety.
Trauma victims who use drugs or alcohol are generally looking to find short-lived solace from an internal experience that is unbearable. This is where we come in. Our work is to help people find their way to lasting recovery through integrative care that begins from the ground up by using trauma-informed treatment.
Our experience is that very seldom are any two people’s individual needs the same. We believe in creating comprehensive trauma-informed treatment plans to treat the whole person. We see the big picture, and give our clients the support and resources they need to have the best possible shot at lives that are whole, healthy, and happy.
Our expert treatment team uses an array of evidence-based therapies for trauma-informed treatment alongside addiction.
We offer both time-tested and cutting-edge modalities to help our clients find real solutions to old problems. From CBT and EMDR to Somatic Experiencing and everything in between, our trained, compassionate clinicians guide patients to face their core issues and healing so they can return to full, happy lives. In addition, robust psychiatric care, case management, discharge planning, acupuncture, yoga and fitness all make up a truly comprehensive trauma-informed treatment experience.
If you are looking for a new way of life and are ready to embark on a journey using trauma-informed treatment to guide you, we would love to help. Get in touch to find out more about how we can help!