Breaking Free from the Cycle of Trauma and Addiction

It may come as no surprise to learn that lots of people turn to substances or other self-destructive behaviours to help them cope with past pain or traumatic experiences, which often happens in the form of alcohol or drug use—sometimes both.

However, while this knowledge is invaluable, it’s important to remember that breaking free from the cycle of trauma and addiction is not only possible but also highly achievable. 

So, how can this be done?

This article explores several ways in which you can stop the cycle of trauma and addiction and begin living a much healthier, more fulfilling existence without the need to numb your feelings or drown your sorrows through substances like drugs and alcohol.

Before we begin, if you are concerned about your (or a loved one’s) substance use and suspect you might have an addiction issue due to past trauma, help and support are available.

Most rehab centres nowadays offer a range of effective treatments for individuals grappling with substance use, which often, if not always, occurs as a result of unresolved trauma.

These treatments can include individual therapy sessions, group support, trauma-informed therapy, medication-assisted treatment, and holistic approaches such as yoga and meditation.

You may come across different terms for treatment programs that address both addiction and trauma issues simultaneously; these include:

• Dual diagnosis.
• Trauma-related substance use disorder.
• Substance-induced trauma.
• Concurrent disorders.
• Comorbid addiction and trauma.

Understanding the different terms for co-occurring trauma and addiction is imperative and can help you get the support and help you need to overcome these issues and recover.

Speak to a specialist today for further information and support.

Breaking free from the cycle of trauma and addiction

Breaking free from the cycle of trauma and addiction can be incredibly challenging but entirely possible with the right approach.

Those who begin treatment for concurrent disorders like addiction and trauma learn that it takes a lot of support, self-awareness, and intentional healing to break the addiction–trauma cycle.

Here are some ways you can get started:

1. Acknowledge the connection between addiction and trauma

It’s essential to understand that healing comes with a deeper understanding of what may have caused you to drink or engage in drug use in the first place.

Much research shows a profound correlation between substance use disorders—such as alcohol and drug abuse—and trauma.

For instance, those with a history of child abuse or other experiences of early adversity are significantly more likely to develop a substance use disorder later in life.

Why is that?

Because traumatic experiences often lead to mental health issues such as depression and anxiety, which can drive individuals to use substances as a form of self-medication.

Many people turn to substances or other self-destructive behaviours to cope with past (or current) pain and distress.

Research has revealed some worrying trends when it comes to understanding the link between substance use and trauma.

For instance, in 2018, over 21.2 million people in the U.S. were diagnosed with substance-related disorders, and more than one-third of adolescents who experience neglect or abuse develop a substance use disorder by age 18.

Furthermore, individuals with at least four adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) face a significantly higher risk of addiction.

These individuals are three times more likely to struggle with alcohol-related issues and four times more likely to engage in injection drug use if they have high ACE scores.

Further research also shows that nearly 70% of adolescents in substance abuse treatment have experienced childhood trauma, emphasizing the widespread impact of this issue and its lasting effects.

Fortunately, most treatment facilities provide psychoeducation around the connection between trauma and addiction as part of a broader treatment plan.

These include peer support groups, group therapy, and other educational programs that help individuals connect their past wounds to their current behaviours and challenges, allowing them to build resilience and healthier coping mechanisms.

Acknowledging that your addiction is a symptom of a much larger issue—such as unresolved trauma—is the first step toward lasting recovery.

2. Seek professional help

The decision to seek professional help for an addiction or mental health issue like trauma is never easy. 

Still, it is incredibly worthwhile once you begin experiencing the benefits of engaging in such a process.

Seeking the help of a professional can be the difference between breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction or remaining in a loop of self-destructive behaviours and unhelpful beliefs that no longer serve you or the life you want to create.

Various treatments are available for those with co-occurring addiction and trauma issues, most of which involve a combination of different therapies and approaches to help you achieve the best recovery outcome possible.

These include:

• Trauma-focused therapies: These can include treatments such as EMDR therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT), and somatic therapy. These approaches help you reprocess unresolved pain or trauma that may have been stored in your body or nervous system at the time of the event, symptoms that could be driving your drinking or drug-taking.

• Rehabilitation programs: Inpatient or outpatient treatment programs offer professional support and structure to help you overcome addiction and develop healthier alternatives to coping with stress instead of resorting to unhelpful behavioural patterns like substance use.

• Support groups: Most rehab facilities offer peer support such as family therapy, sober communities, and group support as part of a holistic co-occurring disorder treatment program. Connecting with others is an integral part of recovery and can make you feel seen, heard, and validated, as you can draw on the support and understanding of those who have walked a similar path.

Contact our professional team today to learn more about the benefits of co-occurring disorder treatment and begin your journey to sobriety and wellness.

3. Develop healthy coping mechanisms

As mentioned, many people use substances to numb or cover up their pain.

This is completely understandable since, very often, those with a long history of trauma or neglect were not taught how to self-regulate or self-soothe by their parents or caregivers.

After all, how can you know something without being taught?

