What Is Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment and Why Does It Matter?

Addiction may have an impact on your well-being, and social relationships. Past experiences such as abuse, or death of a close friend or relative may contribute to this condition. People sometimes start consuming alcohol and other substances because of these traumatic events. This may provide them with some relief. But, it will last for a short period of time and pain may come back.

The idea behind a trauma-informed addiction treatment is that you are considered as an individual whose background and specific requirements must be taken into consideration. This kind of therapy aims at helping staff better understand your mental processes related to trauma, and behavior. It provides a safe and respectful atmosphere of care, but never blaming.

All people with addiction do not necessarily have some background trauma. Everyone has different requirements and reasons for substance abuse.

What Is Trauma-Informed Substance Abuse Treatment?

Trauma-informed care for substance abuse is a method that helps people dealing with substance use. It entails recognizing the effects of these experiences on their well-being and behavior.

There are different types of trauma. This can include physical or sexual abuse and loss of someone dear. Trauma also can be linked to experiencing any situations where one feels insecure or out of control.

It can be difficult for one to fall asleep or trust others. One can feel scared, sad for no particular reason. People start using substances like drugs to cover these emotions. This unhealthy practice leads to negative outcomes.

Staff in a trauma-informed facility will not blame you for such issues. On the contrary, staff will try to understand what makes you feel like this. They will assist in developing coping skills.

This approach follows four main principles:

• Safety: You should feel safe during treatment.
• Trust: Staff should explain what they do and why.
• Choice: You should have a say in your care.
• Teamwork: You and your care team should set goals together.

These steps can help you feel heard and respected. They can also make it easier to ask for help.

How Can Trauma Affect Addiction?

Trauma can affect your mind and body long after an event has passed. It may change how you react to stress, and strong emotions. You may stay alert for danger even when you are safe. One term used for this response is hyperarousal. It means your body stays on high alert. You may feel tense, or unable to sleep.

You may also face emotional numbing. This means you feel cut off from your emotions. You may struggle to feel close to others or enjoy daily life. Some people use substances to escape this feeling. Another issue is a trigger. A trigger is a sound, or event that brings back distress. For example, a loud noise may remind you of a past event. You may then feel fear or anger.

Alcohol or drugs may seem to help at first. You may drink to sleep or use drugs to block painful memories. But this relief may not last. Over time, you may need more of a substance to feel the same effect. This is called tolerance. You may also develop dependence. This means your body has adapted to the substance. When you cut down or stop, you may feel unwell or have withdrawal symptoms.

Understanding these links helps your care team plan treatment. It allows them to address your substance use and the stress that may be linked to it.

Why Is a Trauma-Informed Perspective Important?

It should be possible for you to feel safe enough to actively engage in the process of therapy. But, some of the procedures in the process might end up making you feel scared or vulnerable. Screaming and lack of privacy will scare you.

A trauma-informed practitioner strives to prevent that scenario. He/she explains to you about their policies and ensures that you understand what you should expect from them. They honor your boundaries and take the time to answer your questions.

Here are some benefits of this method.

• Shameless atmosphere. Addiction is a medical condition, not a sign of your weakness. The staff should respect you.
• Building trust. You can be unable to trust someone because of past experiences. It will be easier for you to feel more confident if there are clear policies and open conversations.
• It respects your limits. You should not have to share painful memories before you feel ready. You can discuss your needs at a pace that works for you.
• It helps you spot triggers. Your care team can help you notice what causes stress or urges to use substances.
• It supports lasting change. You can learn new ways to handle hard feelings without turning to alcohol or drugs.

This approach cannot remove every challenge. But it can help staff respond with care when you feel upset or unsafe.

What Happens During Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment?

Your care plan should match your needs. Your team may ask about your substance use, and support at home. They may also ask about past trauma. But, you should be able to discuss your limits. You can ask why staff need certain details. You can also ask how they protect your private information. Your plan may include the following forms of care.

1. Medical Assessments and Detox

The detoxification from certain drugs may be quite dangerous because the symptoms of detox can be quite severe. To find out whether you need the detox and if you need medical help during detoxification, it is best to consult your doctor.

During detox, medical staff monitor your withdrawal symptoms and give you necessary assistance. Detox will help you cope with withdrawal syndrome, but will not address every possible reason for your addiction. Further assistance might be required for you to stay healthy after the detox process.

2. Counselling and Psychotherapy

Cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT) could be helpful as it helps identify the connection between stress, and substance abuse and teaches you to recognize particular thoughts and situations that trigger cravings.

Also, psychotherapy based on the trauma you experienced might be useful to you. It is up to your therapist to make the decision when it would be appropriate to engage in it. You don’t need to share every experience of yours to seek help with your addiction.

3. Stress Management Techniques

Your health care professionals can teach you some basic techniques that will assist you in managing your stress and emotions.

They can be such as:

• Deep breathing, which helps you relax.
• Grounding, which redirects your attention to the moment.
• Sleep hygiene.
• Managing cravings.
• Setting boundaries in toxic relationships.
• Seeking help from reliable individuals.
• Creating a coping strategy for situations when the trigger is activated.

Such strategies can be practised both in the process of therapy and at home. Gradually, you will be able to cope with stress without turning to drugs.

4. Taking Care of Your Mental Health Needs

Individuals who are addicted to substances could also be battling with anxiety or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can happen after going through a traumatic event. It could lead to nightmares, or the feeling of being in constant danger.

In such instances, your health providers would need to take care of all your health needs, not just your addiction problems. In such instances, it is necessary to get treatment for addiction that takes into account trauma as well.

What Should You Look For in a Suitable Treatment Program?

An appropriate treatment program must provide information on the treatment methods they use and their policies for caring for patients who suffered from trauma. The patient should understand what he or she can expect during the treatment process.

The care team should answer the following questions:

• How do you ensure confidentiality?
• Is there an opportunity for me to discuss my concerns prior to treatment?
• Do your staff have training in trauma care?
• Can you help with mental health needs as well as addiction?
• How do you help people manage stress and cravings?
• What support will I get after treatment?

Pay attention to the answers. Staff should explain your options in clear terms. They should not promise results that they cannot guarantee.

You should also have a say in your care. A good treatment plan should respect your needs and give you clear steps to follow.

Conclusion

There are many reasons why addiction occurs. In certain cases, one’s history of trauma plays an integral part. The care that recognizes this connection will enable you to feel more secure, and develop effective coping mechanisms. You deserve care that recognizes your unique needs and allows you to participate in your trauma informed addiction treatment.

One of the potential starting points to explore the field of addiction care and support is Ikon Recovery Center. Consult a qualified professional regarding your specific needs and treatment options.