July 2024

The Importance of Treating the Underlying Issues of Addiction

by Kind Dev | Jul 23, 2024 | Addiction

There is a reason that many people in recovery say, “Alcohol and substances are but a symptom of deeper issues,” or “It’s a thinking problem rather than a drinking problem.” It is because the underlying issues of addiction tend to be the most serious struggle that needs to be addressed. The good news is there is help, hope, and many effective ways to treat addiction.

How Common Is Addiction in the U.S.?

Addiction remains highly prevalent in the U.S. There are both high instances of alcohol use disorder (AUD) and substance use disorder (SUD). According to the Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), and the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”

It is also important to remember that there is a high number of people in the U.S. who also struggle with addiction and underlying issues of mental health (comorbidities). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders. This doesn’t mean that one caused the other and it can be difficult to determine which came first… Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.” Mental illness can also be a cause of addiction. But it is certainly not the only one.

What Are the Common Causes of Addiction?

There are many causes of addiction. According to NIDA, “As with other diseases and disorders, the likelihood of developing an addiction differs from person to person, and no single factor determines whether a person will become addicted to drugs. In general, the more risk factors a person has, the greater the chance that taking drugs will lead to drug use and addiction.”

Some of the risk factors of addiction include having a history of addiction in the family and/or having a family member in the home who struggles with addiction. Also, experiencing some type of trauma, such as physical or sexual abuse, combat trauma, or a traumatic event like a car accident or natural disaster.

Other risk factors may be socioeconomic and regional. There is also potential that experiencing systematic social abuse, such as racism, can be an underlying cause of addiction. Being exposed to substances in social settings at a young age can also be a cause of addiction.

Many people don’t realize how much correlation there is between AUD and SUD from childhood to adulthood. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), “Although most youth are in good health, some youth are at an increased risk for behaviors that can lead to poor health outcomes, such as high-risk substance use. The majority of adults who meet the criteria for having a substance use disorder started using substances during their teen and young adult years,” and “Youth with substance use disorders also experience higher rates of physical and mental illnesses, diminished overall health and well-being, and potential progression to addiction.”

Who Is Most Susceptible to Addiction?

There are many people who are most susceptible to addiction. These include both young people and adults who struggle with mental illness. It also includes people with a genetic history of addiction and those who live in more poverty-prone regions in the U.S.

People who have a history of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are also at a higher risk of becoming addicted to alcohol and/or substances. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and the National Center for PTSD, “More than 2 of 10 Veterans with PTSD also have SUD. Almost 1 out of every 3 Veterans seeking treatment for SUD also has PTSD.” Also, “In the wars in Iraq and Afghanistan, about 1 in 10 returning Veterans seen in VA have a problem with alcohol or other drugs.”

People who are also exposed to addiction in the home are more susceptible to AUD and/or SUD. These are just some of the reasons why being able to spot some of the signs and symptoms of addiction as soon as possible is so important.

The Signs and Symptoms of Addiction

Addiction signs and symptoms can manifest in many different ways, and it is true that these symptoms often vary from individual to individual. However, there are some signs and symptoms that are more universal. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:

Isolating away from family and friends
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Having issues with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
Struggling with issues of anxiety and depression
Going through withdrawals when not drinking or using
Experiencing repercussions at school or work
Exhibiting excessive mood swings and outbursts
Having relationship issues
A lack of care for one’s appearance and personal hygiene
Feeling nervous or “shaky”
Having feelings of hopelessness and/or helplessness
Feeling like there is “no way out”
Committing self-harm
Having suicidal ideation

As one can see, these can be very serious symptoms. If any, many, or all of these signs or symptoms are present, it is highly advised that professional help be sought sooner than later. Doing so may be the difference between a loved one experiencing short-term side effects and long-term consequences.

What Does It Mean to Treat the Underlying Issues of Addiction?

Treating the underlying issues of addiction means getting to the root/core causes of one’s addiction. It also means an attempt to heal one at the molecular level.

