How is trauma connected with substance abuse? Some might think it is because a person who has experienced trauma is more likely to succumb to substance abuse than someone who has never had trauma. Others might feel one who uses substances is more likely to be affected by trauma than a person that does not use substances. Both summations are correct.
Traumatic experiences during any part of our lives create a need to survive, process, and cope with the residual harm to our well-being. Humans possess defense and coping mechanisms to deal with trauma, but not everyone’s coping levels are equal. Unsurprisingly, many who struggle to cope with their distress will turn to alcohol and other drugs in an attempt to experience relief.
There are several factors that can facilitate one’s willingness to self-medicate with substances. These include:
A child views the world differently than an adult and reacts using motivations we may not understand. It is important to remember that trauma is subjective. For example, trauma may present as violence, an accident, or health issues. A child who experiences trauma may face an uncertain future. As a result of early in-life trauma, a person may reason their way to self-medicate for pain and stress or experience a spike in moodiness.
According to an article in Depression and Anxiety, exposure to traumatic childhood experiences correlates with substance use disorders (SUDs). Furthermore, SUDs often run concurrently with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These disorders can stay with a well-child throughout their lives if their traumas are left untreated or unresolved.
Childhood trauma affects the nervous system, making a person more likely to have mental health issues later in life. Possible complications include anxiety, depression, PTSD, and substance abuse, among other health issues. Traumatic instances for children and adolescents do not always get reported, and as a result, much of the youth population grows up with lingering mental health issues.
When trauma affects your nervous system, your brain can slow your impulse control and memory, rendering you in a continuous reactive struggle with your emotions and cognition. This state may go unnoticed in a child, delaying necessary treatments to progress through the subsequent stages of life.
Abusing alcohol, medications and other substances becomes an easy outlet to cope with trauma’s mental and physical pain. The importance of treatment for trauma and substance abuse cannot be understated.
Children and adolescents are the most vulnerable to early-on trauma in its many forms. They are susceptible to physical, sexual, and psychological abuse. They can be traumatized by home or school violence, a severe accident, the loss of a loved one, or a natural disaster, to name a few.
However, some traumatic experiences may cause a child to withdraw into themselves and not speak up. Still, others may fear additional harm or repercussions, so they keep quiet as a defense mechanism. Older children may use substances and alcohol to numb the emotional pain.
As an adult, it is important to recognize and uncover the root of your trauma(s). You may wonder how you can uncover the source of your trauma that is contributing to your substance use.
The following signs of childhood trauma are provided by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA):
You will want to seek professional help when confronting trauma. A professional will provide a safe and comfortable space for you to work through your trauma.
According to the Journal of Neurotrauma, 1.4 million Americans yearly sustain a traumatic brain injury (TMI). Rising TMIs can attribute to Veterans returning home with penetrating head wounds, an increase in motor vehicle accidents, and a general increase in violence. Substance or alcohol abuse can cause trauma and traumatic brain injury. When a person’s capacity to think or act alters, their risk factor for mental and physical harm increases.
Trauma and substance abuse often have a complex, intertwined relationship. SoCal Mental Health focuses on connecting individuals to treatment centers that specialize in this area. These centers use therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to address the underlying trauma while simultaneously treating substance abuse.
The treatment approach is holistic, acknowledging that substance abuse can be both a symptom and a cause of trauma, especially in cases of PTSD. By integrating treatment for both trauma and substance abuse, these centers aim to provide a more effective pathway to recovery. SoCal Mental Health is dedicated to guiding you to resources that offer this comprehensive and empathetic care.
