Trauma is an automatic emotional response to a disturbing event from the past. We say that something “triggers” trauma when an event in the present reminds you, often subconsciously, of that trauma. For example, it could be a sound, a touch, a word, a behavior, or just about anything. When something triggers your trauma, you react without thinking, even though no real danger presents itself. That’s because your brain connects the current happening with something from the past. So what is trauma-informed care?
It’s a structured program built around an understanding of these automatic responses and how they shape the manner in which you relate to the world around you.
What Are Some Examples of Trauma?
Have you ever cringed, jerked away, or yelled at a friend when they “innocently” touched you? Or something similar?
The body remembers. The touch instantly reminded you of a time someone else grabbed and hurt you. So your body’s automatic response was to protect itself.
In other words, that reaction has nothing to do with your friend or the present moment. Trauma from your past caused the reaction.
These responses may seem out of your control right now. But when you learn to understand them, you can work through the trauma and connect more effectively with those in your life.
Trauma doesn’t have to be physical. Commonly, trauma revolves around people acting a certain way, such as:
- Not listening to you
- Not keeping their word
- Making you repeat yourself
- Disregarding your feelings
- Being manipulative
- Calling you by a label (e.g., bad, addict, selfish, fat)
- Telling you what to do or not letting you do for yourself
Trauma is like deep wounds that never healed properly. So every time you touch that place where the injury was, it still hurts.
This trauma shapes how you see the world. It also colors how you perceive the words and actions of others. So what is trauma informed care?
What Is Trauma Informed Care?
Trauma informed care recognizes that most people have experienced trauma. And often, what you’re doing now is in response to that trauma.
Professionals learn trauma informed care to assess trauma better, reduce trauma triggering, and help you work through how you respond to others as a result of that trauma.
For example, a professional working with someone who has been sexually abused may need to ask questions of a sensitive nature to understand how to help the person. A person trained in trauma-informed care would carefully word questions. They would explain why they need to know certain personal things. And they would do their best to put this person at ease.
They would be patient and compassionate with a person refusing to answer specific questions.
Why Is Trauma Informed Care Important in Recovery?
What is trauma informed care in relation to addictions treatment? People suffering from addiction may shut down or react with hostility in therapy sessions because something triggered trauma.
This trauma response creates a barrier to healing.
On top of that, if you continuously feel triggered, you won’t feel safe. If you don’t feel supported in rehab, you won’t progress effectively.
When professionals use trauma informed care, clients feel safer and can lower these barriers. When they do, they benefit from treatment, heal, and experience more lasting recovery.
What is trauma informed care? It can help those suffering from even the most deep-rooting traumas and addictions.
How Does Atlantic Recovery Center Incorporate Trauma Care Into Recovery Programs?
At Atlantic Recovery Center specializes in trauma informed care. We understand that each person’s trauma is unique and impacts their life in profound ways. We incorporate respect for the individual and their trauma into every program:
- Residential treatment program
- Partial hospitalization program (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient program
- Aftercare program
Clients appreciate the smaller, more intimate setting and the warmth and tranquility of the beach environment.
Is trauma controlling how to react? Is it getting in the way of meaningful connections with those you love? Have substances become your only way to deal with it? Our compassionate team of trauma informed professionals is ready to support your recovery journey. Please call us at 1-866-824-5193 to learn more.