Trauma Therapy: What Is Trauma Work and How Can It Help Addiction Recovery?

We all experience trauma. However, some people can cope with trauma better than others, which there's nothing wrong with. These responses are influenced by the severity of trauma and our natural reactions to it. In other words, we all inherently respond to trauma in different ways. Trauma therapy can be effective when trying to heal from past trauma. Sometimes referred to as trauma work, trauma therapy can also help those looking to recover from a struggle with addiction. 

Additionally, trauma therapy can be helpful for those seeking addiction treatment. Many times, the cause of someone's struggle with substance use disorder (SUD) is born out of a deeply rooted trauma. Trauma work can help you uncover that trauma and recovery from SUD. To start healing from these traumas, call West Coast Recovery Centers and speak with a professional to learn more about trauma therapy today! 

Understanding Trauma

Trauma occurs when a person experiences an extremely stressful and distressing event that is hard to cope with. That includes a single event or recurring incidents, ranging from natural disasters to violent assaults. In any case, the mind and body have an inherent physical, mental, and emotional response to trauma. For example, some people go into shock and completely shut down, making it impossible for them to function day-to-day. 

In a worst-case scenario, individuals struggling to cope with trauma may develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD symptoms become so intense that a person continues to experience a traumatic response long-term. Such symptoms can lead to a wide range of mental, emotional, and physiological effects. If left untreated, severe trauma can also lead to addiction, but why might that be? 

How Are Trauma and Addiction Connected?

When people become so overwhelmed by their symptoms and traumas, they may begin self-medicating. One of the most common forms of self-medication is substance use. People begin using drugs and alcohol to cope with symptoms, manage their mental health, and quickly develop SUD. 

Trauma and SUD can cause several problems for people, their physical health, their mental well-being, and their interpersonal relationships. The best way to improve these areas of life and heal from trauma is to seek professional help. Individuals who develop SUD can seek treatment for their trauma and addiction thanks to dual diagnosis treatment. Trauma work can be incorporated into that treatment, too.  

What Is Trauma Work and Therapy?

Trauma work is a type of psychotherapy. The goal is to help individuals process the mental, emotional, and psychological impact experienced after going through a traumatic event. People learn to cope with their emotions, identify triggers, manage symptoms, and start living their lives again. 

It's not uncommon for trauma therapists to use other evidence-based modalities and holistic practices when treating their clients. For example, a trauma therapy session might make use of: 

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) 
• Exposure therapy 
• Mindfulness practices 
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EDMR) 

Practices such as these when implemented into trauma work can help individuals: 

• Learn about trauma 
• Identify triggers 
• Develop healthy coping skills 
• Reduce trauma symptoms 
• Learn to process trauma

By working with a trauma therapist and doing the work, you can re-learn how to trust, re-invent yourself, and re-learn how to safely navigate the world. Along with all these benefits, trauma work can also help you throughout your addiction recovery. 

Can Trauma Work Help You With Addiction Recovery?

As mentioned, SUD often develops as a result of a deeply rooted trauma. Of course, other factors contribute to the development of SUD. However, trauma often sparks the initial urge to use drugs or alcohol. Trauma work can help you uncover the root cause of your addiction. Once you develop a greater understanding of what's caused SUD, you can begin the work to heal those past wounds. 

Trauma work may take time, and uncovering past traumas can be emotionally trying. However, the work is always worth it, especially when you have the opportunity to heal your wounds, improve your well-being, and recover from addiction. Nevertheless, dealing with trauma is a long-term process. So what tips and tricks can you use to start healing with trauma today? 

Fast Tips and Tricks for Dealing With Trauma!

No tip or trick is going to completely solve someone's struggle with trauma or addiction. However, they can help you through the process. So, here are some tips and tricks that can help you cope with trauma today: 

• Take care of yourself by exercising, eating healthy, and prioritizing quality sleep 
• Spend more time with friends, family, and other people who support your journey 
• Create daily, healthy routines for yourself to help you function better day-to-day
• Engage in healthy hobbies and activities, like painting, hiking, or reading 
• Practice mindfulness by meditating, journaling, or practicing yoga 
• Consider attending a support group meeting and building a support system 
• Be patient with yourself – trauma work and healing takes time

We all experience trauma, but that doesn't mean it has to control us and our lives. To learn more about how trauma work can help you heal and recover from SUD and seek treatment, call West Coast Recovery Centers today! 

We have a natural response to trauma. These responses evoke emotional and physiological effects, and when left untreated, they can severely impair a person's mental and physical well-being. Many individuals struggling to cope with trauma will turn to substance use in the hopes of managing their symptoms. However, this can quickly lead to dependency, and before anyone knows it, they've triggered a downward spiral that feels impossible to come back from. Yet, coming back from it all is possible. Through trauma work, dual diagnosis, and other modalities, you can heal from trauma and free yourself from the chains of active addiction. Call West Coast Recovery Centers at (760) 492-6509 to learn more and begin your healing journey today.