How Healing Trauma Helps People Achieve Lasting Sobriety

Trauma can cause chronic mental health issues that make treating addiction seem daunting and difficult.  Unprocessed trauma changes the chemical makeup of your brain, specifically the amygdala, which is responsible for emotional reactions, memory, and decision making.  When trauma is addressed, it removes a barrier that may be hindering a successful recovery. 

What Is Trauma?  

Trauma is an emotional response to something difficult that has happened to a person.  These events can run the gamut, from abuse to rape to parents divorcing when a child is young. All of these things can leave the survivor reeling with the effects of trauma. Trauma is subjective, meaning what may be traumatic to one person may not be as troublesome to another.  One thing we know from extensive research is unprocessed trauma can lead to a variety of mental and emotional disorders, including substance abuse.

The Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

The connection between trauma and substance abuse has been heavily researched in the field of mental health.  An overwhelming connection has been observed between those who struggle with substance abuse and those who have experienced trauma.

It’s estimated that around 25% to 75% of people who’ve been victims of abuse or have had a violent, traumatic event report excessive alcohol use. Additionally, those who have witnessed serious injury, death, or have been assaulted are two to three times more likely to struggle with substance abuse. 

One theory on the connection is the Self-Medication approach. This theory explains that for people to manage the distressing emotions associated with experiencing severe anguish, they may turn to substances to numb their pain. 

Another theory proposes that due to the unsafe situations substance abuse often leads to, a person may experience trauma as a result of the drug and alcohol use, which can make treatment increasingly more complex.   

3 Trauma Therapies Used at The Source  

The Source was founded on the goal of providing trauma-informed care.  Addressing trauma as part of addiction treatment allows us to provide a holistic approach that explores and heals the root causes of addiction. We offer a variety of trauma-based therapies to aid in your success. 

• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) — This type of psychotherapy uses eye movements, facilitated by a licensed clinician, to assist people in healing from the emotional distress they’re experiencing due to a traumatic life event. More than 30 studies have shown that 84% to 90% of single-trauma victims have successfully cured their PTSD with EMDR.  

• Traumatic Incident Reduction (TIR) — TIR is a one-on-one therapy proven effective in treating substance use. Licensed clinicians facilitate this rapid form of treatment by creating a non-judgmental and non-confrontational environment to help alleviate the stress and emotional pain from traumatic experiences. TIR has been shown to heal PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction.  

• Rapid Resolution Therapy (RRT) — One of the aspects that sets The Source apart involves our commitment to new treatment modalities that focus on trauma or PTSD and its effect on our patients’ overall healing. RRT is designed to help people overcome their addiction while addressing their trauma. Effective treatment with RRT is typically done over the course of two to six sessions.   

Addiction Treatment at The Source

At The Source, we pride ourselves on taking a holistic approach to treating addiction and healing trauma simultaneously.  Addressing trauma is a big part of what has allowed us to help so many people truly transform their lives and achieve long-lasting sobriety.  

We work to help process traumatic thoughts that may be locked away in a person’s subconscious, allowing a breakthrough to occur.  Working through these emotions can be challenging, but it’s worth it because significant healing can happen as a result.  

At The Source, you’ll be exploring these difficult emotions in an unconditionally loving environment where you’ll feel safe and supported. We offer a variety of care options, from partial hospitalization to outpatient with or without housing. This range of services means finding the right care level is just a phone call away. Our compassionate treatment specialists are available 24/7 to discuss your options and help you begin your journey to a successful and long-lasting recovery. Give us a call at (800) 204-0418 today.