Trauma Therapy in Rehab
Trauma therapy is a valuable resource for individuals grappling with substance abuse and the effects of trauma. Instead of solely concentrating on addiction, these specialized services focus on addressing both the symptoms and underlying causes simultaneously.
That’s why dual diagnosis treatment for substance abuse and PTSD includes trauma therapy for individuals in recovery from both disorders. There are multiple facets to trauma-informed care that foster healing and post-traumatic growth. Having a comprehensive understanding of the role of trauma therapy in rehabilitation can greatly aid in the recovery journey from addiction and PTSD for you or your loved one.
What Is Trauma?
Behavioral therapy is a form of psychotherapy that focuses on understanding and modifying observable behaviors. It is based on the premise that behaviors are learned and can be changed through a process of identification, analysis, and modification. Behavioral therapy is often goal-oriented, aiming to address specific problems and improve overall functioning.
Behavioral therapy can be conducted by various mental health professionals who have specific training in behavioral approaches. Some of the professionals who are able to provide behavioral therapy include:
- Reliving the traumatic event through flashbacks
- Intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event
- Nightmares relating to the trauma
- Sadness and depression
- Fear and anxiety
- Increased breathing rate
- Upset stomach and nausea
During the initial days and weeks following the event, this broad range of symptoms may indicate a diagnosis of acute stress disorder (ASD). However, without seeking appropriate treatment, symptoms can exacerbate as one’s mental health continues to deteriorate.
When trauma-related symptoms persist and worsen beyond a month, they are commonly referred to as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What Is PTSD?
According to the American Psychiatric Association (APA), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is “a psychiatric disorder that may occur in people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic event, series of events or set of circumstances.” People who experience trauma may develop PTSD if they view the event(s) as emotionally or physically harmful or life-threatening. Likewise, the situation may negatively impact a person’s in physical, physical, social, or spiritual well-being.
This disorder can lead to a wide variety of symptoms that often worsen over time. For this reason, recognizing the signs and symptoms of PTSD is crucial for seeking help and finding effective treatment.
The signs of PTSD include:
- Hyperarousal: constantly feeling a sense of impending doom
- Hypervigilance: avoiding triggers that remind you of the trauma
- Emotional numbing: difficulties expressing emotions
- Social detachment: struggling to trust others
- Intrusive re-experiencing: unwanted thoughts and memories
- Flashbacks: experiencing a dissociative state that feels like the event is happening again
Living with PTSD can be overwhelming, leading some individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to cope. We want to emphasize that we offer comprehensive treatment options for individuals who are dealing with both PTSD and substance abuse. Our specialized trauma therapies focus on addressing symptoms of PTSD and providing the support you need to regain control over your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with PTSD and addiction, we are here to help you every step of the way. Contact us today to learn more about our services and how we can support your healing journey.
What Is The Relationship Between PTSD and Addiction?
PTSD symptoms can often contribute to substance abuse, involving alcohol, illicit drugs, and prescription medications. It’s important to note that experiencing trauma alone is not always enough to develop a substance use disorder (SUD), but PTSD can increase the risk of SUD. When individuals face trauma, they may find it challenging to cope, leading to impulsive behaviors and self-isolation.
As a result, these circumstances put them at a significantly higher risk of addiction, which can have severe consequences on their quality of life. Seeking help through trauma therapy becomes crucial for those struggling with chronic stress, traumatic flashbacks, and substance abuse.
It’s worth noting that while people dealing with traumatic memories can develop addiction, substance abuse can also lead to the development of PTSD. This is because drug and alcohol abuse in risky situations increases the likelihood of experiencing a traumatic event. Consequently, trauma and stress disorders often co-occur with addiction. Achieving successful recovery from PTSD and addiction requires addressing the underlying trauma that contributes to substance abuse.
Therapy for Trauma
Addiction and co-occurring post-traumatic stress disorder can be a challenging experience that can trap individuals in an exhausting cycle of flashbacks, emotional shutdown, and substance abuse. No one should have to endure this fear alone. Often, people struggle to cope with chronic fatigue, anxiety, and feelings of paranoia or terror. Additionally, trauma survivors often carry the burden of intense shame or survivor’s guilt. People suffering from PTSD may feel like they’re trapped in a psychological prison that others may not understand. This is where therapy becomes a crucial part of the healing process.
Trauma therapy is the key to breaking free from the grip of unprocessed trauma. Without appropriate treatment, individuals remain bound by their experiences and memories, inevitably leading to various mental and behavioral health issues. Extensive research has shown that trauma increases the risk of cognitive impairment and mental illness by weakening the nervous system, which serves as a communication bridge between the brain and the body. Trauma survivors are also susceptible to developing clinical depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia, generalized anxiety, and substance use disorders.
However, trauma has the potential to cultivate strength and resilience within individuals. The goal of therapy is to harness that strength and develop healthy coping mechanisms and interpersonal skills. At Royal Life Centers, we are committed to helping everyone discover their passions and purpose, empowering them to transform painful experiences into a fulfilling future. Please contact us to learn more about our trauma therapy services and find the support you need on your healing journey.
