The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

There is no doubt to anyone who has studied or dealt with addiction or mental health issues in life that trauma and addiction seem to go hand in hand.

But why are they so connected? Is there a real connection between the two or is it just a perceived connection?

Is it just a coincidence that so many who are fighting addiction issues have faced trauma in their lives?

There is a deep and recognizable connection between trauma and survivors battling with addiction.

Keep reading to learn what the connection is between trauma and addiction and how to break the cycle of both.

Early Childhood Trauma and Addiction

Abuse and traumatic experiences during childhood can have long-lasting effects on the survivor.

Research has found that there is evidence of a correlation between childhood trauma and mental health concerns such as:

• Anxiety and Depression

• Dissociative Disorders

• Personality and Mood Disorders

• Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

• Substance Use Disorders and Addiction

• Self Harm and Suicidality

• Eating Disorders

Trauma and abuse don't just affect your mental health though.

Trauma has a huge impact on one's physical wellbeing as well. It can lead to a higher risk of many physical medical conditions such as:

• Cardiovascular problems

• Stroke and Heart Attacks

• Obesity

• Cancer

• High blood pressure

• Inflammation and immune disorders

Survivors of childhood trauma come in many forms as does the trauma they endure.

Situations that may be considered a traumatic catalyst for mental health addictions and conditions may include:

• Physical or emotional neglect (particularly in formative years)

• Physical, mental, and/or sexual abuse

• Witnessing abuse of a loved one

• Physical or emotional instability (homelessness, mental illness of caregiver)

• War or violent environment

• Substance abuse issues in the home

• Family unit breakdown

• Death or loss of a loved one

Trauma is experienced differently by each individual. One child in a home may develop a mental illness or substance abuse problem as a result of an abusive alcoholic parent while their sibling may become vigilant about avoiding addictive substances and fighting injustice or abuse.

Why Are Trauma and Addiction Connected?

Trauma can cause more than an emotional reaction to what is happening. When your body and mind are stressed or frightened by a situation, you have a physical response of surges of adrenaline, changes in hormone levels and more.

There is often a feeling of anxiety or being unsettled due to the heightened adrenaline. This stress response not only tends to age a person physically and mentally more quickly but perpetuates a tendency to self-medicate.

More than 80% of Veterans treated for PTSD report having a substance use disorder issue. Studies show up to three-quarters of those who have suffered abuse or violence report difficulty with substance abuse issues.

High-risk behaviors and incarceration are often associated with post-traumatic stress and substance abuse disorders.

If survivors of trauma and abuse don't receive treatment from experts in addiction and trauma, such as Inspire Malibu, they will statistically either end up in prison or dying from the long-term effects of their abuse and reaction to it.

You Can Stop The Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

Often substance abuse leads to more trauma and it ends up being passed down from one generation to the next. Seeking help and treatment for the effects of abuse and to deal with trauma and addiction issues in your life can save countless others from going through the same pain and help you find the happiness you deserve.

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