By: Lakeview Health
Using drugs or alcohol to overcome pain and heartbreak is something mainstream media has made normal for a long time. For example, in the popular book, Little Women, a main character drinks excessively to get over a girl refusing his affections. Brad Paisley’s song, “Whiskey Lullaby,” describes two people drinking themselves to death, is just one example of many songs used to describe using alcohol to cope with pain. Movies and plays often address trauma and its effects on our habits. In this way, art imitates life, as it so often does. That is one of the reasons why treating unresolved trauma during addiction recovery is essential. Lakeview Health offers trauma therapy in conjunction with addiction treatment to help you overcome your unresolved trauma.
What is Trauma?
One definition of trauma is the result of extraordinarily disturbing or stressful events that make you feel helpless or emotionally out of control. Trauma leaves you with upsetting memories, emotions, or anxiety and also may make you feel disconnected and unwilling to trust the people around you.
Examples of trauma may include:
- Unrelenting stress, such as battling a severe illness, bullying, childhood neglect, or domestic violence
- One time events, such as an attack, injury or accident
Some commonly overlooked causes of trauma may include surgery, a humiliating experience, the death of someone close to you, or a painful breakup in a serious relationship. Many people struggle with trauma without even realizing it.
Why is Treating Unresolved Trauma During Addiction Recovery Vital?
Trauma drives many of our actions – some of which we are completely unaware of. The United States Department of Veterans Affairs reported that 46.4% of people with PTSD also have a substance use disorder. There are several factors that indicate that you may need trauma therapy, including:
- Fear, depression, or anxiety
- Diminished interest in everyday activities
- Sudden heart palpitations or sweating
- Blaming yourself, shame, or survivor’s guilt
- Changes in your sleeping patterns, appetite, and interest in sex
- Difficulty trusting others, or feeling betrayed
- Tendency to isolate yourself
- Headaches, backaches, or stomachaches
- Nightmares and flashbacks where you re-experience the trauma
- Mood swings, or outbursts of anger or rage
- Over-eating
- Increased use of alcohol or drugs
Lakeview Health Could Be the Answer
If you’ve experienced unresolved trauma and art self-medicating with substance use or alcohol, we can help you. At Lakeview Health, we offer trauma-informed care, along with treatment for a variety of addictions, including:
There is no shame in looking for information about treating unresolved trauma during addiction recovery. In fact, that shows great courage. To learn more about our programs, contact Lakeview Health today at [Direct]. Healing can begin when you get trauma therapy and addiction treatment at Lakeview.