Types of Trauma Therapy
At Royal Life Centers, we understand the impact of trauma and are committed to providing compassionate and effective therapy options for our clients. Our evidence-based trauma-focused therapy encompasses various treatments designed to facilitate the recovery process.
Upon entering Royal Life Centers, you will be paired with a personal therapist who will work closely with you to determine the most suitable therapy options for your journey towards healing. We believe in tailoring treatment plans to meet your individual needs, preferences, and goals.
We offer a range of trauma therapy services, including:
- Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT): This therapy aims to help you better understand and manage the negative thoughts and emotions associated with your traumatic experiences.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Through guided eye movements, this therapy helps you process traumatic memories and reduce emotional distress.
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): This approach combines cognitive and behavioral techniques to address trauma-related symptoms and promote resilience.
- Exposure Therapy: By gradually exposing you to the sources of your trauma in a safe and controlled manner, this therapy helps you overcome fears and anxieties associated with the traumatic event.
- Biofeedback and Neurofeedback: These approaches involve providing individuals with real-time information about physiological processes (such as heart rate or brainwave activity) to help them learn to control and regulate these functions, reducing symptoms associated with mental health issues.
At Royal Life Centers, we are dedicated to providing comprehensive trauma therapy services to support your healing journey. Our compassionate team is here to guide and support you every step of the way.
Which form of trauma therapy will work best depends on the needs of the individual, as well as the nature of the addiction or trauma being addressed. A consultation with the team at Spokane Heights Detox can offer more information about which trauma therapy services will best suit your needs.
Have any questions?
What to Expect in Trauma Therapy?
Trauma therapy offers a compassionate and non-judgmental space to discuss issues and find solutions. It provides an opportunity to explore the thoughts, behaviors, and emotions that are hindering a fulfilling life. During therapy sessions, you will learn practical tools and strategies to cultivate meaningful relationships and achieve personal goals.
The therapy goals for trauma and addiction recovery may include:
- Gaining knowledge about the impact of trauma and substance abuse through addiction and mental health education.
- Addressing lingering trauma-related symptoms such as sleep disturbances or intrusive thoughts.
- Developing emotional regulation skills to cope with powerful emotions like anger, anxiety, depression, and fear.
- Learning strategies to cope with triggers that may evoke old traumatic memories and feelings.
- Practicing mindfulness-based interventions to manage intrusive thoughts and feelings.
- Utilizing relaxation techniques to reduce stress and anxiety.
- Collaborating with case managers to enhance life skills and readiness for employment.
- Recognizing the influence of past events on your current functioning and life choices.
- Reflecting on the positive aspects of surviving trauma.
- Improving interpersonal relationships and communication skills.
- Reconnecting or forming new relationships with supportive individuals in your life.
- Creating a self-care plan that includes engaging in hobbies, regular exercise, and maintaining a balanced diet.
We understand that trauma therapy may seem overwhelming and unfamiliar. Therefore, our trauma-informed therapy services during substance abuse treatment provide compassionate support and guidance throughout your healing journey.
Trauma-Informed Care at Royal Life Centers
Royal Life Centers at Spokane Heights prioritizes trauma-informed care within every level of care. As you step into our centers, our dedicated team of licensed therapists and counselors will collaborate with you to create personalized care plans. These plans are designed to establish achievable goals and promote your overall well-being and long-term health. Our holistic and integrative approach to healing acknowledges addiction as a chronic disease, necessitating a foundation-based recovery path.
We deeply understand that addiction often stems from underlying trauma, which is why our recovery approach is trauma-informed. In our non-judgmental facility, you will acquire invaluable tools to regain control and effectively manage your symptoms. Our compassionate staff can empathize with your journey, as many of them have their own experiences with trauma and addiction. Our compassionate staff can empathize with your journey, as many of them have their own experiences with trauma and addiction.
To enhance our trauma-focused treatment services, we implement SAMHSA’s Seeking Safety curriculum. This evidence-based and compassionate approach ensures that all our clinicians provide trauma-informed care.
Heal From Addiction in Trauma Therapy
At Royal Life Centers, our goal is to assist you in healing from past traumas and substance abuse to guide you toward a fulfilled life. By providing a wide range our trauma therapies in additional to our other treatment services, we seek to help you fully recover.
If you are ready to take the first step, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our comprehensive addiction treatment center at any time. Call our 24/7 admission team at 888-907-0898, or fill out our secure contact form and we will reach out to you promptly.
Looking for Trauma Therapy in Rehab?
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and co-occurring PTSD, please reach out to us to find out more about how our trauma therapy services can help. We work with most private insurance policies and offer affordable self-pay rates if you do not have insurance. Give us a call and we will figure out the best treatment plan for you or your loved one. Because We Care.
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If you or someone you know has a substance use disorder,
we hope you’ll begin your journey with us at Royal Life Centers.
