The Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction
“There was kind of like a lot of traumatizing events that I have had that you know it kind of just really like made me think differently about loved and I guess myself,” Mercedes said.
Childhood trauma occurs in individuals who have experienced significant damage to their soul, just like Mercedes. This can take place in children who have lived through a stressful event such as a divorce, mental abuse or physical abuse. This type of trauma can occur any day a child is challenged with stress that surpasses their capability to cope.
For this reason, childhood trauma and its costs are extremely subjective.
There are children who have suffered with trauma that experience long-term and vital consequences of the trauma, resulting in substance abuse or PTSD. In a lot of cases they don’t know how to work through their trauma unless guided in treatment.
Trauma, can happen to anyone however, certain issues might alleviate the impact trauma can have on an individual. For instance, children who come from loving homes may be more capable of processing traumatic events where children in less stable living conditions could develop PTSD later in life.
“Growing up there was just … a lot of fighting augmenting in my house,” Mercedes said.
Alcohol and Drugs as an Escape
Childhood trauma could possibly weigh in to the development of trauma related consequences such as alcoholism and addiction. Experiencing trauma increases the possibility than an individual will suffer from depression, PTSD and alcohol or drug addiction. The most common forms of childhood trauma can include to witnessing a tragic event or abuse.
“My mom working a lot it just kind of gave me freedom to do what I wanted to do,” Mercedes said.
Many individuals who experience childhood trauma turn to alcohol or drugs as a coping mechanism. Several substances, like alcohol and Heroin, can make the individual feel empowered, calm, or numbed from the pain. All those feelings are usually rare during sobriety for the individuals who suffered childhood trauma.
People who have experienced childhood trauma may rely on simulants so they have the liveliness and motivation to achieve what they feel they cannot complete without the drug: Benzodiazepines, so they can feel release from continuing anxiety; Psychedelics so they can get on what they may think is spiritual journey; Opioids, so the individual can feel euphoria that he or she has come to believe is not obtainable to him or her in a sober state of mind; Marijuana, so they can feel tranquil; Alcohol, so it is easier to connect with others in social settings.
“I just remember the next day waking up with bruises on me and thinking wow that was fun let’s do it again,” Mercedes said.
Some people who have experienced childhood trauma have needs that they feel are met by alcohol and drugs, which will open the door to alcohol and drug addiction. The reliance on drugs and alcohol will eventually lead to addiction or alcoholism in individuals suffering from childhood trauma. Before the original childhood trauma issues can successfully be treated, the alcohol or drug addiction needs to be recognized and treated first.
Drug and alcohol addiction is often seen in individuals who have experienced childhood trauma. Approximately 25 percent of children and adolescents have experienced trauma. Also, trauma in the beginning stages of life increases an individual’s vulnerability for alcohol and drug addiction. However, people are also more vulnerable to all forms of addiction if they encounter trauma of any kind.
Childhood Trauma & Addiction can Happen to Anyone
Childhood trauma and drug addiction could occur in anyone, regardless of gender, race, creed, or religion. However, an individual is to be more likely to experience alcohol or drug addiction if individuals in their family are also addicted to drugs or alcohol. Friends who are suffering with addiction may possibly also increase an individual’s vulnerability for substance addiction because they can be influential, even more so when someone is already overwhelmed with low self-confidence.
A dual diagnosis of co-occurring substance addiction and childhood trauma can be very difficult. The best kind of rehabilitation for these two conditions combined is repair that is individually intended to target both childhood trauma as well as alcohol and or drug addiction. This treatment would involve counseling, therapy, group therapy or medication. Medication may be used to help symptoms of childhood trauma such as anxiety or depression.
An individualized treatment plan is made for the suffering person to utilize on a daily basis. It is the key to recover from childhood trauma and drug or alcohol addiction.
There is Hope
There is hope for individual who has undergone childhood trauma and substance abuse addiction. Although this co-occurring disorder may seem like it can’t be beat- it can. It is important to seek treatment immediately. Let us help you! Call today for more information on how we could help save your life from the depths of addiction.
“This is all I have ever dreamed for,” Mercedes said.
