Recovery is a word that many people instantaneously associate with addiction. Unlike a broken bone, the wounds of trauma run so much deeper—and this is where the idea of recovery begins.
Trauma can stem from anything, from childhood neglect or abuse to the sudden death of a loved one, being present in a traumatic event like an accident or natural disaster, or witnessing something violent. These wounds affect a person in all areas of their life, and left unaddressed, , it’s common to experience struggles with emotional, physical, or mental health.
World-renowned trauma and addiction expert Dr. Gabor Maté says, “Trauma is an invisible force that shapes our lives. It shapes the way we live, the way we live and the way we make sense of the world. It is the root of our deepest wounds.”
The good news? Healing is always possible. Recovering from trauma is not time-bound, no matter how stretched or hopeless it may appear. It is never too late to start recovering from trauma.
What we learned about the other side of trauma: The invisible scars
Trauma is often misunderstood because it doesn’t always come from the most extreme or violent circumstances. It might result from more subtle but chronic situations like experiencing emotional neglect or dysfunction during childhood.
The American Psychological Association (APA) defines trauma as any single or multiple events experienced by an individual that result in severe psychological distress. Shortly after the event, many people exhibit shock and denial. However, long-term reactions can include more “unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea.”
It is also important to understand that trauma is subjective. What one person may be able to cope with, another might find deeply traumatising.
According to Dr. Bessel van der Kolk, one of the leading experts on trauma and author of The Body Keeps the Score, the key defining characteristic that determines if an event will be traumatic lies in whether our coping mechanisms become overwhelmed by what’s happening. For the person who lived it, trauma is less about what happened and more about how it was internalised emotionally and physiologically.
Some may minimise their trauma, thinking, “It wasn’t that bad” or comparing their experiences to others. But trauma isn’t a contest. It’s about the long-term effect on your mental, emotional, and physical health. Acknowledging the impact of these invisible wounds is a step towards healing.
Trauma and the brain: What happens when we don’t heal
Trauma that isn’t healed does more than just stay in our minds; it changes the structure of our brain. Research studies show that trauma affects three key areas: the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex.
The amygdala, which processes fear and emotions, becomes hyperactive, heightening anxiety and hypervigilance by processing more threats. The hippocampus, a region of the brain that helps store memories, may shrink, making it hard to distinguish between old and recent memories. The prefrontal cortex, responsible for decision-making and rational thinking, may be impaired, causing difficulty with impulse control and emotional regulation.
Trauma can rewire the brain to be in a constant state of alert, as if danger is always lurking. For some, this manifests as panic attacks and crippling anxiety. For others, it may be emotional numbness or detachment from reality. As Dr. van der Kolk emphasises, unresolved trauma often presents as somatic symptoms in the body—be it chronic pain, fatigue, or other physical sensations.
But there’s hope. Our brains have the capacity to change and heal themselves through neuroplasticity. This means that even if trauma has reprogrammed our minds, we can still recover. With the right therapies and tools, it’s possible to rewire these neural pathways and develop healthier responses to stress and emotional triggers.
Why it’s never too late to heal: The process
For many, the concept of healing trauma seems impossible, especially if that pain has been with them for what feels like their whole life. People often believe that they are simply too old to heal from trauma. They may feel as though they are “too far gone.” However, modern psychological research strongly contradicts these views. Studies have shown that trauma healing can occur at any age or any stage of life, whether someone is 25 or 75.
Dr. Judith Herman, Harvard psychiatrist and author of Trauma and Recovery, explains that recovery from trauma isn’t a linear process. Instead, it evolves in stages over time—a journey through which survivors pass on their way to healing.
Safety is the first step in healing. For those who have experienced trauma, this can mean building a safe, stable environment and creating a sense of trust in relationships. Next, it involves revisiting the traumatic memories and emotions in a controlled, therapeutic space, like when seeing a therapist.
Finally, recovery involves reconnecting with the world in new ways. This might mean finding meaning and purpose beyond the trauma and building better relationships. Even for those who have spent the years just surviving, healing is possible.
