Trauma Therapy

A person can experience post-traumatic stress disorder, regardless of whether they underwent childhood trauma or incidents. People with post-traumatic stress frequently adopt unhealthy behaviors to cope with reality, trying to dull their emotions. They might be uncomfortable living around people and often retreat to secluded places. 

Addiction is typically a symptom of an underlying neuropsychological challenge (substance use disorder) and is frequently at the core of all trauma. Many people feel that their addiction to drugs or alcohol makes it easier for them to numb the pain. They may feel their substance use makes it easier to forget painful experiences. However, drugs often make it worse for them, making them dependent on the substance.

Most people who have experienced traumatic events resort to alcohol and other drugs as the first option. They may do this regardless of whether they have suffered minor or severe trauma.

Some people may experience a lack of sleep or frequently wake up in the middle of the night. They have irregular sleeping patterns because of traumatic memories. While others experience extreme nightmares, this makes them spend the night doing other things and get anxious at bedtime.

Individuals suffering from trauma can experience flashbacks that disrupt their normal daily activities. These disturbing pictures constantly replay, and many people link the images they see with terrible memories or experiences.

Both physical and emotional flashbacks can be upsetting since the person feels as if they are reliving the memories. That’s why flashbacks cause physical and emotional damage.

Someone who has survived a traumatic event or has extreme substance addiction can feel undesirable emotions or shame. Being betrayed by a person they trust can also lead to painful heartbreaks and feelings of low self-esteem.

After traumatic experiences, most people may experience a lack of value. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms include feeling unworthy, invaluable, or mentally unwell. Statistics show that loneliness and a sense of hopelessness can cause suicidal thoughts in people with PTSD.

Typical responses to trauma include physical pain, anguish, and depression. Unfortunately, family members may not take trauma seriously, thus subjecting these individuals to silent suffering. Most of them endure the suffering from trauma and addiction as they’re in denial or ashamed to admit their conditions. 

People with a history of trauma or drug abuse often experience panic attacks and anxiety. They might also exhibit the following symptoms:

• Complaining about their physical health
• Having trouble controlling their temper
• Showing signs of depression
• Having intrusive thoughts
• Having difficulty expressing their feelings 

These people might sink further into substance abuse to enhance emotional management.

Chronic and repetitive trauma, including child abuse or domestic violence, mainly contributes to depression. Loss of safety and security can also lead to depression and anxiety, especially after an unexpected traumatic incident like a car accident or a natural disaster.