This means that addiction cannot be treated by simply putting down the drink and/or the drug. It means that serious action must be taken to heal. This includes being willing to admit that there is a problem, accept help for that problem, and take the right action steps to address that problem.

Now, this can be seen in the way people recover from addiction by utilizing the Twelve Steps of recovery. The First Step reads, “We admitted we were powerless over alcohol [and/or substances] – that our lives had become unmanageable.” It is this underlying issue of powerlessness that must also be addressed to recover from addiction.

How Are the Underlying Issues of Addiction Treated?

The underlying issues of addiction can be treated in a variety of different ways. Now, the most prominent way is via psychotherapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) (which will be discussed shortly).

Other ways of treating addiction include experiential therapies like nature immersion therapy, surf therapy, horticulture therapy, and art therapy. Then is also a more holistic approach that includes practices like massage, reiki, yoga therapy, and meditation.

Meditation can be particularly beneficial because it can heal physically, mentally, and emotionally. According to the International Quarterly Journal of Research in Ayurveda (AYU), Research has confirmed a myriad of health benefits associated with the practice of meditation. These include stress reduction, decreased anxiety, decreased depression, reduction in pain (both physical and psychological), improved memory, and increased efficiency. Physiological benefits include reduced blood pressure, heart rate, lactate, cortisol, and epinephrine; decreased metabolism, breathing pattern, oxygen utilization, and carbon dioxide elimination; and increased melatonin, dehydroepiandrosterone sulfate (DHEA-S), skin resistance, and relative blood flow to the brain.”

The Importance of Individualized Recovery

Regardless of the various means, methods, and modalities that are used to help someone get to the underlying issues of addiction, it is important that the process happens on an individualized basis. Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we have found that overarching, “one-note” recovery plans rarely work. They must be tailor-made for the individual.

This includes doing a full intake analysis that looks at many factors like home life, work life, mental health issues, and history of family addiction. Also, this helps to see the individual rather than the addiction that they are diagnosed with. As the Father of Western medicine, Hippocrates, famously said, “It’s far more important to know what person the disease has than what disease the person has.” It is also important to have a multi-angled approach to recovery.

The Importance of Comprehensive Recovery

Comprehensive recovery plans are crucial if one is to heal at the cellular level. Now, this includes utilizing many means, methods, and modalities at the same time. This ensures that there are many options that one can use depending on what is working for the individual. If something is not effective then there will always be something else available to try until efficacy starts to occur. Focusing on comprehensive recovery also best ensures against a relapse.

Relapse is more common than many people may think in the U.S. According to the peer-reviewed journal Current Psychiatry Reports, “It has long been known that addictive disorders are chronic and relapsing in nature. Recent estimates from clinical treatment studies suggest that more than two-thirds of individuals relapse within weeks to months of initiating treatment.” Also, “For 1-year outcomes across alcohol, nicotine, weight, and illicit drug abuse, studies show that more than 85% of individuals relapse and return to drug use within 1 year of treatment.”

Another effective way to avoid a relapse is to work with other people in recovery. This is discussed more in depth in the primary text of 12-Step recovery (most commonly referred to as the Big Book) in a chapter entitled “Working With Others.” The chapter states, “Practical experience shows that nothing will so much insure immunity from drinking [and using] as intensive work with other [people in recovery. It works when other activities fail… You can help when no one else can.” Another way to best avoid relapse is with CBT

Treating Underlying Issues With Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT is an essential psychotherapy to get to the underlying issues of addiction. This is because it focuses on one’s negative cognitions and emotions that cause negative actions.

CBT’s focus is also on the negative way people think about themselves and the world around them. According to the peer-reviewed journal Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) refers to a class of interventions that share the basic premise that mental disorders and psychological distress are maintained by cognitive factors. The core premise of this treatment approach, as pioneered by Beck (1970) and Ellis (1962), holds that maladaptive cognitions contribute to the maintenance of emotional distress and behavioral problems. According to Beck’s model, these maladaptive cognitions include general beliefs, or schemas, about the world, the self, and the future, giving rise to specific and automatic thoughts in particular situations.”

