Underlying issues of trauma and addiction are more correlated than many people think. This includes people who struggle with trauma due to their struggles with addiction (physical, emotional, and mental consequences), but primarily it refers to people who deal with their trauma by self-medicating with alcohol and substances.
The Prevalence of Addiction
Addiction remains a serious issue in the U.S. and around the world. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “In 2022, 48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”
There are many factors that accompany addiction. These include genetic, familial, regional, and socioeconomic issues. However, one of the most important aspects of addiction is that it is a chronic “disease,” similar to other chronic diseases like heart disease, cancer, and diabetes. Also, like these chronic diseases, addiction is only going to get worse without some type of professional intervention. Another big factor that connects to many people’s addiction is trauma.
The Prevalence of Trauma
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Psychological Medicine, “General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged.” Many of these individuals try to deal with their trauma with the use of alcohol and/or other substances.
Now, many people who struggle with untreated trauma (or trauma that is being mistreated with alcohol and/or other substances), will also develop issues of post-traumatic stress syndrome (PTSD). According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives.” Also, “About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.”
Understanding Addiction and the Underlying Issues of Trauma
According to the peer-reviewed journal, Depression and Anxiety, “Traumatic life experience, such as physical and sexual abuse as well as neglect, occurs at alarmingly high rates and is considered a major public health problem in the United States… Ample evidence has shown that childhood trauma compromises neural structure and function, rendering an individual susceptible to later cognitive deficits and psychiatric illnesses, including schizophrenia, major depression, bipolar disorder, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), and substance abuse. Particularly, the link between trauma exposure and substance abuse has been well-established.” It is also common for addiction to mask the signs of trauma so it cannot be properly diagnosed.
The good news is that when properly diagnosed, there are many effective means, methods, and modalities that can help with issues of addiction and trauma. However, the key is to reach out for help as soon as possible.
Treating Addiction and the Underlying Issues of Trauma
One of the most common ways that co-occurring issues of trauma and addiction are treated is via psychotherapy. This includes one of the most common and effective psychotherapies, cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT). CBT can be highly effective because it can get to those underlying issues of trauma and ultimately address the negative behaviors that are associated with addiction.
It is also important to treat issues of trauma and addiction with other types of therapy, such as experiential therapies like art and other aquatic therapies like surf therapy. According to the International Journal of Environmental Research and Public, “Carefully planned water activities tailored to the needs of the individual can contribute to correct psychosocial and cognitive development. The International Surf Therapy Organization summarizes the benefits of adequately indicated surf therapy as follows: improved physical health and mobility; improved mental health, including reduction of specific symptoms, such as posttraumatic stress and depression; improved well-being (strengthening of trust and confidence, encouragement of independence, resilience and protective coping strategies) and improved social skills.”
Our Primary Purpose at Lantana Recovery
Here at Lantana Recovery, our primary purpose is to help anyone struggling with issues of addiction or mental health recover in the long term. This is why we only offer individualized and comprehensive treatment plans.
For individuals struggling with issues of trauma and addiction, it can feel like there is no way out of the overwhelming feelings of sadness, loneliness, and helplessness. The good news is there is help and hope out there. Recovery is possible. We can help.
Trauma and PTSD are more common than many people may think. This is because many people mask their trauma with alcohol and substance use. This is why it is important to address the underlying issues of trauma in order to heal from addiction. The good news is there are many effective means, methods, and modalities to help individuals recover from both trauma and addiction. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, trauma, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery. You don’t have to do this alone. For more information about long-term success and sobriety, please reach out to Lantana Recovery today at (866) 997-2870.