Addiction experts say that substance use or other unhealthy behaviours are a person’s attempt to regulate a dysregulated nervous system—but this isn’t a conscious act on the individual’s part.

Drinking or drug use is a symptom of chronic emotional (or even physical) pain, but in the past, addiction was treated as the problem, not the byproduct of a difficult past.

More often than not, individuals with trauma-related addiction use substances to numb their pain. 

However, there are healthier ways to manage your emotions, including:

• Mindfulness and meditation—These approaches can help you recalibrate your nervous system, regulate your emotions, and manage stress more effectively.

• Regular exercise—Physical activity helps release endorphins, which are “feel-good” chemicals that improve well-being and reduce stress. This lowers the urge to reach for alcohol or engage in other unhelpful coping behaviours.
• Creative expression—Music, art, writing, or even walking in nature can be extremely therapeutic and promote overall health and well-being.

By developing healthy coping mechanisms and incorporating them into your daily life, you will be far less likely to want to distract yourself with substances, as you will have disciplined your mind toward healthier routines.

4. Identify the root cause

As we’ve established, trauma is often the root cause of most—if not all—addictive behaviours, including substance abuse.

Understanding and identifying the root cause of your addiction—such as what events or experiences might have caused you to want to numb or forget your past—is crucial. 

Once identified, you can begin to unpack these events, including the emotions and behaviours tied to them.

There are various approaches you can use to achieve this, such as:

Inner Child Work

Inner child work involves more than just reconnecting with your younger self. It’s about nurturing that part of you, providing the care and comfort you may have missed in your formative years.

Therapists refer to this as “parts work,” where individuals identify and nurture the different “parts” of themselves—such as their teenage self and younger self—to help them heal from trauma, build self-esteem, and cultivate healthier relationships.

Parts work aims to help individuals increase self-awareness, cultivate self-love, and build acceptance, fostering a healthier, more nurturing relationship with themselves and others.

The concept of the “plural self,” a core principle in parts therapy, is rooted in the work of Sigmund Freud and Carl Jung.

Freud theorized that the self comprises three distinct parts: the ego, superego, and id.

Conversely, Jung believed that the individual psyche was not entirely self-contained but instead connected to the “collective unconscious,” shaped by archetypal personalities found in myths and legends.

Freudian and Jungian psychology was foundational in shaping the framework upon which later parts-based theories, such as Internal Family Systems (IFS), were developed.

By reconnecting with and showing compassion to the different parts of yourself, you can integrate all the fragmented aspects of your identity—the parts of you that became separated due to stress and trauma—allowing you to build a more coherent self.

Inner child work can help with a range of mental health issues, including:

• Substance addictions.
• Mood disorders such as depression or bipolar disorder.
• Unresolved childhood trauma.
• Complex PTSD.
• Anxiety disorders or specific phobias.
• Dissociation or dissociative disorders.

Other strategies used to help individuals identify the root cause of trauma-related addiction include:

• Processing past events and experiences through trauma-informed therapy, such as EMDR.
• Forgiveness and acceptance—working on forgiving yourself and others and letting go of old resentments.

5. Build a support system

It cannot be emphasized enough that connection is the key to breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction. By building a support system, you can feel reassured that you are not alone in your journey.

By surrounding yourself with positive people who encourage you and lift your spirits, you can draw on their energy to help you through tough moments, knowing you are cared for and seen for who you truly are.

Most treatment facilities, including ours, understand the invaluable benefits of peer support programs and group therapy in helping individuals struggling with trauma, addiction, and other mental health issues heal and rediscover their true selves.

A healthy support system can include:

• Trusted family members or friends.
• A mentor, coach, or therapist.
• Recovery communities such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA).

As someone wise once said: “Addiction thrives in isolation, and recovery flourishes with connection and support.”

With this in mind, it is essential to draw on the care and support of others to help you overcome the cycle of addiction and trauma, allowing you to see beyond your current circumstances and look toward a much brighter, more hopeful future.

The bottom line

Breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction is not a linear process.

There will be setbacks, but unexpected breakthroughs and progress happen when you stay committed to your recovery and well-being.

Celebrating victories or milestones, no matter how large or small, is essential as you navigate recovery. Don’t let guilt or shame define you or the progress you are making.

How we can help you

Centres for Health and Healing is one of Ontario’s premier mental health and addiction treatment centres, offering a range of evidence-based and experiential treatments to those grappling with substance use and trauma disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

We offer inpatient and outpatient addiction treatment in Ontario in a top-tier facility with multi-skilled, compassionate professionals.

Our treatment centre, equipped with state-of-the-art amenities, is designed to provide a safe and nurturing environment for your journey towards lasting recovery.

As you step into our centre, you will be greeted by a team of supportive, caring professionals who understand the challenges of starting treatment for an addiction and/or mental health issue, particularly if it’s your first time.

You are not alone in this journey; we are here to guide you every step of the way.

Contact our professional team today and begin the process of feeling better, regaining control over your life, and breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction once and for all.

To learn more about co-occurring trauma and addiction, including signs, symptoms, and treatments, click here for further information and support.