In the United States, 61% of men and 51% of women have reported being exposed to at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.1 Everyone goes through tough times, but those who have gone through traumatic experiences may have an extra burden on their shoulders. The trauma can bleed into several aspects of their lives and even hinder their everyday activities. When this trauma leads to substance abuse, it is important to get help immediately. If you or a loved one have experienced trauma, our Philadelphia trauma rehab can help. 

Defining Trauma  

To better understand the importance of trauma treatment programs, we must first define what trauma is. Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event, such as an accident, sexual assault, or natural disaster. It is common for people who have experienced or witnessed traumatic events to be in shock and denial.   

While some people may recover from the shock of trauma over time, others experience worsening symptoms. Long-term symptoms of trauma exposure include unpredictable emotions, flashbacks, strained relationships, and even physical symptoms like headaches or nausea. Again, while experiencing symptoms like this after the event is normal, if they occur long-term afterward, it could indicate a more severe problem, such as a developing mental illness like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).  

Common among veterans and service members who have been exposed to combat, PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event. Typical examples of traumatic events include natural disasters, war and combat, sexual assault, and witnessing a death. PTSD has been known by other names, such as “shell shock” during World War I and “combat fatigue” after World War II.  

However, this condition does not just occur in combat veterans. PTSD can occur in all people, no matter their background and age. It affects approximately 3.5% of U.S. adults every year, and an estimated 1 in 11 people will be diagnosed with PTSD in their lifetimes.2  

People with PTSD may experience intense and disturbing thoughts and feelings related to the event that last long after the traumatic event. They may relive the event through flashbacks or nightmares; feel sadness, fear, or anger; and they may even feel estranged and detached from their loved ones. Individuals with PTSD may also avoid places, things, and people that remind them of the traumatic event and may experience strong reactions if they are exposed.  

As with many other forms of mental illness, PTSD can take over a person’s life, making even the simplest of tasks difficult to accomplish. Our trauma rehab in Pennsylvania utilizes a variety of therapy methods to help affected individuals recover and regain control of their lives. 

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction  

Traumatic events can shape a person for the rest of their life. Traumatic situations change how a person sees the world and themselves, whether it is a childhood experience or something they faced as an adult. Because trauma can be so life-changing, it is common to hear that a person who has experienced trauma also struggles with addiction.  

There is a deadly link between addiction and trauma, as many individuals who have experienced traumatic events turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the aftermath. PTSD and other trauma-related symptoms can impact both the mind and body, making it difficult for the person to carry on their lives as they normally would. To cope, these individuals may start drinking or using drugs to relax and numb the memories and emotions associated with their experiences.  

Poor mental health and substance abuse problems are often connected. When people feel down, lonely, or stressed, they sometimes turn to drugs or alcohol to ease the pain or escape these negative emotions. In cases where an individual may be suffering from a co-occurring disorder, addiction and trauma therapy can supplement their recovery, increasing their chances of achieving long-lasting sobriety.  

Trauma is a common trigger for drug or alcohol use as the person tries to use these substances to forget about their traumatic experience. Because of the fleeting sense of relief these substances provide, the user will continue to return to this coping mechanism even when they start to feel worse in the long run.   

Eventually, dependence on these substances is created, and often, mental health continues to decline. To help the addict heal and keep them from returning to this self-destructive pattern after treatment ends, our Philadelphia trauma therapy services help patients tackle both issues. 

How Our Addiction and Trauma Rehab Center Works 

Our substance abuse and trauma rehab program is designed to help people who are struggling with addiction and trauma-related problems such as PTSD learn how to properly cope with their symptoms and regain control over their lives. Alcohol and drugs may be the only way these individuals currently know how to cope with their issues, but we want to change that.  

At our drug rehab in Langhorne, PA, we know that addiction recovery is difficult for everyone, but when your substance abuse stems from trauma, it can be even more challenging to overcome. Not everyone can understand what you went through or how much of an impact this trauma has had on your life.  

To keep your traumatic experiences from haunting you any longer, our trained staff members will help you work through these problems. We teach patients healthier ways of coping with these painful memories instead of turning to drugs or alcohol. Along with individual therapy sessions, patients will gather in groups to discuss their issues with peers.  

To ensure the comfort of our patients and encourage patients to open up in these groups, our trauma treatment is also gender specific. Our Philadelphia trauma support groups create a sense of community and support among the patients that they can lean on long after their program is complete.  

During this program, patients will also partake in a variety of holistic addiction treatment programs that are tailored to address their trauma alongside their substance use disorder. After our trauma program, successful patients should be able to recognize the role that their trauma has played in their addiction and start working towards a brighter future. 

Finding a Trauma Treatment Center Near Me 

If you or someone you care for has let traumatic experiences lead to addiction, it is time to get help. Our trauma rehab is intended to help patients move past these problems and start a new life. Take the first step to regaining control of your life or help set your loved one on the right path with us.  

Contact Banyan Treatment Centers today to learn more about our trauma treatment or additional Philadelphia substance abuse programs. 

 

Sources: 

  1. National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assitance Center - Trauma-Related Responses 
  2. American Psychiatric Association - What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? 

 

Related Reading:  

7 Stages of Trauma Bonding 

How to Heal From Trauma 

Most Insurance Plans Accepted

Addiction treatment doesn’t need to be out of reach. At our drug rehab in Delaware, our goal is to assist as many people as we can. We accept a variety of insurance plans to help people get the addiction treatment they need. If you do not have health insurance, there are other ways to pay for treatment. Call us today to see if your insurance will cover your treatment program and to talk about alternatives if necessary.

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