Drug addiction and mental health often go hand in hand. While we see the devastating impacts of both conditions on the sufferers and their loved ones, they don’t appear out of nowhere. Addiction and mental illness can be seen as weeds that have deep roots. When you dig deep, childhood trauma is often the root cause. When trauma is not addressed and allowed to fester, its impacts often are felt for a lifetime.
This article will uncover the connection between childhood trauma and mental health and how trauma-informed care helps people heal from their wounds and transform their lives. If you are recovering from dual diagnosis, the Last House sober living network is here to help. We offer evidence-based programs that give you the tools to combat childhood trauma and other issues that impact your well-being.
Call the Last House today and begin your recovery journey with a clean slate.
Understanding Childhood Trauma
In our discussion of childhood trauma and mental health, we need to first define what trauma is and how it affects people. Trauma is simply a deeply emotional response to an event that has lasting impacts on a person’s psychological development and growth. As children, we are exposed to any number of events that can be deeply traumatic. Common examples of these events include the following:
- Sudden death of a loved one or pet
- Being the victim of physical, sexual, or psychological abuse
- Living with and surviving major illnesses such as cancer
- Living in prolonged poverty and financial distress
- Being the victim of bullying
- Being exposed to household violence and neglect
In many cases, children who experience adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) can process and move on with the proper support. However, some children may have support systems or help in place to help them deal with the intense feelings associated with these events. As a result, childhood trauma can have devastating consequences that last well into adulthood. Some of these consequences include:
- Increased risk of diseases such as cancer and diabetes
- Increased risk of suicidal ideation and suicide
- Accumulated stress that compromises brain development and cognitive functioning
- The onset of mental illness such as depression and anxiety
Ultimately, the stresses associated with traumatic events as children hinder people from forming stable and healthy relationships, and many turn to substances to cope. When people who have unresolved trauma have families of their own, their children are vulnerable to trauma creating a vicious cycle that is difficult to untangle.
Dealing with Childhood Trauma and Addiction with Trauma-Informed Care
Those dealing with the two-headed monster of childhood trauma and addiction must enter a specialized program that features the services needed to fully address both issues. Fortunately, an increasing number of rehabs are adopting a game-changing program called trauma-informed care. This breakthrough program focuses on addressing the specific root issues of a client’s trauma. These programs help clients better manage their symptoms to minimize the risk of being re-traumatized down the road.
In addition to 12-step-based approaches, detox services, and life and coping skills training, trauma-informed care programs focus on effective therapies such as CBT, exposure therapy, and medication-assisted therapy (MAT). The greatest benefit of this approach to treatment is it helps clients realize they aren’t weak and beyond help. Clients can address the root causes of their trauma in an environment that is supportive, safe, and non-judgmental.
The Last House Will Give You The Tools You Need to Overcome Childhood Trauma and Addiction
The pain of childhood trauma can last a lifetime and can ruin families and friendships. Dealing with co-occurring disorders requires comprehensive and integrated care. If you are recovering from trauma and substance abuse, having extra tools and support goes a long way in healing your mind, body, and spirit. As Southern California’s premier sober living network, the Last House offers evidence-based treatment services and support customized to meet your specific needs.Our men’s sober living homes feature state-of-the-art amenities and clinical support to help motivate and empower you to live your best life. Most importantly, the Last House offers all clients strong peer and staff support to show all who seek help they aren’t alone. Call us today and take back control of your life.