- Adderall
- Alcohol
- Barbiturates
- Chronic Relapse
- Cocaine
- Codependency
- Compulsive Hoarding
- Crack Cocaine
- Crystal Meth
- Dual Diagnosis
- Eating Disorder
- Ecstasy
- Gamma Hydroxybutyrate (GHB)
- Gender Specific Issues
- Heroin
- Hydrocodone
- Inhalants
- Ketamine (Special K)
- Lysergic Acid Diethylamide (LSD)
- Marijuana
- Methadone
- Methamphetamine
- OxyContin
- Phencyclidine (PCP)
- Prescription Drug Abuse
- Process Addiction
- Ritalin and Concerta
- Sex and Love Addiction
- Steroids
- Suboxone
- Synthetic Cannabis
- Trauma
- Valium
- Video Game Addiction
- Xanax
Trauma
The link between traumatic experiences and substance abuse is strong and well-documented. For example, up to two-thirds of clients in substance abuse treatment report childhood abuse or neglect, according to the National Trauma Consortium. Nearly 90 percent of alcoholic women were sexually abused as children or suffered severe violence at the hands of a parent.
So, yes, trauma and addiction are clearly intertwined. The question is…what do we do about this fact?
The answer: call The Way Out today at 1-877-WAYOUT7. We provide FREE assistance to families searching for drug abuse or alcoholism treatment. Our network of treatment providers includes facilities across the country, and we only work with programs that meet our strict quality standards. Unlike some of those other referral services, we never accept sales commissions from drug rehab facilities, so you can trust that our recommendations are based solely on YOUR needs.
When it comes to trauma, our philosophy is to treat the whole person during the drug rehabilitation process, including the memories and baggage that so often are a root cause of the addictive behavior. Another key strategy is creating a nurturing environment that allows clients to feel comfortable. At The Way Out, our high-quality drug rehab centers use these and other trauma-centered techniques to empower clients. Our comprehensive, holistic approach includes:
- Traumatic Incident Reduction therapy, or TIR – this is a highly-effective technique that our counselors use to conquer past traumatic events. TIR encourages the client to repeatedly “view” the event in question is if they were watching a videotape. After repeated viewings, the event starts to lose its negative power, and the client can re-assert control over his or her life.
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, or CBT – Sometimes it is our negative thoughts, and not the world around us, that is bringing us pain and leading to substance abuse. CBT focuses on rewiring our thoughts, enabling clients to change the way they think and feel regardless of whether the outside situation immediately improves. Of course, in time, clients’ improved outlook usually improves their living situation dramatically.
- Expressive Therapy – So many of us respond to trauma by burying the pain emotionally, and sometimes it becomes difficult to talk about these long-repressed experiences. Expressive therapies such as Art Therapy, Dance Therapy, and Music Therapy provide an alternative way of releasing pent-up feelings. For some clients, this therapy can be a dramatic turning point – a 2007 study published in the Art Therapy journal found that recovering addicts who painted self-portraits showed an improved ability to confront their addictive natures.
- Creating a Safe Zone – Confronting traumatic events from 10, 20 or even 50 years ago can be a challenge. For many of us, the fear of being overwhelmed by the past leads to avoidance and denial – tactics that prevent us from achieving a successful, long-term sobriety. At The Way Out, our facilities offer a safe, trusting environment where clients realize it is OK to let their guard down. In this Safe Zone, no one judges you, and an atmosphere of love and support heals us all.
For many of us, the traumatic experiences began in childhood but did not stop there. A life of substance abuse carries its own risk of further trauma. Research has shown, for example, that women who are addicted to drugs or alcohol are much more vulnerable to violence because of their exposure to unsafe situations.
The trauma that comes from drug addiction and alcoholism should prove, once and for all, that addiction is not the way to solve our problems. Those who turn to using as a way of escaping past trauma find that drugs only create more trauma – all of the pain and misery becomes multiplied.
If you or your loved one is struggling with substance abuse, make today the day that you say “ENOUGH!” Enough of letting our past determine our future. Enough of feeling that we aren’t worthy or deserving of happiness. Enough of finding solace in feeling drunk or high.
Instead, let’s begin to find strength in ourselves – strength that, deep inside, has always been there. The first step is calling The Way Out at 1-877-WAYOUT7. Our caring, compassionate treatment consultants are available around-the-clock, and we offer FREE unbiased assistance in finding the right substance abuse treatment facility. Call us today.