Traumatic experiences frequently function as a major factor in the building of an addiction. Major trauma can also cause PTSD, also known as post-traumatic stress disorder. Those with this disorder may turn to drugs or alcohol to deal with their stress and suffering. For this reason, a trauma therapy program, such as those offered by Pillars Recovery in California, is extremely important in dealing with the treatment of addiction.

Who Could Use a Trauma Therapy Program?

trauma therapy programTrauma is often an underlying cause in addiction cases, and the best addiction therapy services are equipped to address this. PTSD occurs when people experience a traumatic event and then have reoccurring anxiety and stress after the fact. Examples of traumatic experiences leading to PTSD include:

  • Childhood abuse
  • Domestic assault
  • Sexual violence and abuse
  • Seeing a violent crime
  • Being in a war
  • Being a victim of a violent crime
  • Witnessing a death

First responders and members of the military tend to have the highest risk of experiencing traumatic events on a regular basis due to their occupations. However, anyone can experience assault or witness a violent crime. PTSD is characterized by flashbacks and nightmares that cause overwhelming and negative emotions. Many sufferers also feel guilt or shame that they can’t prevent such outbursts from happening. It’s easy to see why many end up turning to drugs or alcohol to sleep better or to stop racing thoughts. Unfortunately, both drugs and alcohol work to make problems worse rather than making them better.

What Does a Trauma Therapy Program Entail?

Approaches to trauma therapy programs vary, but the objective remains the same. Clients are encouraged to process traumatic events and overwhelming emotions in a way that leads to regulation. Two types of trauma therapy program include somatic experiences and EDMR, also known as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing. Cognitive behavioral therapy is used as well. In these therapies, clients work on putting distance between themselves and their fear as well as to recognize and monitor their overwhelming emotions. By connecting with a social support system, they begin to break away from self-destructive habits, including drug and alcohol use. Quality drug rehab centers offer dual diagnosis to assess the underlying issues contributing to addiction. As trauma frequently goes with drug and alcohol addiction, it’s important for addiction treatment professionals to address the connection.

A Trauma Therapy Program is Important in Treating Addiction

It’s important for addiction treatment centers to treat more than just the physical symptoms of drug and alcohol use. This is where a quality rehab like Pillars Recovery in Orange County, California comes in. A triple diagnosis program at Pillars addresses addiction, chronic pain and mental health disorders like PTSD.

Also, treating trauma disorders along with addiction involves getting to the source of the problem and helping to break the cycle of drug use and abuse. Pillars Recovery offers a full spectrum of addiction treatment services, including:

Without addressing trauma as an underlying cause, those suffering from addiction may find themselves relapsing in both the addiction and the trauma. Pillars Recovery offers individualized programs in two convenient locations in Orange County, California. The Laguna Beach center is only for women while the Newport Beach center offers programs solely for men.

Finally, break free of your addiction through quality treatment and a trauma therapy program at Pillars Recovery in California. Give us a call today at 866-782-0247 to hear more about how to start your road to recovery.