Why Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Matters 

Addiction treatment and recovery is a highly individualized process. In order for addiction treatment to be successful, it needs to include more than just the treatment of the addiction itself. Mental health problems caused by past trauma and mental conditions often, unfortunately, coincide with alcohol and drug addictions. Therefore, these elements must also be addressed to not only prevent relapse but to also improve the recovering addict’s quality of life. Here is why trauma-informed addiction treatment matters. 

What is Trauma? 

Trauma is an event, or series of events, that is deeply disturbing or distressing to the individual. It is important to note that what is considered traumatic varies from person to person. Therefore, what you might not consider traumatic may be traumatic for another person. The effects of trauma are lifelong without treatment, and those who have experienced trauma are much more likely to fall into an alcohol or drug addiction. This is why trauma-informed addiction treatment is so crucial for achieving sober living for so many recovering addicts. 

What is Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment? 

For many addicts who are seeking treatment, entering the unknown can feel very overwhelming. Therefore, it is important to have a clear understanding of what trauma-informed addiction treatment is and what it entails. Here are 3 things that this type of addiction treatment includes. 

It is Non-Pathological: Nonpathological treatment means that it views the recovering addict as a person in pain rather than a person who has done something wrong. This creates a safe space and promotes thorough treatment that focuses on healing the recovering addict from trauma along with the addiction. 

It Emphasizes Self Care: Depression, anxiety, and other mental conditions are very common among those who have both experienced trauma and have dealt with addiction. As a result, trauma-informed addiction treatment programs promote self-care as a healthy coping mechanism. 

It Usually Involves a 3 Step Process: When it comes to addiction treatment and recovery, programs that provide a step by step long term roadmap are the most successful. This is why most trauma-informed addiction treatment programs have their own 3 step recovery process. 

What Are The 3 Steps? 

As mentioned before, most trauma-informed addiction treatment programs have a 3 step recovery process set in place. This consistency is good for putting recovering addicts at ease because they know exactly what to expect from their rehab program. Here is a breakdown of trauma-informed addiction therapy’s 3 steps. 

Step 1: Reestablishing Safety: Trauma often causes fear when it comes to trust and vulnerability. As a result, the first step to trauma-informed addiction treatment is creating a safe space for the recovering addict to receive trauma and addiction treatment. This step can take some time, and establishing trust should never be rushed. However, when this is done over time, this established trust will allow for more honesty from the recovering addict. This allows for more thorough and holistic treatment. 

Step 2: Recognizing Your Trauma: After a safe space has been created the second step to trauma-informed addiction treatment is guiding the recovering addict through the process of recognizing the trauma that they have experienced. This is a crucial step that allows the patient to truly work through and start the healing process from their past. 

Step 3: Healing From Your Trauma: The final step to trauma-informed addiction treatment is the recovering addict healing from their trauma and addiction. As with all of the other steps, the time that this takes is highly individualized, and all addiction treatment and recovery takes time. This step can even continue on after the rehab program through therapy and support groups if needed. 

Why Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Matters 

An alcohol or drug detox is a difficult experience and doesn’t need to be made worse by improper addiction treatment. Having experienced trauma is sadly extremely common among alcohol and drug addicts. Even more important to note is that trauma and emotional stressors are often major triggers for recovering addicts. Trauma-informed addiction treatment focuses on treating trauma along with addiction, so healthy and safe coping mechanisms for these instances will definitely be taught in this type of program. This is important for preventing relapse and improving the recovering addict’s emotional state and quality of life.  

Conclusion 

Trauma-informed addiction treatment is non-pathological, promotes self-care, and has a 3 step roadmap for recovering addicts. These steps are creating a safe space, recognizing trauma, and healing from that trauma. This type of treatment program is extremely relevant and important because having experienced trauma is very common among those battling addiction. In order to truly address an addiction problem, the root cause of addiction also needs to be addressed and treated. Otherwise, the chances for a relapse increase, and the true problems in an addict’s life are left untouched.