Trauma And Relapse

Experts in addiction and the mental health field have long known of the links between trauma and the subsequent use and addiction to alcohol or other drugs, as well as the link between trauma and relapse. Research has found that victims of trauma are four to five times more likely to be affected by alcohol or substance abuse than the general public.
Studies performed after 9/11, of the Columbine incident, the Oklahoma City bombing, combat veterans and PTSD, and research involving survivors of other catastrophes have shown there is a very strong correlation between experiencing a traumatic event and the subsequent use and abuse of alcohol, cigarettes, illegal substances, and prescription medications.
Often the natural thing to do is to cope with trauma, is to self-medicate, to feel less of the grief, the fears and the anxieties. However, use of any controlled substances following trauma is not recommended, unless used under medical advice. The consequences of alcohol or substance abuse can re-traumatize the person, or subject the person to secondary trauma.
Trauma is often at the core of addictions, compulsive behaviors, and chronic relapses. The common aspects of trauma include feelings of complete helplessness in the face of real or perceived physical or emotional danger. Recent research has recognized that even a perceived threat can also be traumatic. Addictive behaviors are essentially dysfunctional coping mechanisms used as a way to medicate and escape from pain, shame, and trauma.
At Journey to Wellness, the relationship between trauma and relapse is recognized, and treatable by way of our individualized substance addiction treatment program.