CBT also lends itself to other types of therapy. This includes group therapy, trauma therapy, and family therapy.

Treating Underlying Issues With Family Therapy

It is important to remember that addiction is a “disease.” Addiction is not some type of choice or personal preference. Also, just like addiction is a disease, it is a “family disease.” This is because it affects not only the individual but also everyone close to that individual. Now, this is especially true of close family members.

Family therapy works to heal the family by creating a safe space for each member to express themselves without fear of judgment. This therapy can also be highly beneficial for young people and young adults in recovery.

According to the International Journal of Mental Health and Addiction, “Caregivers, including parents, grandparents, family members, and family of choice, hold a critical role in shaping youth behavior through their parenting practices, and their emotional relationships. Positive caregiver-child relationships that include warmth, cohesion, and support can serve as a critical protective factor from engagement in problematic behavior. We assert that the importance of the caregiver-child relationship extends through adolescence and remains salient into young adulthood.” Another therapy that can be highly beneficial for getting to underlying issues is trauma therapy.

Treating Underlying Issues With Trauma Therapy

Trauma is highly prevalent among those struggling with addiction. According to the American Journal of Men’s Health, “Traumatic experiences are common among drug abusers, and studies have demonstrated up to 80% – 90% prevalence. Men’s trauma and drug abuse have been studied to some extent, although women seem to have gained much more attention from researchers. While half of all children encounter violence in some form throughout their childhoods, only around half of the men who suffer from stress or other post-traumatic difficulties due to childhood trauma seek assistance upon reaching adulthood.”

Trauma therapy gets to these underlying issues of trauma and helps to safely bring them to the surface so they can be addressed in a healthy way. Like CBT and family therapy, it also creates a safe space to express one’s emotions and struggles. Other highly effective means of getting to underlying issues lie in the holistic realm.

Treating Underlying Issues Holistically

Holistic treatments have long been shown to help people with addiction. This includes practices like the previously mentioned meditation and something a little more active like yoga therapy.

Yoga offers a myriad of benefits for those struggling with addiction. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”

Long-Term Success With NorthStar Recovery Center

Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” This is why we focus on underlying issues in an individualized and comprehensive manner.

It is important to remember that recovery from addiction is about the journey, never the destination. That successful journey can start right here with us, right now.

Alcohol and/or substances are rarely the sole problem. There are underlying issues that cause negative addictive behaviors. These underlying issues, such as trauma and PTSD, need to be addressed if an individual is going to fully heal. One of the best ways to address these underlying issues is by engaging with a highly focused day treatment program. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, mental illness, or both, we can help get you on the positive path toward recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about the importance of getting to one’s underlying issues of addiction, please call NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.

Understanding the Link Between Trauma and SUD

by Kind Dev | Jul 8, 2024 | Addiction Treatment, Journey to Healing, Substance Abuse

The iconic American author and philosopher Joseph Campbell famously said, “Find a place inside where there’s joy, and the joy will burn out the pain.” For many people struggling with trauma, that joy becomes inaccessible. Many people who struggle with trauma also try to cope with it by using substances. This is why trauma and substance use disorder (SUD) are such common co-occurring disorders. However, the good news is there is help and hope for people struggling with trauma and SUD.

The Prevalence of SUD

SUD is still highly prevalent both in the U.S. and around the world. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) and the 2022 National Survey on Drug Use and Health (NSDUH), “48.7 million people aged 12 or older (or 17.3%) had a substance use disorder (SUD) in the past year, including 29.5 million who had an alcohol use disorder (AUD), 27.2 million who had a drug use disorder (DUD), and 8.0 million people who had both an AUD and a DUD.”

