The link between trauma and substance use is profound, particularly for individuals with a history of childhood trauma, neglect or abandonment.
This is not to dismiss the effects of other types of trauma.
However, adverse experiences in our early years, when our perceptions about the world and our understanding of what safety means are developing, can influence how we view ourselves and others, often in persistent, unhelpful ways.
Researchers say individuals with a history of trauma are more likely to abuse substances like alcohol and drugs as a means of regulating their mood.
They may also engage in substance misuse to manage intrusive thoughts and to suppress the arousal caused by increased production of stress hormones (Levin et al., 2021; van der Kolk, 2014.)
As if that’s not challenging enough, trauma can lead to a dysregulated nervous system, which, as the literature conveys, can increase your vulnerability to addictive behaviours.
These behaviours often involve substance abuse and process addictions like gambling and other compulsive behaviours to help you cope with unpleasant symptoms or painful emotions tied to your past.
That said, our understanding and treatment of the complex dynamic between substance use and trauma require a trauma-informed approach to treat both conditions concurrently.
This approach involves a combination of different therapies, including behavioural therapy, trauma treatment, and experiential methods, to ensure that individuals receive a well-rounded recovery, one that addresses their issues with addiction and trauma simultaneously.
At Camino Recovery, we specialise in diagnosing and treating co-occurring disorders, including substance addiction and trauma; using a “whole” person approach to recovery, you can expect the following therapies and approaches to be included as part of your treatment plan:
Residential Addiction Treatment
Our inpatient residential treatment program typically lasts thirty-ninety days, during which time we adapt your treatment and care according to your needs and challenges.
Click here to learn more about our inpatient program.
Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
CBT involves exploring any unhelpful thoughts and behaviours that may cause (or worsen) your addiction and trauma symptoms.
The core principle of CBT is to challenge maladaptive thinking and behavioural patterns you may have adopted to cope with stressful situations but no longer serve you in your current life.
Under the guidance and care of the Camino Recovery team, you can explore any destructive beliefs and cognitions in a safe, supportive environment and discover the link between past traumatic experiences, including addictive patterns, to help you break this cycle once and for all.
EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitisation Reprocessing Therapy)
EMDR is a pioneering trauma treatment developed by Francine Shapiro in the 1980s.
The principle of this treatment is to help you reprocess and discharge traumatic memories that may have been “stored” in your body and nervous system during a stressful event.
Often, we do not have the resources to process traumatic material as it’s happening because we are too busy trying to survive whatever threat or shock is taking place in our immediate environment.
However, after the threat subsides, the mind and body may produce symptoms such as flashbacks or hypervigilance as an attempt to process the difficult event.
These symptoms can be profoundly distressing to the individual experiencing them, causing many to engage in substance abuse to cope.
However, once the person has successfully reprocessed (and released) traumatic material from their mind and body, they will no longer experience such distress when thinking about their past, reducing their need to engage in destructive behaviours such as drinking or taking drugs.
As well as the above programs, we also provide other treatments as part of your recovery plan, including:
- Equine Therapy
- Family Support
- Art Therapy
- Group Therapy
- Individual Treatment
Please speak to our professional team today for further advice and support.
We are here and ready to help.
Understanding the link between trauma and substance use
Trauma and addiction are deeply intertwined, with one condition often compounding the other.
For instance, an individual experiencing symptoms of PTSD after a stressful event may drink or take drugs to help them numb or avoid painful emotions or uncomfortable sensations.
Whether someone has experienced childhood abuse, a significant loss, or other adverse experiences, unresolved trauma often leads to a cycle of substance misuse as a form of self-medication.
How trauma leads to addiction
There are various explanations for how trauma can fuel addictive behaviours.
But as renowned addiction and trauma expert Gabor Mate states: “We must ask ourselves, not why the addiction but why the pain.”
When we can understand the root causes of addictive behaviours, which are often rooted in some form of unrelenting sadness, loneliness, or chronic shame, we can help unveil and resolve the coping mechanisms a person may use to survive.
Inherently, trauma can lead to substance dependence for many reasons, depending on the person, their history, and other factors.
