Here Are Some Tips to Face Root Causes of Addiction Head-On
Trauma is about an individual’s experience in their mind, body, and soul. They often integrate their emotional experience into the physical body, but sometimes, that is not possible because they have been harmed in some way. Many people who experience trauma may or may not develop an addiction, but there is a clear linkage that it is possible. Eating disorders and compulsive sexual behavior also arise out of a need to escape pain caused by trauma.
Finding Support
When facing a diagnosis of PTSD or some other condition, it can be hard to think about anything else. Although there may be root causes for it, the addiction plays front and center for a while and makes it hard to focus on other issues. While therapy is the best place to address underlying trauma, there are some tips to look at when trying to face root causes of addiction in a way that is honoring and healing:
- Explore the past and seek opportunities for growth
- Recognize the role of the brain in trauma
- Understand mental health conditions as it relates to trauma
The root causes of addiction are not easy to face, but there is more than meets the eye going on. The amygdala can become overactive, which keeps the brain looking for threats. This may bring up feelings of anxiety, vulnerability, and fear. Rather than putting memories in one part of the brain, the memories loop through and create a PTSD-like scenario where people relive the trauma, feel triggered by it, and cannot get away from disturbing thoughts and intrusive feelings about the event or events in question. This loop makes it hard to focus or navigate life well without support from dual diagnosis treatment programs.
Trauma Has Deep Roots
To face trauma head-on, it means looking at all the ways the body is impacted from the brain to the body to the spiritual side. The soul side of things often gets overlooked, but it has to do with knowing the heart feels as much as the body. It can be taxing physically to experience trauma. It can also tax a person’s desire to live, their will to survive, and their soul that desires a less chaotic space in which to live. To face those roots, it makes addressing it full on with a therapist, and asking for help that does not re-traumatize. It is not about hearing the nitty-gritty details, it is about knowing what to say that will help illuminate and bring light to the dark spaces. Addiction is the desire to feel better, but trauma is often the root. Effects of trauma are cumulative, so facing them by asking for help from therapists who are trauma-informed (and understand addiction) is a great starting point.
Palmetto provides trauma-informed care for people who need extra support. Our therapists understand the needs of people who come for rehab and will help you find healing. Our program provides a special focus for professionals including chiropractors, nurses, doctors, lawyers, and more who need help with addiction recovery. Call us to find out more: 866-848-3001.