These are some serious statistics, and they are emblematic of why it is critical to get loved ones the help they need for SUD. Of course, before being able to do this, one has to be able to spot the signs and symptoms of SUD, of which there are many.

The Signs and Symptoms of SUD

It can be hard to make a definitive list of signs and symptoms of SUD because there are so many different types of substance addictions out there. For example, someone struggling with opioid use disorder is not going to have the exact symptoms as someone struggling with stimulant use disorder.

However, there are some overarching signs and symptoms that tend to be more universal when it comes to SUD. The following are just a few of those signs and symptoms:

Isolating away from close friends and family
Losing interest in activities once enjoyed
Issues with sleep cycles, including sleeping too much and not sleeping enough (insomnia)
No longer caring about appearance or personal hygiene
Having issues at school or work
Struggling physically, such as excessive body aches and gastrointestinal problems
Running into otherwise unexplainable financial problems
Exhibiting mood swings and outbursts
Acting anxious or depressed
Self-harming
Expressing suicidal ideations

As one can see, these are not insignificant side effects. This is why they must be addressed sooner than later. Doing so could mean the difference between short-term troubles and long-term consequences.

The Prevalence of Trauma

People struggling with traumatic events (TEs) are also highly prevalent both in the U.S. and around the world. According to the peer-reviewed journal Psychological Medicine, “The fifth edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5) defines a traumatic event (TE) as exposure to threatened death, serious injury or sexual violence… General population studies have shown that a large proportion of people in developed countries have been exposed to at least one TE in their lifetime (estimates from 28 to 90%), with the most common events being the unexpected death of a loved one, motor vehicle accidents and being mugged.”

Many of these people struggling with trauma will try to cope with it themselves by utilizing alcohol and substances. Of course, this only masks the problem and will ultimately just make things worse over time.

The Signs and Symptoms of Trauma

Ideally, it would be best to catch the signs and symptoms of trauma before SUD starts to take hold. However, to do that, one must first be able to recognize the signs and symptoms of trauma, which is interesting because they can very much mirror the signs and symptoms of addiction.

There are also some very unique characteristics of trauma. According to SAMHSA, “Initial reactions to trauma can include exhaustion, confusion, sadness, anxiety, agitation, numbness, dissociation, confusion, physical arousal, and blunted affect… Indicators of more severe responses include continuous distress without periods of relative calm or rest, severe dissociation symptoms, and intense intrusive recollections that continue despite a return to safety. Delayed responses to trauma can include persistent fatigue, sleep disorders, nightmares, fear of recurrence, anxiety focused on flashbacks, depression, and avoidance of emotions, sensations, or activities that are associated with the trauma, even remotely.”

Based on these types of symptoms, it can be understandable why one would want to dull them with something like alcohol and drugs. Again, this is why there is such a strong link between trauma and SUD. But this only leads to more serious issues down the road, like having co-occurring trauma and SUD.

The Prevalence of Co-Occurring Disorders

Many people in the U.S. struggle with co-occurring disorders (also known as comorbidities). According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “7.7 million adults have co-occurring mental and substance use disorders… Of the 20.3 million adults with substance use disorders, 37.9% also had mental illnesses” and “Among the 42.1 million adults with mental illness, 18.2% also had substance use disorders.”

Many people with trauma and SUD are also unaware that they are struggling with co-occurring disorders because, ultimately, they are unaware that their underlying issue is trauma. This is especially true with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

According to Clinical Psychology: A Publication of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association, “Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) are prevalent and frequently co-occur. Comorbid PTSD/SUD is associated with a more complex and costly clinical course when compared with either disorder alone, including increased chronic physical health problems, poorer social functioning, higher rates of suicide attempts, more legal problems, increased risk of violence, worse treatment adherence, and less improvement during treatment.” This is why people struggling with PTSD and SUD need very focused addiction and mental health care to treat both issues at the same time. Also, it may need to start with a safe and secure detox.

