For far too many people, trauma and substance abuse are two sides of the same coin. Or like fire and tinder, one fueling the other and resulting in only more and more damage. But where does it come from? And how do you know you need to seek a trauma therapy program like one offered at Sierra Sage Recovery Services?
If you feel your substance use has gotten out of control, you don’t need to know for certain whether or not that’s due to trauma. All you need to know is that you want help and can get that help with Sierra Sage by calling us at 833.922.2884.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma pays no attention to age, race, or gender identity. It can happen to anybody, and while we recognize that severe acts of violence or assault can result in psychological damage, trauma can come from really anything an individual’s brain is not equipped to handle.
Often this results in symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (or PTSD). This diagnosis is commonly associated with veterans, but it affects far more people than that. In fact, one in every eleven people in the United States will be diagnosed with PTSD at some point in their lives. This can present itself in symptoms such as:
- Risk-taking behaviors
- Hypervigilance
- Insomnia
- Nightmares
- Avoiding certain people or places
Those experiencing traits off this list are encouraged to seek help through a trauma therapy program. But for individuals who have been facing PTSD symptoms for a long time may fall into substance abuse to cope.
The Statistics of Trauma and Substance Abuse
There is a strong correlation between substance use and trauma, and it quickly falls into a terrible spiral of one exacerbating the other. Someone with a history of trauma may abuse drugs or alcohol to manage their symptoms, but heavy use of substances like these increase the risk of further trauma through high-risk behavior.
Studies have shown many statistics connecting trauma and addiction, proving that the best treatment method is a dual-diagnosis treatment program. This includes:
- Nearly two-thirds of IV drug users reporting abuse and childhood trauma
- Those who have faced childhood trauma showing higher rates of alcohol and drug abuse
- 75% of individuals in substance abuse treatment coming from a history of abuse and trauma
The research may present as grim to some, but it’s the kind of research that’s better to know than ignore. Because if we can determine that someone’s substance use disorder is centered around trauma, that gives us a solid strategy for treating it.
Finding a Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program
Dual diagnosis treatment helps those with both a substance addiction as well as a mental health issue. This could apply to those with current or PTSD, but it also covers you if you’ve turned to toxic behaviors to treat:
- Bipolar disorder
- Depression
- OCD
- ADHD
Sierra Sage focuses specifically on these kinds of cases, and we offer a variety of therapies crafted in their favor. They may benefit from cognitive-behavioral therapy, or CBT, which is a method of therapy that tackles unhealthy thought patterns and the behaviors that they result in. Many of our clients have used the toolbox that this method creates, which can be accessed long after they leave our care.
Sierra Sage: A Trauma Therapy Program to Get You on the Road to Recovery
If you’re struggling with a dual diagnosis, we can help you at whatever level you feel comfortable with, from residential to outpatient programs. All you need to do is make that first step towards a healthier life. Contact Sierra Sage Recovery Services today at 833.922.2884 to learn more about our dual diagnosis treatment program when you’re ready to start.
