Psychological trauma is often the result of significant damage to the psyche. According to the American Psychological Association, women have a higher risk for trauma-related disorders. This can hit them with a double whammy of trauma and substance abuse.
Living through a stressful situation or incident that exceeds their ability to cope is traumatizing. These experiences can also lead to drug or alcohol addictions. Furthermore, the closely intertwined relationship between the two can hinder the healing process.
Traumatic Events That Lead to Substance Abuse
Most people have traumatic experiences at some point in their lives. However, how they react to those distressing events defines how they recover. Unfortunately, some women use alcohol and drugs to heal.
There are also many disturbing events that can contribute to alcohol or drug addiction. A woman can take the death of a loved one extremely hard. This type of trauma may also feel inescapable. Nothing she can do will bring her loved one back.
Being laid off or fired from a job she’s had for years can make her feel like a failure. Mounting bills and financial instability can take a psychological toll that is difficult to reverse.
For example, losing her house to a fire, serving in a war, or a near-death experience are more traumatizing events. Any one of these situations can drive a woman to turn to alcohol or drugs. Subsequently, she will need help from an addiction rehab program for complete recovery.
Relationship Between Trauma and Substance Abuse
Turning to substance abuse after experiencing psychological trauma is not uncommon. What a woman does to cope with one disorder can actually worsen problems they have with the other.
There are different substances that can have numbing, calming and empowering effects. Either one of these sensations is rarely felt during moments of sobriety after suffering a traumatic event.
She wants to fulfill her needs through drinking or taking drugs. Being a victim of trauma can make her a victim of drug or alcohol addiction. A womens rehab program can intervene and redirect her towards healthier coping mechanisms.
Treating Trauma and Substance Abuse
Receiving care and support from a womens residential treatment center can loosen the grip of trauma and addiction. Various therapeutic techniques such as evidence-based psychotherapy and holistic therapies can help in many ways.
A woman also learns how to cope with cravings in treatment. For example, she receives aftercare procedures and educational materials. Individualized treatment plans may include:
- Detoxification
- Withdrawal therapy
- Behavioral therapy
- Family counseling
- Mindfulness meditation
- Nutrition therapy
These proven methods help a woman identify the source of her trauma. She also gets to work through the negative influences in her life to decrease their impact. Completing treatment offers her the chance for a fresh start.
Recover from Trauma and Substance Abuse
Don’t let trauma and substance abuse destroy your life. Although getting over these two conditions is not easy, it is possible. You can recover from a devastating experience and have a life free from addiction.
Finally, contacting an alcohol and drug addiction rehab program can provide the fresh start you need. There are plenty of quality centers to help you safely recover and get your life back on track.
