The trouble with trauma is that sometimes, the ways in which it affects people aren’t obvious until far after the traumatic experience is over. This is why getting therapy for past trauma can be so important. Individuals who have experienced traumatic events or situations can also be re-traumatized, experience symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or suffer from conditions that impact their mental health. For those who are living with substance use disorder or a mental health condition, past trauma could be exacerbating the conditions in the present, making recovery more difficult. In an addiction therapy program, it can be extremely helpful to address past trauma as part of a holistic, individualized treatment plan.
What Is Past Trauma and How Does It Hurt People?
Past trauma can take many forms. Essentially, trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event or situation. Different people have differing levels of response to traumatic events, but even if the event occurred a long time ago, it could be having an impact on life in the present day.
Events that cause trauma can occur at any time in life. Adults can be traumatized as well as young people. Trauma can happen as a result of a single event such as a car accident or as a result of things that occurred over time, such as abuse or neglect. Some of the commonly-noted events that can cause trauma are:
- Events such as natural disasters
- Accidents or severe illnesses
- Witnessing something terrible
- Abuse or neglect
- Exposure to community violence or war
- Witnessing or being the victim of domestic violence
People who are living with unresolved trauma might experience a variety of effects. Sometimes, this can take the form of PTSD, which can involve symptoms such as being easily startled, anxiety, and extremely vivid memories, sometimes called “flashbacks.” However, not everyone reacts to trauma in the same way. This is why people who have experienced trauma can benefit from getting help from a professional counselor or treatment program.
Past Trauma Therapy for Treating Addiction
When a client comes to treatment for substance abuse and addiction, they often have underlying traumas that have not been addressed, which are feeding into their urge to use substances. In a holistic treatment setting, in order to help the client heal from addiction, all the factors which are exerting pressure on the client must also be addressed. Past trauma therapy recognizes that when a client is dealing with unresolved trauma, they may need help to recognize and process those emotions in order to make progress on their recovery from addiction.
Past trauma therapy also takes special care not to re-traumatize the client during the therapeutic process. This is important to help clients feel safe and supported during their experience in treatment. Part of trauma therapy involves relearning how to trust oneself and others, so making sure that clients are able to place their trust in the clinician is vital. When someone has been traumatized, it damages their ability to feel safe. It can take time to repair that damage, but trauma therapy can help.
Serenity Grove Can Help with Past Trauma and Addiction Through Therapy
At our treatment center in Athens, Georgia, we are committed to helping our clients heal from trauma, addiction, and mental health issues. Our holistic treatment approach works to address the mental, physical, and emotional aspects of health, not just treat symptoms. We want our clients to achieve a lasting recovery and live the life that they are meant to live. If you or someone in your family has been struggling with past trauma, addiction, and mental health issues, don’t hesitate to reach out to us today at 844.904.3485.
