The Relationship Between Trauma and Addiction

Addiction Often Starts Long Before the Substance

For most people, a conversation about addiction is focused on the activity; the drinking, drug use or other risky behaviours.

But it is better to think of addiction as a process, one that starts long before the behaviour itself. .

Research has driven a better understanding of the mind of an addict and how these behaviours are centered around trauma. 

Often, substances are an escape, a coping mechanism to handle the anxiety, stress and pain caused by traumas that the addict may not even be aware of. 

At OAR Wellness, we believe effective addiction treatment requires understanding the whole person—not just the addiction.

What Is Trauma?

The use of the word trauma has broadened substantially in the last few decades. 

No longer is it the exclusive domain of acute situations and violent actions. Modern definitions see examples of “small ‘t’” trauma, to varying degrees, in most people’s lives.

For example, trauma can result from:

• Childhood neglect

• Emotional abuse

• Physical abuse

• Sexual abuse

• Domestic violence

• Loss of a loved one

• Medical trauma

• Bullying

• Chronic stress

This more modern understanding of the term shows many forms of trauma that some people would be unaffected by. 

But what makes an experience traumatic isn't the event itself, but how it affects a person's ability to feel safe and in control. 

As this definition is highly personal, so does the definition of trauma fluctuate by the individual. 

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

One perspective that is often overlooked is that addiction frequently serves a purpose. 

Having absorbed this trauma, a person naturally wants to address the negative thoughts and feelings that it creates.

Addictions are a fast, easy way to solve this. 

Substances will (temporarily):

• Reduce anxiety

• Numb emotional pain

• Quiet intrusive memories

• Improve sleep

• Create feelings of connection

• Provide a sense of relief

For the suffering addict, their addiction is less about morality and legality then it is about reducing their emotional pain. 

Of course, this quick fix approach to pain begins to create its own long-term repercussions, ultimately making things even worse. 

Trauma-Informed Treatment: Addressing the Cause, not just the Symptom

Addiction recovery has, since its inception, focused primarily on stopping substance abuse. 

But a more modern approach to recovery is trauma-informed treatment.

In this approach, we ask a different question:

Instead of "What's wrong with you?" we ask "What happened to you?"

Addressing the roots of the addiction is a challenging, longer-term commitment for the client. 

But this lens makes a client feel understood, respected, and safe. 

With this approach, the client is often more willing to engage in therapy and their long-term recovery will be more effective.

Recovery Is About Healing

True recovery involves more than abstinence. 

Real growth and rehabilitation come from an earnest effort to process difficult experiences and learn how to cope with them in a healthier, more productive way. 

Looking for Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment?

OAR Wellness provides personalized residential addiction treatment that addresses both substance use and the underlying factors contributing to it.

Contact our team today to learn more about our trauma-informed approach to recovery.