Introduction
Addiction and trauma are both complex issues that can have a lasting impact on the lives of those who experience them. Research suggests that trauma and addiction often co-occur. In fact, people with co-occurring disorders are more likely to suffer from multiple psychiatric disorders, including post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety disorders, bipolar disorder and schizophrenia than other groups of people. For example, according to data from SAMHSA’s National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH) in 2017.
The intersection between trauma and addiction is a difficult one to navigate, but recovery is possible.
The intersection between trauma and addiction is a difficult one to navigate, but recovery is possible.
Say’s Dr. Julian Mitton, trauma can lead to addiction, and vice versa. In fact, the two are linked in many ways–and they may both be present in an individual who has experienced significant trauma.
- A person who has been diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) might turn to drugs or alcohol as self-medication for their symptoms;
- Someone who struggles with PTSD may use drugs or alcohol as a way of numbing their emotions;
- Someone who suffers from other mental health issues like anxiety or depression may turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of coping with these issues;
A traumatic event can trigger an emotional crisis that leads to substance abuse or addiction.
A traumatic event can trigger an emotional crisis that leads to substance abuse or addiction. For example, many people who are suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with the symptoms of their illness. It’s important to note that not everyone who experiences trauma will develop PTSD; some people may turn to drugs or alcohol instead.
The link between trauma and addiction is complex and multifaceted.
Trauma and addiction are complex issues. The link between them is multifaceted, but it’s important to understand that they are not the same thing. Addiction is a disease of the mind and body; trauma is an injury to the body, often sustained during an event that involved danger or threat to life or safety.
Trauma survivors have been known to develop substance use disorders as a result of their experiences. But many other factors can contribute as well, including genetics and environment–and even being female! It’s important not to oversimplify things: addiction does not cause trauma nor vice versa; rather, there may be some overlap between them at times in certain individuals who experience both issues concurrently (2).
Effective treatment for trauma and addiction is individualized and focused on compassion, acceptance, and empowerment.
Effective treatment for trauma and addiction is individualized, focused on compassion, acceptance and empowerment.
One of the most important things to keep in mind when seeking help for a substance use disorder is that each person’s experience with addiction is different. While there are commonalities among people who struggle with substance abuse–including mood swings; sleeplessness; anxiety or depression; irritability; guilt/shame/self-criticism–each person’s story is unique.
Conclusion
The link between trauma and addiction is complex and multifaceted. Effective treatment for trauma and addiction is individualized and focused on compassion, acceptance, and empowerment.
