The Role of Trauma in Addiction Treatment and Recovery

Trauma, one of the common denominators among addicts, occurs when a person experiences an uncontrollable, life-altering event in which they are helpless to affect the outcome. To begin the healing process, break the cycle of addiction, and prevent the chance of relapse, you must confront and overcome the traumatic experiences in your life.

Repression is a key characteristic of trauma. Feelings of guilt, shame, fear, loneliness, emptiness, and loss can be repressed for years, resulting in an emotional and spiritual void. Those who have suffered from a traumatic event often turn to drugs and alcohol to numb the pain, repress disturbing memories and feelings, and fill the void.

To overcome trauma and become whole again, you must face those feelings and let go of them. The longer it goes unchecked, the more likely you are to experience serious complications such as depression, anxiety, sleep disturbances, anger, and the inability to trust others and maintain cohesive relationships.

Throughout the course of your outpatient therapy at the Hanley Center, our staff will help you address past traumatic experiences so that you can move past the pain and become whole again with healthy thoughts, feelings, and emotions, as well as a fulfilling spirituality.