The role of therapy in trauma recovery
Therapy is one of the most effective ways to start healing from trauma, specifically therapies designed to address its effects. Among the most studied and effective approaches is Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). This type of therapy can reprocess traumatic memories—meaning your brain is rewired so that the memory no longer causes intense emotional pain. The EMDR International Association reports that “EMDR therapists in 130 countries in 130 countries have successfully treated millions.”
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is another beneficial therapy that helps you discover and rewire harmful thought patterns created by trauma. CBT can help challenge and correct negative beliefs people may have formed about themselves, their world, or others due to their traumatic experiences.
Body-focused therapies, such as yoga or somatic psychotherapy, are also effective for those with physical symptoms resulting from trauma. Trauma doesn’t just affect the mind; it leaves an imprint on the body, and these treatments reduce somatic tension and help people reconnect with their physical sensations.
Healing is about progress, not perfection
Trauma recovery isn’t about erasing the past. Healing doesn’t mean you’ll forget what happened, nor does it mean the pain will entirely disappear. Instead, the goal is to live alongside the pain, to integrate those experiences without letting them control your life. Healing means moving forward with a “toolbox” of support and a stronger sense of who you are.
Dr. Peter Levine, the creator of Somatic Experiencing, says that trauma recovery is about finding a sense of completion or “resolution.” Even if the event can’t be undone, the body and mind can still heal. It’s about feeling grounded in the present moment and regaining a sense of agency over your life. Recovery helps you find your inner strength and calmness, even when the memories of the past try to creep back in.
As the saying goes, “It’s never too late to be what you might have been.” It’s never too late to begin the process of healing, whether through therapy, reconnecting with yourself, or cultivating a community of support. The scars of trauma may never truly disappear, but they can become a source of strength and resilience. Healing isn’t about achieving some unrealistic version of perfection—it’s about progress, one small step at a time.
Begin your healing journey today
Trauma may seem like a permanent shadow looming over your life, making you feel like peace is out of your reach. But it’s never too late to step into the light. Healing is always available, whether you’ve been carrying unprocessed trauma for years or just recently acknowledged it. With the right tools and support, it’s possible to rewire your brain, reclaim yourself, and move forward.
As Dr. Gabe Maté so eloquently says, “The essence of trauma is disconnection from self. And the essence of healing is connection to self.”
The depth of human healing is incredibly profound. And the best part? It’s always within reach.
Camino Recovery is here to help
If you or someone you love is struggling with the pain of trauma, remember that healing is possible—no matter how long it’s been. At Camino Recovery, we specialise in trauma-informed care, offering a range of therapies tailored to help you find safety, understanding, and recovery. Our team of compassionate professionals is here to guide you on your journey to reclaiming your life and building a future free from the weight of past experiences.
Take the first step towards healing today. Contact us to learn more about our programs and start your journey to recovery in a safe, supportive, and serene environment. Because it’s never too late to heal.
References:
- Van der Kolk, B. A. (2014). The Body Keeps the Score: Brain, Mind, and Body in the Healing of Trauma. Penguin Books.
- Bremner J. D. (2006). Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues in clinical neuroscience, 8(4), 445–461. https://doi.org/10.31887/DCNS.2006.8.4/jbremner:
- Herman, J. L. (1992). Trauma and Recovery: The Aftermath of Violence—from Domestic Abuse to Political Terror. Basic Books.
- Levine, P. A. (1997). Waking the Tiger: Healing Trauma. North Atlantic Books.
- EMDR International Association. (2021). “About EMDR Therapy.”
- Mate, G. (n.d.). Trauma. Dr. Gabor Maté. https://drgabormate.com/trauma/
Ameet Singh Braich, a distinguished Clinical Director at Camino Recovery, is renowned for expertise in addiction and trauma resolution. With 15+ years of experience, he transforms lives through a holistic therapeutic approach. His research focuses on childhood maltreatment's impact on cognitive, emotional, and social functioning.
A dynamic speaker and trainer, Ameet empowers clients to achieve lasting recovery, prioritizing trauma resolution and relapse prevention. His diverse training includes EAP, crisis intervention, and EMDR. Committed to positive transformation, Ameet equips individuals across fields to address challenges of addiction.