One of the leading causes of drug use and addiction is unresolved trauma. However, through a trauma therapy program at Vertava Health, you can come to terms with your trauma and overcome your addiction.
Trauma can significantly impact the client seeking help for addiction to drugs and alcohol. Vertava Health provides dedicated trauma therapy professionals uniquely trained to help individuals resolve traumatic experiences that lead to substance use. To learn more about our addiction therapy programs, contact 844.451.0263 today.
What Can a Trauma Therapy Program Address?
Addiction and trauma disorders are closely linked, as many individuals turn to alcohol or other drugs to escape the pain of traumatic experiences. Recent studies have found that 50 and as much as 96% of treatment-seeking substance users reported experiencing some major traumatic event in their lifetime. Up to 34% of patients in substance use treatment have both a substance use diagnosis and PTSD diagnosis at the same time. For women, in particular, the rates are two to four times higher.
At Vertava Health, we use trauma therapy to address a range of causes, including:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Natural disasters
- War
- Domestic violence
- Loss of a child or a loved one
- Robbery or mugging
- Divorce/breakups
Our facilities are highly specialized, trauma-informed addiction treatment campuses. Our rehab facilities have specialists who use proven trauma and addiction therapies like dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) and resolution-focused therapy (RFT). In fact, we have one entire campus that is DBT certified, and one of our other campus CEOs was the creator of the RFT program.
Therapy Process
We maintain a team of medical doctors, therapists, and staff who are uniquely trained to be sensitive to the individual struggling to address unresolved trauma. There are four phases of resolution.
Safety and Grounding
This phase begins to establish boundaries based on pure trust and safety for the individual. This phase also readies the client for managing transitions in therapy and life.
Distorted Belief Systems
This second phase of treatment revolves around the distorted beliefs that have arisen from years of unresolved trauma. Irrational thoughts and feelings, extreme emotional reactions, paranoia, sadness, and trust may come to light.
Re-Connection and Transitions
Phase three uses role-playing and adventure therapy to practice newly learned skills. Trauma triggers are determined, and trauma trigger management is put into practice.
The Future
The final phase of trauma and addiction treatment involves life skills, relationship development and management, trigger management, and what to do when the unexpected happens.
Reasons Victims of Trauma Don’t Seek Therapy
Often, a person believes that they are dealing with their trauma appropriately when it is determining every decision they make in life. They are overpowered by reasons that they believe hinder them from finding help to resolve trauma. For instance, many people use the following justifications not to seek trauma therapy:
- Denial that trauma occurred
- Shame and embarrassment
- Guilt (“I’m responsible…”)
- Consider asking for help as a sign of weakness
- Don’t feel worthy
- Feel as if they will lose more control over anxiety
What Is the Connection Between Addiction and Trauma?
Oftentimes, alcohol and other drugs are used to self-medicate in lieu of seeking professional help – to numb the emotions and manage the anxiety that comes with unresolved trauma experiences. Not managing trauma with an expert means the individual will find other ways to cope with emotional pain and anxiety. Addiction coupled with traumatic stress symptoms can be especially complex. Fortunately, with the help of a trauma therapy program, it is possible to begin the healing process.
Seek Support at Vertava Health
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance use compounded by trauma, Vertava Health can help. Our trauma therapy program has been designed by experts who are committed to helping you put an end to your addiction and come to terms with trauma. Call our specialists today at 844.451.0263 for information.
