Millions of people around the country endure traumatic events that affect their emotional and physical health every year. A number of these individuals will then experience substance abuse to either drugs or alcohol. Learning about the connection between types of trauma and substance abuse is vital to finding the help you need.
Understanding Trauma and Substance Abuse Risk
Surviving a traumatic event can increase a person’s risk of developing substance abuse with drugs or alcohol. In fact, many people have trouble dealing with the devastating emotional and physical after-effects of trauma. Struggling with vivid memories of the event can make matters worse. It’s not uncommon for these individuals to begin using addictive substances to dull their pain. However, this leads to more complex problems that can grow worse with time.
Common Types of Trauma
Many types of trauma can affect people today. The following events can present pressing issues, including an increased risk of substance abuse:
- Emotional abuse– Emotional abuse or neglect at the hands of a spouse or parent can be a massive problem for many.
- Sexual abuse– Sexual abuse is also a common issue that affects people of all ages and backgrounds.
- Traumatic accidents– Car accidents, traumatic sports injuries, and similar events can sometimes trigger anxiety disorders.
- Combat trauma– It’s no surprise that people who have served in an active war setting deal with the after-effects of these traumatic events.
- Crimes or natural disasters– Being held at gunpoint during a robbery or surviving a frightening natural disaster can also lead to long-term anxiety.
Symptoms of Serious Problems Following a Trauma
How can you know your loved one is not recovering from a traumatic event properly? In many situations, the person will display ongoing signs that they aren’t coping well with what happened. These signs could include things such as intense mood swings, social isolation, aggression, nightmares, insomnia, anxiety, poor hygiene, and poor sleeping patterns. Actively abusing addictive substances to deal with the effects of trauma is always a sign of a severe problem. Any of these symptoms warrant professional assistance in developing proper coping mechanisms.
Treatment Methods for Trauma
Different types of trauma can result in various physical, emotional, and mental problems. The treatment options for these issues can include many different things. A skilled treatment center will consider your situation when creating a treatment plan for you. Your plan could include therapies such as group counseling, personal therapy, family and community programs, or medication-based therapy. You’ll likely benefit from a combination of these effective options.
Finding Help for a Family Member
When one person endures various types of trauma that lead to a substance abuse problem, the resulting issues affect the whole family. It may sometimes feel that your life can never go back to the way it was before these problems began. Take comfort in knowing that the right kind of substance abuse treatment can help bring harmony and balance to your home once again. It is sometimes helpful to sit down as a family and create a plan of action for seeking the right kind of help.
The Willows at Red Oak Recovery
To recover entirely from substance abuse issues, you need the quality care that an excellent treatment center can provide. The Willows is an esteemed drug rehab for women. The dedicated staff at The Willows offer creative treatment options in a nurturing setting of all-females.
You don’t need to let different types of trauma or substance abuse problems stop you from living the kind of life you want. We can give you access to the programs you need to overcome your challenges. Call 855.773.0614 to learn how The Willows can help you get your life back on track.