However, research suggests that co-occurring trauma and substance use disorders are often due to the following:
1. Emotional numbing
Alcohol and drugs can offer individuals temporary relief from their emotional (and physical) suffering.
However, “temporary” is the key word here.
Once the effects of these substances have worn off, the person’s suffering is often heightened or more intense due to constant hangovers, severe comedowns and the shame and guilt associated with substance abuse.
Many people turn to alcohol or drugs to escape painful memories, depression, or anxiety caused by trauma.
However, these coping methods only serve to alleviate their suffering in the short term – and often result in individuals having to manage two conditions at the same time: the trauma and the addictive behaviours used to cope with adversity.
2. Dysregulated nervous system
Trauma, particularly complex trauma, can alter brain function, leading to a dysregulated nervous system.
The above can make it more challenging for individuals to manage stress and can increase their cravings for substances that offer temporary relief.
3. Increased risk for PTSD
Those with trauma histories are at an increased risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
Adverse experiences such as the sudden loss of a loved one or a severe injury can bring on this condition and may cause various unpleasant symptoms, such as:
- Flashbacks
- Hypervigilance (anxiety)
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Extreme distress when reminded of the trauma
- Avoidance of anything that reminds a person of what they experienced, including people, places, objects, etc
As well as the above, individuals with PTSD are more likely to struggle with substance addiction as they seek ways to calm their emotions or intrusive thoughts.
4. Chronic patterns of self-destruction
Trauma survivors have often learned to adapt to stressful or chaotic environments as a way of coping.
This type of chronic stress exposure can mean individuals fall into addictive behaviours as a way to control their environment or distract themselves.
Such maladaptive responses are often due to chronic cycles of self-destruction where individuals unknowingly sabotage their health and relationships.
Without proper help and support, this cycle may continue and lead to full-blown substance addiction and dependency.
Understanding and recognising substance use
Substance use can manifest differently for each individual, especially when it is associated with past trauma or adversity.
According to the DSM-5-TR, substance addiction is often marked by several of the following symptoms and behaviours:
- Increased substance use: Using more significant amounts of a specific substance or for more extended periods than initially intended.
- Failed attempts to quit: Repeated unsuccessful attempts to reduce or control substance use.
- Preoccupation with substances: You may spend a significant amount of time obtaining, using, or recovering from the substance.
- Cravings and urges: You may experience a strong desire or compulsion to use the substance.
- Interference with daily life: You may struggle to meet deadlines or responsibilities due to substance use.
- Continued use despite negative consequences: It is common for individuals who have an addiction to abuse substances even when it causes them harm or other negative consequences.
- Loss of interest in once-enjoyed activities: You may give up social, work, or recreational activities favouring substance use.
- Risky behaviours: This involves engaging in unsafe activities while under the influence of a specific drug or alcohol.
- Tolerance: You may require more significant amounts of the substance to achieve the same effects.
- Withdrawal symptoms: You may experience physical or emotional distress when not using the substance.
If the above symptoms sound familiar, this may be a sign you are struggling with substance addiction due to unaddressed trauma or other causes.
It is important to speak to a professional who can assess your symptoms and history and give you a proper diagnosis and treatment plan to help you recover.
Bottom Line
Our bodies tend to hold onto trauma, acting as a storage system for painful experiences and serving as an extension of the unconscious mind.
Recognising the connection between trauma and substance use is an essential step toward recovery.
By taking a holistic approach, which involves treating both trauma and addiction concurrently, individuals can begin to release the pain of their past, restore balance, and move toward lasting sobriety and wellness.
At Camino Recovery, our compassionate and experienced team specialises in diagnosing and treating various types of trauma and substance use disorders.
We use a range of evidence-based therapies, including behavioural, experiential, and trauma-informed treatments, to support deep healing and transformation.
Contact our professional team today to learn more about our addiction and trauma treatment programs and take the first step toward lasting peace and recovery.
You are not alone in this journey. Help and support are just a phone call away.
Additional Resources
- 1. Trauma and Addiction: What is the Link? Camino Recovery, April 20, 2023
