Trauma Abuse and Addiction

Our understanding of trauma and its effects on people is clearer than it was just a few years ago. One key thing we’ve learned trauma is much more common than we once thought. For example, many people with unresolved trauma will turn to drugs, or alcohol to numb themselves to it—and they get addicted in the process. Many other addictions follow, besides drugs and alcohol.  We know 75 percent of the female patients report a traumatic event in their past. The male patients, it’s around 50 percent. Those are astounding numbers! Trauma is an emotional response to a terrible event such as an accident, natural disaster, emotional or physical abuse, extreme poverty, chronic social isolation, or war to name a few. It’s a difficult combination to untangle, but we may be getting a handle on it. Anxiety can trigger depression and other behavioral, physical, and mental health issues. It is especially hard if you are dealing with other personal, work, relationship, or family-related issues. Please be aware that it is okay to ask for help.