It’s not about what you did. It’s about what happened to you. We know today that substance abuse often has deep roots in trauma, and treating one requires a caring, empathetic approach to the other. Trauma-informed care is a comprehensive approach that recognizes the impact of trauma on a person's well-being and integrates this understanding into all aspects of treatment. At Country Road Recovery Center, we understand the significance of trauma-informed care in providing effective and compassionate support for those battling PTSD and substance abuse.
Trauma & Substance Abuse: The Facts
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration estimates that nearly three quarters of the people who suffer from substance abuse disorders have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. This sobering statistic demonstrates the strong connection between trauma and substance abuse. Trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, combat experiences, or witnessing a traumatic event, can lead individuals to turn to substances as a coping mechanism, resulting in a higher risk of developing substance abuse disorders. Recognizing this correlation is vital in providing effective treatment.
Trauma & Substance Abuse: The Impact
Experiencing trauma — no matter how seemingly insignificant — can have a lasting effect on the brain that leads to the development of PTSD and substance use disorders. A 2006 study found that trauma can actually change the brain's structure, affecting the amygdala, hippocampus, and prefrontal cortex — areas of the brain responsible for emotional regulation, memory, and decision-making. These changes can lead to challenging symptoms, such as irritability, intrusive thoughts, and difficulty regulating emotions, making individuals more susceptible to choosing drugs and alcohol to self-medicate.
What is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is a newer development in the field of behavioral health, meant to ensure a safe and supportive environment for individuals in treatment. Every program handles trauma-informed care differently, but at Country Road, several key elements of our program support this approach.
First, Country Road Recovery Center was built on acres of peaceful farmland in Oklahoma — an environment of safety, stability, and serenity that allows for deep healing. Our team of caring addiction treatment professionals builds trust with clients by virtue of their expertise and their own experiences in recovery. Above all, they empower clients to weigh in on their own treatment decisions, and customize treatment plans accordingly. In the end, clients can feel empowered by the tools and resources they need to find lasting recovery.
Working on trauma is never easy, but with the right space and support, it’s possible to find healing that lasts a lifetime.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment
By acknowledging and addressing the trauma underlying substance abuse, trauma-informed care tackles the root causes of addiction, increasing the chances of successful recovery. It also creates a stronger connection between an individual and their treatment team, leading to higher engagement and better treatment outcomes. What’s more, trauma-informed care equips individuals with healthy coping mechanisms, alternative stress management techniques, and relapse prevention strategies, decreasing the risk of relapse and improving overall quality of life. We even have a specialized veterans addiction treatment program for vets who struggle with PTSD and addiction.
Get Help for PTSD & Addiction
Trauma-informed care is crucial in providing effective treatment for individuals battling PTSD and substance abuse disorders. By implementing the core principles of trauma-informed care, we can create a compassionate and supportive environment where individuals can heal, grow, and reclaim their lives on the road to recovery. Contact us today to experience it for yourself.