Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Substance Use

It is not uncommon for trauma and substance use to go hand in hand. When someone experiences a traumatic event-such as abuse, violence, an accident, or the sudden loss of a loved one-they may turn to alcohol or drugs to cope with the pain. It has nothing to do with weakness or poor choices. Essentially, it's about how we cope with emotional distress, how we escape, or how we numb out overwhelming feelings.

To help you heal and recover from substance use, we'll explore what trauma is and how it can lead to substance abuse.

What Is Trauma?

When a deeply distressing or disturbing event occurs, trauma arises. There's more to it than just what happened - it's about how it affects the person emotionally, mentally, and physically. Among the most common trauma examples are:

• Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse

• Neglect during childhood

• Domestic violence

• Combat or war experiences

• Natural disasters or accidents

• Losing someone suddenly or unexpectedly

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Trauma affects people differently. One person's trauma might not be another's. In many cases, the impact of an event depends on the event itself, on the person's history, and on the support they have around them.

What Happens in the Brain After Trauma?

It is possible for trauma to rewire the brain in powerful ways. Because the brain's job is to protect us from harm, it goes into survival mode when traumatic events occur.

As a result, two key areas are affected:

• The amygdala – In a way, this part of the brain functions as an alarm system. Even when a person is safe, it may become extremely active, causing constant anxiety, fear, or tense feelings.

• The prefrontal cortex – As a result of this part, you can make better decisions and regulate your emotions. When it becomes less active after trauma, it can be hard to think clearly, calm down, or feel in control.

The effects of these changes can include intense emotions, flashbacks, nightmares, trouble sleeping, and the feeling of danger constantly present. A person may experience these symptoms without being diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Why Trauma Can Lead to Substance Use

Alcohol, prescription drugs, or other substances are sometimes used by trauma survivors to:

• Numb emotional pain

• Escape distressing memories or flashbacks

• Feel calm or relaxed

• Get better sleep

• Feel more in control or connected

  
  

We call this self-medicating. In this case, the substance is used as a means to cope with emotional or physical pain. Most of the time, it's not a conscious decision. There are many people who do this without even realizing it. Their only concern is that alcohol or drugs make them feel "better," even if only temporarily.

However, the relief is only temporary. Over time, the brain becomes dependent on the substance to manage stress or emotions. Eventually, a person may become dependent or addicted, needing more of the substance to achieve the same effect-and possibly feeling sick or out of control without it.

The Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

The cycle of trauma and substance abuse can be vicious:

• A traumatic event occurs. A person is left with emotional scars.

• They use substances to cope. Temporary relief may be provided by this.

• They develop a dependence. The result can be new problems: health issues, broken relationships, legal issues, shame, and more.

• These new issues cause more stress or trauma. By numbing or escaping, the need for numbness is reinforced.

• The cycle repeats.

Because of this, treating substance abuse without addressing trauma rarely works long-term. In the absence of acknowledging and treating the root cause, the urge to use substances will likely return.

How Common Is This?

Substance abuse and trauma have a strong connection, according to research:

• Approximately 75% of people undergoing substance abuse treatment have experienced trauma.

• Individuals with PTSD are 3 to 4 times more likely to struggle with addiction.

• Substance use disorders are more likely to affect women who have experienced trauma (especially sexual abuse).

Additionally, it is common in veterans, domestic violence survivors, and childhood abuse survivors.

Signs of Trauma-Related Substance Use

Trauma can be difficult to recognize when it's driving someone's substance abuse.

Among the signs are:

• Blocking memories or feelings with alcohol or drugs.

• Trying to quit and feeling out of control.

• Avoiding situations, people, and places that remind them of the trauma.

• The presence of anxiety, depression, or mood swings in conjunction with substance abuse.

• Experiencing flashbacks or nightmares.

• Trouble forming trusting relationships.

It's important to know that support is available and recovery is possible if these patterns sound familiar.

Healing Requires a Dual Approach

As trauma and substance use are often linked, treating one without the other can leave a person stuck. Both need to be addressed, and this is often referred to as trauma-informed care. This means recognizing that trauma may be at the core of someone's struggle and approaching them with compassion, not judgment.

The following are some options for treatment:

• Therapy – It is especially important to consider trauma-focused treatments like EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), CBT (Cognitive Behavioral Therapy), or somatic therapies that address how trauma manifests in the body.

• Medication – For the treatment of anxiety, depression, and withdrawal symptoms.

• Support groups – An example would be an AA, NA, or trauma-specific group where people can connect and share experiences in a safe environment.

• Safe environments – To heal from trauma, safety is crucial in treatment centers, sober living homes, and supportive communities.

Everyone has a different path to healing. Often, people need time to process their trauma before they are ready to speak about it. For others, stabilizing their substance use may be the first step. Individuals should follow the order that works for them, not what is considered "right.".

A Message of Hope

Don't feel alone or broken if you or someone you love is struggling with trauma and substance abuse.

Addiction and trauma are both responses to pain. It's the body's and brain's way of surviving. However, with the right support, time, and care, healing is possible.

There is no reason to live with the constant weight of the past when you deserve to feel safe, connected, and free from fear. To live that kind of life, you must reach out to others.

Final Thoughts

By understanding how trauma influences substance use, we can change the way we approach addiction and recovery. As a result, we move from blaming to being compassionate. We can learn from it that underneath behavior is often a story of pain-and an individual who deserves to be healed.

Whether you or someone you know is struggling, consider reaching out to a therapist or a local support group. Help is available, and healing is possible.