The International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies states that trauma is: “…Used to describe negative events that are emotionally painful and that overwhelm a person’s ability to cope.”
Healing from trauma is incredibly challenging, but it is often the time spent to restore and rejuvenate from these devastating events that make us stronger in the long run. It’s not uncommon for those in addiction recovery to have previously experienced childhood trauma, and these deep-rooted issues may even be what has sparked a long road of substance abuse – in an attempt to ease the painful feelings that came in as the aftermath of these events.
Childhood Trauma: Prevalence
Aces Too High, a news source that is focused on research regarding adverse childhood experiences, including developments in epidemiology, neurobiology, and more, explains that nearly 35 million children have experienced some form of childhood trauma such as:
- Physical, sexual and verbal abuse
- Physical and emotional neglect
- A parent who’s an alcoholic
- Witnessing a mother who experiences abuse
- Losing a parent to abandonment or divorce
- A family member in jail
- And more
Even into adulthood, it’s not uncommon for the lingering effects of childhood trauma to remain; in many cases, these painful thoughts, feelings and memories come back as the individual is no longer numb from abusing substances. Because of the wide prevalence of childhood trauma, it’s crucial that a trauma-informed care plan is created for recovery.
Trauma-Informed Care
The Trauma-Informed Care Project, led by the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Association (SAMHSA), explained that a trauma-informed approach is: “Inclusive of trauma-specific interventions, whether assessment, treatment or recovery supports, yet it also incorporates key trauma principles into the organizational culture.”
At Avalon Malibu, we uphold trauma-informed care in the following ways, plus more:
- We aim to provide explanations for all tests being taken, to reduce stress and anxiety of each guest
- We work to allow greater collaboration and participation of loved ones in the treatment process, so that those in recovery feel more comfortable
- We allow the individual to guide us in the direction of what they need by providing us with honest feedback – and we allow them to stop what’s not working
- We work with clients and promote communication, rather than working against them
Earlier this year, Joe Polish, a medical expert who’s previously battled addiction, explained on U.S. News that it’s these traumatic childhood experiences that can often be linked back to – and if treatment can address these instances, a person is going to be more supported for success in recovery.
Healing and Moving Forward
There are many incredibly effective techniques to treatment that can be used for a variety of PTSD symptoms, and therapy approaches that can help a person find clarity amidst the chaos they feel in their mind and heart. As Joe Polish, mentioned earlier, explained: “If someone just takes away the drugs or tries to give them something else without dealing with the underlying drivers of the pain and the causation of it, it’s going to be very short-lived.”
Clients at Avalon Malibu can engage in a number of other holistic practices to restore their mind, body and spirit, such as: meditation, yoga, massage therapy, chiropractic services, art therapy, nature therapy and more. Medication may be part of a person’s recovery plan as well – and, in many instances, it may be a number of recovery elements combining to create one well-rounded, personalized treatment plan.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network found in a study that of adolescents who’d received treatment for substance abuse, more than 70% had also experienced childhood trauma – and if not treated early on, the emotional problems that stem from these events can stem out into adulthood. No matter what your treatment regime holds, a comprehensive assessment can help you determine which paths may be most conducive for you to take.
Moving Forward With Your Life
Childhood trauma does not have to define you, because you’re stronger than you realize. The symptoms that you’ve been experiencing may feel incredibly overwhelming, but there are tools, resources and support available to help you move forward with your life. If you’re ready to begin pushing forward from what has been holding you back all of these years, speak with a professional from Avalon Malibu today – it’s never too late to seek the help you need.
Avalon Malibu is a world-renowned, California state-licensed mental health and substance abuse recovery center. If you are ready to seek treatment to develop the tools you need to overcome life’s obstacles and be on the road towards happiness, health, and well-being, call us today at 844-857-5992 for a consultation. It’s never too late, and there are people here ready to help you – it’s never too late to begin taking steps towards a happier, healthier life.
