Nearly 70% of adults have experienced some type of traumatic event at least once in their lives, with many developing PTSD as a result. As they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms to deal with their experiences, drug and alcohol abuse and addictions among trauma victims are common. So, how do we help improve addiction recovery with patients struggling to overcome trauma triggers?
Trauma therapy Vancouver is one way to treat trauma patients. As we learn more about understanding trauma and its effects on people, we also see that this type of therapy can help those struggling with addiction. Let’s discuss this further.
What Do You Need to Know About Trauma?
Trauma isn’t the actual event, but it is an emotional response to a terrible event such as an accident, abuse, exposure to war or violence, or social isolation. Traumatic events are often unpredictable and sudden, leaving people unprepared for what they’re about to experience. Ultimately, trauma involves a severe life threat beyond a person’s control.
It’s important to note that not all traumatic events lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. With awareness and self-care, many individuals who witness or experience a life-threatening event get better without lasting effects. Still, patients who become consumed with these experiences require trauma therapy Vancouver.
Childhood traumas are also known as adverse childhood experiences, such as witnessing violence, being abused by adults, or growing up around mental health and substance abuse issues. Those who experience these events during childhood are among the most harmed among trauma survivors. These individuals have a greater risk of addiction and other mental health issues in the future.
Thanks to COVID, increased gun violence, political upheaval, and more, our work can seem very scary. Unfortunately, there has been an increased number of severe events in recent years. As more and more individuals feel traumatized and out of control, drug and alcohol addiction rates have skyrocketed. Over 35 million people worldwide suffer from drug use disorders, and 300 million have alcohol use disorders. Those rates will continue to grow if we don’t make a consorted effort to treat addiction at its source. This is where trauma therapy Vancouver comes into the picture.
Dealing with Trauma in the Addiction Treatment Environment
Most trauma treatment centers and trauma therapists use what’s called trauma-informed care as a standard protocol for treatment. TIC works to understand a person’s life experiences to help find the right treatment option. It assumes trauma can be debilitating and leave lasting effects, and it must be seriously considered during mental health and addiction care.
Ultimately, using this type of treatment for trauma therapy Vancouver allows mental health professionals to look at what happened to a patient rather than what is wrong with them. How does this impact addiction recovery outcomes?
- Years ago, those who were battling addiction and had experienced traumatic events in the past were told they needed to get sober before they could deal with their trauma. Today, research finds that treating both addiction and trauma simultaneously is a more successful standard. It allows trauma therapists to treat trauma and addiction at the same time.
- Trauma often drives the habit, and patients use drugs and alcohol to cope with the negative effects. Many patients come into rehab knowing they have a drug or alcohol problem. But not all realize how trauma affects them, and they certainly don’t see that it’s linked to their addiction. When patients know that we offer trauma therapy Vancouver alongside addiction therapy, it strikes their interest. It can put them on a fast track to recovery if they are willing to see how things go.
- Many individuals choose to undergo treatment in group therapy sessions. This can be pretty helpful for those working through trauma issues. They hear each other’s stories, know they aren’t alone, and see similarities in recovery. They feel validated, understand that it’s not their fault, and can often feel liberated when sharing their own story.
My Recon Offers Effective Options for Trauma Therapy Vancouver
Whether you are struggling with addiction recovery or need trauma treatment, our therapists are here to help. We offer years of experience helping trauma victims heal and grow. Contact us today to make an appointment with our Vancouver mental health professionals.