Exploring The Surprising Link Between Trauma And Substance Use

Experiencing trauma can change how we think, feel, and act in certain triggering situations, and just like that, it changes how we choose to cope with our triggers. One of the most common connections between trauma and coping mechanisms is substance abuse. Trauma and substance abuse are connected, with each having the power to worsen the other.

This complicated relationship between trauma and substance abuse can create a cycle where you choose substances to cope with trauma and its triggers, only to worsen your symptoms as a result of substance use.

Understanding the relationship between trauma and substance abuse can help you develop effective strategies and interventions to manage each condition, on its own and together. In today’s article, we’re exploring the surprising link between trauma and substance abuse, how it can cause trauma-related issues, and how you can get help.

Trauma and Its Symptoms

Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event. These events can be physical violence, sexual assault, or accidents – especially life-threatening ones. Trauma isn’t limited to these cases; it can also result from less dramatic but equally distressing experiences such as emotional neglect, bullying, or the loss of a loved one.

Trauma can impact us differently. What I experience can allow me to recover quickly, while it may take you years to recover. The impact of trauma, the support you have during recovery, and how you choose to heal plays a role too.

Some common symptoms of trauma can include;

• Intrusive thoughts
• Flashbacks
• Avoiding triggers
• Negative thinking and behavior
• Sudden emotional outbursts

Knowing the symptoms of trauma can help you understand its impact on your health, and by extension, the potential it holds that can cause substance abuse or substance dependence.

Trauma and Substance Abuse: Is There a Link?

The relationship between trauma and substance abuse is complicated but there. If you’ve experienced trauma, then you are at a higher risk of developing substance dependence. You might choose to use substances such as alcohol or drugs to cope with the emotional pain and distress that comes with trauma.

This kind of self-medication can temporarily relieve the symptoms of trauma, but it can also lead to long-term addiction issues. Self-medication doesn’t always happen with alcohol and drugs but with medications such as opioids and benzodiazepines.

Trauma can also cause significant changes in your brain chemistry. Chronic stress and trauma exposure can alter your brain’s reward system, making you more susceptible to the pleasurable aspects of substances. Alcohol and other substances release chemicals like dopamine and endorphins, which can create a strong association between substance use and relief from emotional pain. Given enough time, your brain may become dependent on these substances to regulate mood, leading to addiction.

Another link between trauma and substance abuse is emotional dysregulation. Trauma can cause emotional dysregulation, which can result in intense emotional distress, making it harder for you to cope with day-to-day stress. Substances, here, can be a means to regulate the emotional fluctuations, offering a temporary escape from the emotions caused by trauma.

If you’ve experienced trauma, then you might find yourself in environments where substance use is common. For example, if you have experienced childhood trauma or abuse, then you’re more likely to engage in risky behavior and associate with people who use drugs and alcohol to cope. Moreover, the kind of support you have and the coping mechanisms you choose can make you more vulnerable to experiencing substance dependence as a way to cope.

Is It Trauma-Related Substance Abuse?

Identifying the signs of trauma-related substance dependence can help you get help early. Here are some signs that your substance use is related to trauma you’ve experienced;

• An increase in the quantity of substance use
• Engaging in activities that are considered risky, such as drinking and driving
• Avoiding social interactions and events that you use to enjoy
• Neglecting your responsibilities at work and home
• Sudden changes in mood – from euphoria to depression
• Persistent feelings of anxiety and hopelessness
• Increased feelings of agitation
• Feeling emotionally detached
• Physical changes such as weight changes, hygiene problems, and appearance changes
• Not sleeping well and experiencing flashbacks and nightmares
• Frequently falling ill, getting hurt, and feeling physical aches
• Trouble remembering things or concentrating
• Persistent thoughts related to the trauma
• Feeling disconnected from the reality

Treating Trauma-Related Substance Abuse

If you or your loved one is struggling with trauma-related substance dependence, then it’s imperative to seek help and support from a professional. Here are some treatment options you can consider;

• Professional Help

Therapy approaches, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), can help you process your trauma and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

• Prescribed Medications

In some cases, a trauma-informed psychiatrist can prescribe medications to manage symptoms of anxiety and depression that co-occur with trauma and substance dependence. Even then, it’s recommended that you speak with your physician about the side effects of prescribed medications, as many of them can mimic substance use symptoms and increase the chances of addiction.

• Joining Support Groups

Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and Narcotics Anonymous (NA) can also offer support to people who are experiencing substance abuse and dependence related to trauma. Having the support of people who’ve been through similar experiences can encourage you to heal and recover.

• Self-Coping Methods

Another way to treat trauma-related substance abuse is through self-coping techniques. Strategies such as meditation and mindfulness, exercising, and engaging in trauma-informed arts and expression can help you process your emotions and begin healing.

• Immediate Help

In some severe cases where emotional distress is too much, immediate help via hotlines and crisis centers can be taken. Emergency services and crisis hotlines can offer immediate support and ensure your safety in crucial situations.

Wrapping Up…

Recognizing the link between trauma and substance dependence is important in addressing the root cause of addiction. Trauma can impact your mental and emotional health greatly, and can often lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms such as substance abuse. Knowing the signs of trauma-related substance use can help you reach out for help and support through therapy, support groups, and self-coping strategies.

If you or your loved one is struggling with trauma and substance use, then know that help is available. Recovery, no matter how slow it might be, is possible. Addressing trauma and addiction can take some time and effort, but with the right support, you can break free and live a healthier and happier life.

I hope this article helped you! Let us know what you think about the link between trauma and addiction in the comments below.

Take Care!