Will Substance Abuse Treatment Programs Help Me Deal with My Trauma?

People who have suffered from trauma in the past are more susceptible to addiction. The pain they experienced stays with them, and the substances can help numb the pain- at least temporarily. When the high or the hangover wears off, the pain is still there. For that reason, the addict gets high or drunk again. The best way to really resolve the addiction problem is to get to the root of the problem- the trauma. Many people aren’t sure that a treatment program will do that, though. Here’s what you should know about recovery and trauma.

Treatment Takes You Away

Some people have constant reminders of their trauma at their home every single day. Getting out of that environment and going to treatment for a couple of weeks can help. You aren’t surrounded by the constant reminders of what has happened to you.

Furthermore, you aren’t able to access drugs while in treatment. When the trauma does hit your brain, you aren’t able to go out and buy drugs or alcohol. You are forced to deal with the emotions in a controlled environment. You will learn that there are other ways to handle those feelings. One of the best ways is to simply allow yourself to experience and feel the traumatic feelings. You may also turn to writing, drawing, or music to help you through those times. When you get out of the treatment center, you will be able to apply these new coping mechanisms to your regular life.

You Get the Chance to Talk

Some people are stuck with negative feelings following them because they don’t take the opportunity to address their feelings. When you actually talk about your feelings and what is bothering you, it can really take a huge weight off of your shoulders.

In treatment, you will be forced to go to group and individual therapy sessions. In these sessions, you will get to talk about the things you went through in life. The sessions are intentionally made to be a safe and comfortable space for people. Feeling safe and comfortable can really get you talking. You may start to talk about things you’ve never talked about before. Once you let your feelings out, you can start to deal with them.

Support

If you feel comfortable enough to talk about your trauma in a group setting, you may find other people who have been through similar things. You may start to bond with certain people based on these similar traumas. You may not know the person before you got to treatment, but they could end up becoming a great friend. You may even become a great support system for each other after you leave treatment. When the negative feelings are hitting you, you can reach out to your new friend. They will understand you better than someone who might not have been through the same things you have both been through.

Reality

Some people use their past as an excuse for present day actions. While the past is important, it’s in the past. Staff at the treatment center will help patients with a serious dose of reality. They will remind patients that their life is their own responsibility. They can’t feel bad for themselves any longer. If they want to be happy, they need to take accountability for their actions and their own life.

After Care

When you leave treatment, the journey is just beginning. To help you be as successful as possible, you need to continue care after you get home. A treatment center will have resources to help you get in contact with support groups and therapists that can assist you after you get home. When you talk about your personal trauma, the staff at the treatment center can push you in the right direction. They may also have literature and other resources specifically designed for people who have been through trauma in their lives.

Treatment is the perfect place for people who turn to drugs or alcohol due to pain from childhood trauma. You’ll get the support you need, but you’ll also get the dose of reality you also probably need to get your life back on track. Call us at 772-266-5320.

Related Posts

About Us

Essentials mission is to renew lives impacted by addiction through personalized and complete behavioral healthcare. Our main purpose is to provide services and education to the client and family that will support long lasting recovery of mind, body, and spirit.