Childhood trauma can leave deep scars that impact you later in life. Growing evidence suggests a strong correlation between childhood trauma and addiction. At Atlantic Recovery Center in Florida, we offer a number of customized programs to help you discover underlying trauma that contributes to your addiction through our addiction treatment programs.
What Is Childhood Trauma?
Trauma involves an event that you cannot cope with. It can lead to extreme fear of death, physical harm, or mental anguish.
A person who suffers from trauma may experience any of the following negative reactions as a result:
- Betrayal
- Pain
- Helplessness
- Confusion
- Loss
- Terror
- Entrapment
- Powerlessness
Fortunately, these emotions are mostly temporary. However, if you suffer from a very traumatic event you may have post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can last for years and some people struggle with it throughout their life.
During your time at Atlanta Recovery Center, with the help of our trauma therapy program. we help you understand the link between childhood trauma and addiction, including how it may affect your ability to safe sober. We help you overcome and work through your trauma so it does not continue to stop you from living a happy, healthy life.
What Causes Trauma?
Your trauma may result from a single incident or it could develop from continual exposure to certain situations, such as:
- Child abuse
- Neglect
- Violence or sexual abuse
- Crime
- Bullying
- Accidents
- Natural disasters
- Domestic assault
- War
Exposure to trauma can involve witnessing these events, as well as experiencing them firsthand. Our trauma therapy program works with each individual to ensure that you get the most out of the program.
Childhood Trauma and Addiction
If you experience trauma as a child, you may be at greater risk for drug or alcohol abuse. Our clients have turned to illicit substances in an attempt to self-medicate and deal with negative emotions.
PTSD Makes it difficult for those in recovery to stop using drugs and alcohol. Any reminders of childhood trauma may trigger intense cravings. We offer both individual therapy and group therapy sessions to help you develop better coping mechanisms. Often, this leads to confidence and determination to remain sober after recovery.
Substance Abuse Impact on Trauma
Ironically, substance abuse disorders increase trauma, leading to a deadly cycle of addiction as a coping tool.
Childhood trauma and addiction can lead to risky behaviors, including:
- Driving under the influence
- Self-harm
- Risky sexual conduct
- Fighting and violence
- Increased risk-taking
Our 12-step program helps clients take responsibility for their actions and make positive changes without judging their past actions. This process may begin in recovery but can extend throughout your life through organizations such as Alcoholics Anonymous and Narcotics Anonymous.
Addiction Slows Recovery from Trauma
Due to the cognitive and behavioral damage associated with alcoholism and drug addiction, substance abuse merely delays recovery from a traumatic event. Childhood trauma and substance abuse must both be addressed as co-occurring mental disorders. Otherwise, unresolved PTSD may lead to relapse.
Let our trained therapists and caring staff help you break the cycle of addiction and learn to deal with memories and emotions that may lay deeply buried.
Drug and Alcohol Recovery in Florida
Childhood trauma and addiction, unfortunately, are often closely connected. By taking the first step and participating in a substance abuse treatment program, you can regain control of your life and work through your trauma in a healthier way so it does not continue to get in the way of your happy life. Contact Atlantic Recovery Center in Florida at 1-866-824-5193 today to find out how we can help you overcome your trauma and addiction through our therapies and programs.