There are normal life experiences and then there are traumatic experiences that have the capacity to change our lives forever. Trauma is often an underlying cause for many to abuse substances. The numbing effect of alcohol and/or drugs provide a temporary feeling of freedom from the haunting memories of a traumatic experience. Whether it is witnessing a traumatic event or experiencing some type of abuse or violence, drug and alcohol use prevent the opportunity for true healing from trauma. So how can I heal from trauma?
What is Trauma?
Trauma can occur when we are exposed to or experience a stressful event that our mind is unable to process it normally. We may not be prepared for the overwhelming emotions that we experience as a result of trauma and some people may even shut down completely. Think of it as a kind of circuit overload for the mind and emotions, and the traumatic event or events are what caused the overload.
Trauma affects people in different ways. Often, when multiple people are exposed to the same exact event, their reactions can vary completely based on the individual. This makes trauma difficult to predict or understand. Additionally, the person experiencing the trauma rarely knows or understands what is going on inside themselves during and after the event. This can make the trauma healing process much more difficult.
Types of Traumatic Events
There are many different types of events that can cause us extreme distress or trauma. These events can be witnessed or experienced firsthand. Regardless of how experienced, they are overwhelming and can cause severe emotional pain and suffering. These events can include:
- Accidents
- Bullying
- Divorce
- Emotional abuse
- Physical abuse
- Sexual abuse
- Loss
- Illness
- Violence
- War
- Exposure to mental illness or substance abuse
- Poverty
Can We Heal on Our Own?
Sometimes when we initially experience a traumatic event, we become overwhelmed with emotions and may not have the capacity or understanding to comprehend what has happened. Our minds and bodies are unable to process the event. Due to their underdeveloped brains, trauma is often too difficult to be processed on their own. Whether experienced by an adult or child, the traumatic event or events are often internalized without any healthy or available outlet to process what has happened. Symptoms of trauma can be nightmares, sleeplessness, nausea, emotional outbursts, and more. When trauma begins to negatively impact our daily life it may be time to seek outside help and begin the trauma healing journey.
When Do We Need Help?
Physical symptoms are just one sign of trauma. The emotional effects can manifest themselves in many ways. We may develop irrational fears or lose our ability to feel in control of our emotions. The emotional effects of trauma can make us feel like the trauma has taken control of our lives. When trauma is impacting our lives to the point of physical or emotional debilitation, it is time to seek outside help.
There are various therapeutic modalities for the treatment of trauma. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a common psychotherapy modality for the treatment of trauma. EMDR therapy facilitates the accessing and processing of traumatic memories or experiences and enables people to heal from the symptoms and emotional distress caused by traumatic events. Because our brains are unable to process the trauma appropriately, EMDR can provide the opportunity for us to process the trauma differently and heal from the emotional pain that it causes.
Why Do Substance Abuse and Trauma Go Hand in Hand?
Many of us abuse alcohol or drugs because these substances can be a form of self-medication from the pain that trauma can cause. When we have unresolved trauma we may turn to substances to try to escape or numb the pain. Because of this, when we choose to heal from substance abuse we may also need to heal the underlying trauma or we may never recover from our addiction. Especially when trauma is the reason we began using substances, the trauma healing process becomes vital.
How Healing is Possible
When we have addiction and trauma healing is made possible by doing both therapy for the trauma and treating the addiction. Many of us may not have even realized that we are suffering from the symptoms caused by trauma. Many may have forgotten the traumatic event or events that have negatively impacted their lives. Often, substance abuse is our main focus to seek treatment. However once we begin to recover from our addiction, we can also address our trauma and begin the trauma healing journey.
How can I heal from trauma? You can start the healing process by seeking therapy. If you also have a co-occurring substance abuse problem, then treatment for it can be your first step. Within the treatment process you may discover that trauma was the cause all along. When this happens through EMDR and other therapies, you can simultaneously heal from both the trauma and the substance abuse disorder. At Rancho Milagro Recovery, we have treated many people who have suffered from trauma. Call us at (951) 526-4582 to find out how our beautiful ranch setting and wonderful rescue animals can facilitate your healing process. Trauma does not have to ruin your life. Substance abuse does not have to be your life. You can find peace and healing in your mind, body, and soul by seeking treatment at Rancho Milagro Recovery. We can help you heal from trauma and free yourself from addiction.