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What Are the Benefits of Trauma Therapy During Addiction Recovery?

man talking to therapist in trauma therapy

Trauma is one of the most common contributors to addiction. If a person experiences trauma and does not have the necessary coping skills to manage it, they are likely to turn to substances for temporary relief from the discomfort. Over time, escape through self-medication can lead to addiction. Without the appropriate treatment, a person will come back to drugs or alcohol time and time again when they become overwhelmed with uncomfortable emotions. A trauma therapy program approaches addiction slightly differently to improve patient outcomes.

At Midwest Center at Youngstown, we understand the importance of trauma therapy to addiction recovery. Our specially trained staff provide trauma-informed care to help you feel safe and comfortable working toward your recovery goals. To learn more about trauma therapy benefits for recovery, call us at 844.544.0502.

What Is Trauma Therapy for Addiction?

People who experience a traumatic event or series of events are at high risk for substance use disorder. A traumatic event is considered a situation that produces extreme stress or fear. Trauma can be caused by events such as:

  • Physical violence
  • Childhood neglect
  • Loss of a loved one
  • Sexual assault
  • Serious accidents
  • Bullying 

Trauma can occur as a child or an adult and can result in long-term symptoms that impact a person’s mental, physical, and psychological health. When a person experiences a traumatic event, it can be challenging for the brain to process and move on. Most people require the help of a trauma-informed therapist to process the event and prevent it from wreaking havoc effectively. 

What happens if a person does not seek therapy after experiencing a traumatic event? Everyone responds differently to stressful situations. Two people can be exposed to the same traumatic event, and seemingly unaffected, one can move on. At the same time, the other may struggle to function without the help of drugs or alcohol to relieve their emotional pain. And in some cases, the person may not make the connection between their trauma and their struggles. Trauma therapy for addiction can help people process their trauma in a safe environment to release it and move on finally. For many people, trauma therapy is the only way to overcome their addiction for the long term.

The Benefits of Trauma Therapy During Addiction Recovery

Some people may not be aware of their trauma, especially if it happened at a very young age, so they may not receive the appropriate therapy during addiction treatment. Unfortunately, this leads to a pattern of relapse that the person seems unable to overcome. Understanding the various trauma therapy benefits can help you see how this specialized therapy may be the missing piece of the puzzle for lasting recovery:

  • Overcoming fear – A person may confront the source of their anxiety in slowly increasing increments while in a safe space guided by a trauma-informed therapist. 
  • Increased confidence and self-efficacy – By learning how to regulate their emotions in stressful situations, a person will no longer feel like a victim of their circumstances.
  • Stress reduction – Trauma triggers provoke fear and anxiety. Trauma therapy teaches a person stress management techniques and healthy coping skills to maintain a calmer mind and body.
  • Healthier thought patterns – A trauma-informed therapist will guide a person through restructuring fearful or negative thoughts that keep them stuck in addiction. They help the person cultivate thoughts that promote safety, love, and positivity. 

Working with a therapist experienced in trauma therapy can make a difference in addiction recovery. When you work through past trauma that has led to fear, anxiety, and negativity, you can move on to a more fulfilling life. Without the flood of harmful thoughts and feelings, you will not feel the strong urge to use substances for escape.

Heal from Addiction with a Trauma Therapy Program at Midwest Center at Youngstown

Now that you know the benefits of trauma therapy during addiction recovery, you may be curious this treatment approach can help your addiction. Call Midwest Center at Youngstown at 844.544.0502 to schedule an intake assessment so we can customize a treatment plan to help you find the healthy, sober future you desire.