Trauma Informed Practices During Addiction Treatment

It’s not uncommon for people with a history of drug and alcohol abuse to also have a history of past trauma. When addiction specialists incorporate trauma informed practices for these clients, treatment is often much more effective. The right approach can help clients finally begin the process of moving past the trauma into a healthier, addiction-free future.

The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

A traumatic event isn’t just a bad experience that you’ve had. Although no one likes having bad days, or phases, they are a part of life. Trauma, however, is what happens when you can’t move past the event or situation. You’re unable to move forward. Instead, you continually relive the traumatic event—including how you felt when it happened—as if it’s still going on.

While some people are seemingly able to deal with a traumatic event such as domestic violence with no permanent, adverse effects, others remain stuck in that experience.

Trauma therapy is a good option for people who can’t move on. But, only a small number of those who need therapy seek it out. Far too many of them try to escape their negative feelings or cope by abusing drugs and alcohol. The more dependent they grow on these damaging substances, the higher their chances of developing an addiction.

How Trauma Informed Practices During Addiction Treatment Helps

Specialists who use trauma informed practices in addiction treatment understand that clients must feel safe, supported and empowered. They need to develop trust in other people. Above all, clients should not feel like they’re reliving the same trauma over and over.

Many men and women who have lived through a traumatic event have trouble voicing their feelings. They may not feel safe, physically or emotionally.

A trauma informed approach doesn’t try to make clients forget about what happened to them. A skilled therapist works instead to help them deal with their feelings differently. An effective addiction treatment program shows them that they have healthier, more productive ways to cope with trauma and substance dependence.

With the right treatment plan in place, professionals can guide clients toward increased self-esteem and self-worth. As their confidence grows, they’ll turn to other coping skills for recovery in place of drugs and alcohol.

Break Free of Drug and Alcohol Addiction—Starting Today

At Beaches Recovery in Jacksonville, Florida, our skilled team takes a comprehensive approach to addiction treatment. We treat addiction to a range of substances, including alcohol, meth, opioids, heroin and prescription drugs.

The addiction therapy services we offer include:

• PTSD treatment program
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT)
• EMDR therapy
• Family therapy
• Group therapy

If a past trauma has contributed to your addiction, let our trauma informed practices make a difference in your life. At Beaches Recovery, our compassionate professionals provide trauma informed addiction treatment programs to help men and women move forward into healthier, happier futures. Reach out to us today at 866.605.0532 to learn how we can help you.