Traumatic events can affect your life in a number of ways. Most people only experience short-term effects. However, lingering effects are also possible. If this happens, you may find yourself dealing with some serious, long-term problems. Potential issues include the onset of a mental health condition like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). They also have significantly higher odds of developing a substance addiction. Mental health disorders and addiction can also occur together, creating a dual diagnosis. Fortunately, dual diagnosis trauma therapy can help you recover from both issues.
At Memphis Recovery Centers, our specialists are experienced in identifying past trauma that may lead to addiction. Learn more about our comprehensive dual diagnosis trauma therapy by calling 901-272-7751 or completing our online form.
The Link Between Past Trauma and Addiction
Both children and adults can go through traumatic events. In the aftermath of trauma, both groups run the risk of developing serious problems. But, as a rule, children are at greater risk than adults. That’s true because they lack some of the key mental resources needed to cope with trauma.
Several forms of childhood trauma are known to increase your addiction risks, including:
- Sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
As adults, people exposed to these early-life traumas have higher risks for several forms of addiction. That includes addiction to:
- Alcohol
- Cocaine
- Opioid drugs and medications
- Cannabis
The greater your exposure to trauma, the greater the chances you will use more of these substances.
When Is Dual Diagnosis Treatment Necessary?
PTSD is a classic example of a trauma-related mental illness. It occurs when you continue to experience certain life-disrupting problems at least thirty days after trauma exposure. If you have PTSD, you have increased odds of also developing substance problems. In fact, the link between PTSD and addiction is well-established. Research also shows that childhood trauma is particularly likely to lead to PTSD.
Dual diagnosis treatment is necessary whenever addiction and a separate mental illness occur together. Why is this true? If you only get help for your addiction, you will still be affected by mental disorders. If you only get help for your separate mental disorder, you will still be affected by addiction. In both of these scenarios, you have lower chances of recovering your well-being. Only when you receive help for both issues do your recovery odds go up.
What Is Trauma Therapy in Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers?
What is trauma therapy, and how can it help your dual diagnosis recovery? A trauma therapy program is specifically designed to address the effects of past traumatic events. This is often done by helping you confront your trauma reactions in a controlled setting. Your therapist may do this by having you actually play out a traumatic scenario. As an alternative, you may be asked to vividly recall your trauma experiences. In both cases, you will get help facing your fears.
Why do dual diagnosis treatment centers use trauma therapy? This kind of therapy may be crucial to helping you recover from PTSD. At the same time, it can play a role in helping you recover from drug or alcohol addiction.
Begin to Heal with Dual Diagnosis Treatment at Memphis Recovery Centers
At Memphis Recovery Centers, we specialize in the treatment of addiction. We also specialize in treating other mental health issues associated with addiction. Our dual diagnosis treatment center supports your recovery from the combination of PTSD and substance problems. We also support your recovery from any other form of dual diagnosis.
Trauma therapy is just one of the services that may form part of your dual diagnosis treatment plan. This therapy helps you overcome past traumas. Doing so may boost your odds of returning to wellness and a stable daily routine. To learn more about our treatment options, fill out our online form or call us today at 901-272-7751.
