What is Trauma?
We often think of trauma as an event, or accident that causes physical injury. Popular televisions shows depict ambulances, emergency rooms and people experiencing medical crises. But trauma goes beyond the physical scars left behind. And, the impact of trauma is far-reaching, beyond the person who has been hurt.
Trauma is defined by the National Association of State Mental Health Program Directors as “The experience of violence and victimization including sexual abuse, physical abuse, severe neglect, loss, domestic violence and/or the witnessing of violence, terrorism or disasters” (NASMHPD, 2006)
So, traumatic events affect us when we see abuse, as well as when we experience it first-hand. It impacts us when we watch a child being hurt, when we witness a drive-by shooting or when our neighbor’s home is torn apart by a tornado. It impacts us when we are the ones being hurt, abused or when a natural disaster strikes our own homes and families. Trauma impacts the way we live our lives and the ways we interact with other people.
Who is Impacted by Trauma?
Abuse and the resulting trauma is more prevalent that we may think. It is estimated that nearly 4 children every day die from child abuse.
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, up to two-thirds of men and women in substance abuse treatment report childhood abuse and neglect. And 50% of women in substance abuse treatment have a history of rape or incest. (Governor’s Commission on Sexual and Domestic Violence, Commonwealth of MA, 2006)
Nearly 8 million adults are diagnosed with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is mental illness that often arises after experiencing traumatic events.
Who can get PTSD?
Mental Health America is an excellent resource for information about Post-traumatic Stress Disorder and other mental health conditions. The following information about who can get PTSD is provided by Mental Health America on their website, www.mentalhealthamerica.net.
- Anyone who was a victim, witnessed or has been exposed to a life-threatening situation.
- Survivors of violent acts, such as domestic violence, rape, sexual, physical and/or verbal abuse or physical attacks.
- Survivors of unexpected dangerous events, such as a car accident, natural disaster, or terrorist attack.
- Combat veterans or civilians exposed to war.
- People who have learned of or experienced an unexpected and sudden death of a friend or relative.
- Emergency responders who help victims during traumatic events.
- Children who are neglected and/or abused (physically, sexually or verbally)
What is the Trauma and Addiction Connection?
Trauma in our lives can have a huge impact on how we manage the symptoms of addiction and mental illness. Emotional and psychological pain experienced when a person is traumatized can make our inner world turbulent and rocky. We may begin using drugs and alcohol to help control or stop these feelings.
The results of unresolved trauma and addiction can bring about life complications like relationship troubles, work issues, and the loss of the true sense of play and enjoyment in life. This can become a vicious cycle that includes more emotional and psychological pain and feelings of shame, guilt and self-blame. Drug dependence can affect our inner resources and ability to handle such intense feelings. All of this can lead to a need for increased amounts of drugs and alcohol and other substances, increased tolerance for the drugs and an undercurrent of emotional problems. As time goes on, complications in life become deeper and more overwhelming. This, in turn, makes it harder to resolve the emotional issues related to trauma. And addiction further complicates problems in all areas of life. (Dayton, Tian Ph.D, The Wheel of Trauma and Addiction in “Trauma and Addiction,” 1999)
When trauma is diagnosed as Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and addiction is involved, these are considered co-occurring disorder s. Treatment involves therapy for addiction and trauma issues. It may involve family therapy if some of the trauma involved family members. Sometimes, medication is used to handle possible feelings of anxiety and depression. It is important to seek out the support of others like the supportive relationships in the MyRecovery Chat Rooms and support groups in the community.
Why Do People Use Drugs and Alcohol to deal with Trauma?
There are many studies connecting the use of alcohol and drugs to trauma. But, the reasons for this are complicated and simple at the same time. The ACE Study is one of the most well-known and largest scientific research study analyzing the relationship between multiple categories of adverse childhood events (ACEs), and health and behavioral outcomes later in life. Dr. Vincent Felitti is one of the lead investigators on this study.
Dr. Felitti may have expressed this quandary best when he asked, “Is drug abuse self-destructive or is it a desperate attempt at self-healing, albeit while accepting a significant future risk?” (Felitti, et al, 1998).
Sharon Wise, a mental health educator, accomplished artist and person in recovery spoke at a recent training on trauma and recovery sponsored by the Substance Abuse Mental Health Services Administration that:
The personal traumatic experiences often involved a
threat to my life or safety, but in ALL situations, I felt
overwhelmed and alone. “
Most importantly, Ms. Wise shared that:
The trauma I suffered led to lasting emotional and psychological
damage. But I know now that recovery is possible. Some people
recover quickly from the most tragic and shocking experiences.
Others are devastated by experiences that, on the surface, appear
to be less upsetting. But in any case, WE DO RECOVER FROM OUR TRAUMA
with support and trauma specific treatment, Peer Support & other types
of services.”
Ms. Wise provided these tips to help others deal with trauma and addiction.
- Don’t isolate.
- Ask for support
- Establish a daily routine
- Take care of your Emotional, Spiritual & Physical health
- Find activities you enjoy
(Understanding and Addressing Trauma among People Receiving Services in Criminal Justice and Behavioral Health Settings, SAMHSA, 2011)