Healing the Core of Addiction Trauma-Informed Therapy

Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event has a profound effect on an individual’s mental and physical health. If trauma is left unaddressed, it can lead to mental health disorders or maladaptive coping mechanisms. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “Substance use, mental health conditions, and other risky behaviors have been linked with traumatic experiences.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses trauma-informed therapy and evidence-based methods to help individuals struggling with the effects of trauma.

Trauma and Mental Health

Treating trauma is often complicated. Many contributing factors affect how trauma impacts a person’s ability to function. Two individuals can experience the same traumatic event; one may develop severe mental health issues while the other processes the event and moves forward with their life without lasting side effects. A person’s ability to cope with stress and access social support plays a vital role in how they manage and process trauma.

Untreated trauma can cause the following mental and physical health issues:

• Chronic fatigue
• Difficulty concentrating
• Sleep disturbances
• Panic or anxiety attacks
• Dissociative events, including flashbacks and memory loss
• Depressive episodes
• Social withdrawal and loneliness

Women have a higher risk of developing mental health disorders related to trauma, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Office on Women’s Health, “Past year prevalence of PTSD among adults was higher for females (5.2%) than for males (1.8%).” Trauma manifests differently for everyone. For example, one individual who experiences childhood trauma may become withdrawn and socially isolate themselves, while another may experience episodes of aggression or violence. Treatment must address the root cause of the condition while also helping people manage behavioral issues caused by the disorder.

What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?

Trauma-informed therapy is a form of trauma treatment focused on providing clients with a space where they feel emotionally and physically safe. The therapist is trained to recognize and react appropriately to nonverbal cues related to trauma.

Trauma-informed therapy does the following:

• Educates
• Empowers
• Uplifts
• Provides a sense of safety
• Prioritizes client autonomy

Trauma is a significant factor for many clients with SUD or mental health disorders. According to BJPsych Advances, “Research has consistently found that people using mental health services have experienced high rates of trauma in childhood or adulthood and that these rates are higher than in the general population.” In addition, “It has also been found that people using mental health services are more likely to have experienced violence or trauma in the previous year than the general population.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to determine which clients may require additional treatment for trauma-related issues.

The Benefits of Trauma-Informed Therapy

Trauma may affect many aspects of a client’s life, and treatment works best when it addresses them all. Clients with a history of trauma often have better outcomes when they play an active role in directing their own treatment. According to SAMHSA, “In a trauma-informed approach, patients are actively engaged in their care and their feedback drives the direction of the care plan.”

Trauma-informed therapy has many potential benefits for clients, including:

• Ensuring clients have a greater understanding of their condition
• Helping clients re-establish safety
• Teaching healthy coping skills
• Helping clients to identify and cope with triggers
• Decreasing the symptoms and side effects of trauma
• Allowing clients to fully process traumatic events

Trauma-informed therapy gives clients the tools to reclaim control of their lives. Trauma does not have to dictate the future. The care team at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses compassion and empathy to help clients heal and recover.

Reducing the Risk of Re-Traumatization and Relapse

Clients in treatment for substance abuse benefit from trauma-informed therapy. Relapse has the potential to cause severe illness, injury, or death. Individuals in early recovery for substance use disorder (SUD) have a higher risk of backsliding into old behaviors, thought patterns, and routines. Treatment that accommodates trauma helps clients avoid relapse and build a solid foundation for positive life changes.

Trauma-informed care (TIC) also reduces the risk of re-traumatization. According to SAMHSA, “TIC involves vigilance in anticipating and avoiding institutional processes and individual practices that are likely to retraumatize individuals who already have histories of trauma.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab provides a safe space where clients feel comfortable addressing trauma and other underlying issues related to substance abuse or mental health disorders.

Trauma Treatment at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

The effects of trauma impact everyone differently. Some people may experience episodes of aggression or violence. According to the National Institute of Justice (NIJ), “Child abuse and neglect have been shown to increase the risk of later forms of antisocial behavior, including violence perpetration and crime in adulthood.” Early intervention and treatment for mental health issues is the best way to avoid experiencing adverse side effects. TIC reduces the risk of individuals with SUD or mental health issues developing maladaptive behaviors.

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses trauma therapy and other forms of trauma treatment to help clients heal and grow. Some of the programs and services offered include:

• Residential treatment (RTC)
• Intensive outpatient program (IOP)
• Outpatient
• Alumni services
• Anger management
• Psychotherapy
• Alternative holistic therapies
• Aftercare planning

Trauma may take longer to treat compared to other mental health issues. Many people attend community-based support groups or continue to participate in individual therapy after completing treatment to manage any lingering issues related to trauma. Exclusive Hawaii Rehab offers multiple levels of care to help clients heal from trauma at their own pace.