What does trauma have to do with addiction, alcoholism, or substance abuse?
Everything, it turns out. 75% of people who seek addiction treatment report a history of trauma. The risk for substance abuse rises by as much as four times for people who experienced trauma early in life. For those who experienced multiple or repeated traumatic events—this risk can rise tenfold. For those in the Native American community, or anyone living through these turbulent times, these risks are likely to be even higher. Generational trauma, social injustice, financial uncertainty, and living through a once-in-a-lifetime pandemic—any one of these factors is enough to impact someone’s health and well-being, and many of us tick several of these boxes. The walking wounded!
For people that want to rebuild their lives, find a steady recovery, and heal the wounds their alcoholism or addiction created, looking into your old hurts will most likely be necessary.
Clearly, there is a correlation between trauma and the potential for substance
abuse. Because these two issues are so closely intertwined, treating substance
abuse without attending to underlying trauma will usually be insufficient. We realize that for many, addiction treatment will only be effective if it addresses underlying issues that can get in the way of lasting recovery.
Getting help from a trusted source that has the language, resources, and
framework for this comprehensive healing approach is essential to success.
At Hope and Healing, we create comprehensive treatment plans to treat the whole person. We see the big picture, and give our clients the support and resources they need to have the best possible shot at lives that are whole, healthy, and happy.
Given the strong connection between addiction and trauma, it is essential that
treatment includes comprehensive solutions. Trauma and addiction are best
treated when approached as co-occurring and interrelated issues. When people
don’t meet their terror, shame, fear, and isolation, it is difficult to create comfortable and sustainable sobriety. Trauma victims who use drugs or alcohol are generally looking to find short-lived solace from an internal experience that is unbearable. This is where we come in. Our work is to help people find their way to lasting recovery through holistic care that begins from the ground up.
In It Together
Trauma-Informed Care is a style of counseling that gives individuals personal
safety training using empowerment activities. These exercises give clients the
ability to voice feelings and thoughts and enhance positive choice-making skills.
How Does it Work?
The goal of this style of counseling is to build and maintain trust among staff,
clients and family members. At Hope and Healing, we believe our responsibility is to empower a person, not to overpower them. We are mindful that everyone’s experience is unique and people require an individualized approach, and that without addressing past traumas many people will struggle to move forward meaningfully. We believe in resiliency and people’s ability to heal.
Is Trauma-Informed Care Effective?
With substance abuse and behavioral health issues, a compassionate, trauma-informed approach acknowledges that many use substances or act out as a survival skill from past trauma. When considering this perspective, healthcare providers are often able to help clients better address the root causes and find the resources they need to heal.
At Hope & Healing, we have worked to create a safe space built on trust and respect that allows people to face their struggles in the company of others who have been there. Our shared understanding of the complex trauma and challenges facing Native American communities allows us to offer understanding and support with a depth that comes from shared experience. Hope & Healing’s Treatment program is made richer by the reverence we pay to different healing approaches. Our counselors and therapists, for example, respect that sweat lodge plays an integral role in the healing process, just as our Native teachers acknowledge the power of clinical interventions. When we are fighting a foe as powerful as addiction, we need every tool available to us.
We set you up with the foundation you need for success – so you can get well and
stay well. If you are ready to make a change and haven’t been able to do it on
your own, reach out. We would love to hear from you.
There is never a better time to start than now. Let us handle the details so you can get the help you need.
