Developing an addiction is never in one’s control. While detox can successfully treat the physical symptoms of addiction, it does not address the client’s mental health, which can be a contributing factor in developing an addiction. At Serenity Grove, our trauma treatment program in Athens, Georgia can help in uncovering the root causes of substance use, address unresolved trauma or repressed emotions, and empower clients to face the future with a smile.
If you or a loved one is struggling with a substance use disorder, reach out to Serenity Grove’s personalized addiction therapy programs. To know more about our trauma-informed care services, call us at 844.904.3485.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is a type of psychological injury that can occur after a person experiences an event or situation that threatens their sense of safety. This can include:
- Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
- Accidents
- Natural disasters
- Violence
- Life-threatening events
- Ongoing exposure to difficult situations
- Living in extreme poverty
- Racism
- Terrorism
Trauma can significantly affect an individual’s mental health, leading to anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In some cases, trauma may even lead to physical symptoms such as headaches and stomachaches. Individuals who experience trauma are also at increased risk of developing a substance use disorder.
The effects of trauma are far-reaching and can last long after the traumatic event has passed. Therefore, it is important to understand the impact of trauma and seek help from a mental health professional for treatment. With proper support, individuals can learn to cope with their experiences and move forward in life.
The Connection Between Addiction and Trauma
Traumatic experiences also have the potential to alter brain chemistry, particularly in areas related to stress, emotion regulation, and reward. These changes can increase an individual’s susceptibility to substance abuse, as their brain may find substances more rewarding, or they might use them to counteract altered brain chemistry.
For some, the use of substances begins as a coping mechanism to deal with the emotional and psychological impacts of trauma. Over time, this coping strategy can evolve into a dependence or addiction. This is especially true for those who experience trauma early in life, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse. Early trauma can disrupt normal development and coping mechanisms, making the use of substances an attractive option for managing emotional pain.
Additionally, substance use can increase the likelihood of re-traumatization. It can place individuals in situations where they are more vulnerable to experiencing further trauma, creating a vicious cycle where trauma leads to addiction, and addiction leads to further trauma. This complex relationship creates the need for addressing both trauma and addiction in treatment to ensure a holistic and effective recovery process.
Why We Offer a Trauma Treatment Program
As practitioners of trauma-informed care, we believe in seeing the “big picture” first. Our clients come from all backgrounds and have diverse lived experiences. Thus, before commencing treatment, we evaluate their medical history and perform diagnostic tests to formulate a recovery plan that is unique to them, taking their lifestyle and mental health issues into account.
Attending our trauma treatment program has several benefits such as:
- Clients can relive and process traumatic incidents in a safe, non-judgmental, and comfortable environment.
- They learn to identify the elements from their past that are holding them back.
- They learn to let go of unhealthy thoughts, feelings, and memories that serve no purpose and focus on their healing with better awareness.
- Our therapists maintain full confidentiality and teach our clients effective coping mechanisms to manage difficult emotions and cope with stressful situations.
- Other symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are adequately addressed, and throughout several sessions, the client becomes more confident and resilient.
- Clients become better at self-care, setting boundaries, and pursuing their goals.
Thus, trauma counseling is vital for the recovery process. With healthier coping mechanisms and contingency plans, the client is less likely to return to use, no matter the circumstances.
Our Trauma Therapy Program in Athens, GA
Seeking trauma counseling at our family-owned clinic offers many advantages, including:
- Continuity with therapists: We ensure that our clients closely work with the same therapists through all levels of care, building bonds of trust and resilience.
- End-to-end-care: We believe that medical detox is just the beginning of the treatment process, and we guide our clients through the various step-down levels of care, including residential treatment, outpatient healing programs, and continuing care services.
- A lifetime’s worth of continuing care: Since addiction recovery is a lifelong process, we offer a lifelong continuing care program so that our clients can receive ongoing support and reach out to us for help, whenever required.
- LGBTQ-friendly clinic: We welcome clients of all gender identities and sexual orientations, and ensure that no one faces any discrimination.
- Dual diagnosis treatment: We treat the root causes of addiction, addressing both the physical symptoms and co-occurring mental health issues.
Begin Trauma Treatment in Athens, Georgia Today!
At Serenity Grove, we believe that by addressing the root causes of addiction, our clients can make a full recovery.
At our family-owned clinic, we provide a safe and comfortable atmosphere for our clients to heal and rebuild their lives. Our team of compassionate and non-judgmental doctors works closely with each client, to find effective solutions to their unique problems. From drug and alcohol detox to residential treatment and outpatient treatment, we are there for our clients at every step.
It is never too late to seek help. Call us at 844.904.3485 and change your life for the better.
