Childhood Trauma and Addiction

People who suffer from childhood trauma and addiction often do not realize the impact that one has on the other. People exposed to recurring trauma such as abuse suffer from mental disorders, hormonal imbalance, and poor immunity. They also have numerous health problems as a result of addiction.

A dual diagnosis treatment center provides opportunities for trauma victims to receive treatment for addiction and trauma-related disorders such as PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder). With the right help, an individual can overcome their addiction and manage the symptoms of their disorder. Let’s take a closer look at the connection between childhood trauma and addiction.

The Effects of Trauma on Children

Through a trauma treatment program, a person comes to understand that trauma manifests in several different ways. Alcoholism or drug addiction is not a root cause, but a symptom of a deeper issue that comes about as a result of a catastrophic event. A person who experiences or witnesses death, injury, sexual violence, or devastating events is affected in various ways, such as:

• Reliving the Trauma: Trauma has a significant impact on a person to the point where they may re-experience the event over and again. They may have memories of nightmares or flashbacks that trigger emotions and outbursts. Reliving the trauma can cause someone to turn to alcohol or drugs as a way of coping.
• Avoidance: Years after childhood trauma, a person may avoid certain places, people, or situations that remind them of the initial trauma. For instance, if a person was in a car accident as a child, they may avoid a street or area where the accident took place. Doing so keeps them from having certain feelings or emotions.
• Repression: Substance abuse is a way for an adolescent or adult to channel repressed feelings. They may drink or take drugs to drown the pain without ever dealing with their feelings. Repression can cause a person to forget certain details of trauma so that they never have to feel the pain of it.

Difficulty Sleeping or Eating

A child who is dealing with trauma may have difficulty eating or sleeping. On the other hand, a child or adult may develop an eating addiction or want to sleep all of the time. Eating and sleeping disorders are common symptoms of childhood trauma, typically triggered by irritability or anxiety.

In most cases, a person who has experienced trauma doesn’t exhibit symptoms until one to two months after the event. If the symptoms are treated early on, a child may not carry the effects of trauma into adulthood. However, most children and adults are unaware that their symptoms are related to the initial trauma. As a result, they suffer a wide range of mental disorders and addictions.

Treatment for Childhood Trauma and Addiction

An evidence-based treatment center in New Jersey provides a wide range of treatments to help children and adults who are suffering from addiction. Treatment may include:

• Dual diagnosis
• Trauma-informed care
• Evidence-based treatment
• Holistic care
• Inpatient and outpatient services
• Individual, family, and group therapy
• Aftercare and extended therapy

A treatment specialist can assess a victim’s current condition to determine what type of disorder they have and how best to treat their addiction. A person may go through detox, rehab, and aftercare so that they can get a full recovery from their condition.

Get Help for Childhood Trauma and Addiction at Victory Bay

Victory Bay offers comprehensive treatment from childhood trauma and addiction as a part of our outpatient trauma treatment program. Regardless of your current condition or the type of trauma you endured, we can find the right treatment plan for you. Contact Victory Bay at [Direct] and speak with a specialist to find out what options are available for your condition.