Trauma and SUD: A Safe and Secure Detox

One cannot properly address their trauma if they are struggling to address their addiction (the same is true in reverse). This is especially true if one is struggling with the physical, mental, and emotional pain that substance withdrawals can bring.

A safe and secure detox is not only crucial for getting the substances out of one’s system, but it is also crucial for preparing an individual for the next steps of their recovery. These next steps will often include some type of treatment, such as residential care or day treatment. For people struggling with trauma and SUD, they should also be connected to a program that offers them the right type of therapy.

Trauma and SUD: Trauma Therapy

Many people who struggle with trauma often keep it buried deep down inside. Unfortunately, this only prolongs the pain and pushes people who want to help away. Trauma therapy works to get under the surface where that trauma is often hidden and held onto.

Various therapies then work to address these underlying issues of trauma so the negative behaviors (including addictive behaviors) associated with them can be mitigated and managed. One of the therapies that is often employed in trauma therapy is cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT).

Trauma and SUD: Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy

CBT is one of the most commonly used evidence-based therapies to treat addiction and mental health issues today. The reason for this is that it has been shown to be very effective at helping people address their trauma and get out from under their addiction.

CBT works to get the underlying issues (like trauma) of one’s outside struggles. It does so by addressing the deeply held beliefs that one holds about oneself and the world around them. For individuals struggling with trauma, these beliefs are negative and toxic in nature.

According to the peer-reviewed journal Cognitive Therapy and Research, “Consistent with the medical model of psychiatry, the overall goal of [CBT] treatment is symptom reduction, improvement in functioning, and remission of the disorder. In order to achieve this goal, the patient becomes an active participant in a collaborative problem-solving process to test and challenge the validity of maladaptive cognitions and to modify maladaptive behavioral patterns. Thus, modern CBT refers to a family of interventions that combine a variety of cognitive, behavioral, and emotion-focused techniques.” Another form of effective therapy that involves “active participation” is group therapy.

Trauma and SUD: Group Therapy

Group therapy can be highly effective at helping people struggling with trauma and SUD because it offers an opportunity to connect with others who also have “shared experience.” Shared experience can be crucial for recovery because it shows individuals that they are not alone and that there is hope out there.

There are also many other benefits to group therapy. According to the peer-reviewed thesis Group Therapy, by Doctors Malhotra and Baker, these benefits include the “Development of socialization techniques: Patients learn effective and proper ways to interact with others… . Imitate behavior: Patients gain new insight and understanding through the observation of other group members,” and “Catharsis: Patients share personal experiences from both the past and present.”

Group therapy is also a way for individuals struggling with trauma and SUD to bond and carry their relationships beyond the recovery center doors. It is important to remember that recovery is a life-long process and it is critical to have the right support structure for that process.

Working with other people is also a great way to maintain a joyful sobriety. One must remember that recovery is about a lot more than simply putting down the substances. It is about picking up a new positive way of living. Working with others helps accelerate that positivity, which is why connecting to a recovery community outside of treatment can be so important.

Trauma and SUD: Connecting With a Recovery Community

The primary text of 12-Step recovery (commonly referred to as the Big Book) has a chapter entitled “Working With Others.” It explains that when one works with others in recovery, “Life will take on new meaning. To watch people recover, to see them help others, to watch loneliness vanish, to see a fellowship grow up about you, to have a host of friends – this is an experience you must not miss. We know you will not want to miss it.” This is emblematic of how essential connecting with others in recovery can be.

Now, there are many ways to connect with other people in recovery. There are 12-Step groups, there are online forums, community centers with trauma support groups, and non-secular recovery groups like SMART recovery and LifeRing. The key is to find the right community and stick with it. It is also important to get involved with the groups. Rather than just show up, it can be much more beneficial if individuals volunteer to become part of the group process. This service aspect of community recovery can really help one stay sober and avoid a potential relapse.

Trauma and SUD: Holistic Healing Options

For people struggling with trauma and SUD, adding some holistic practices into their recovery plan can also be highly beneficial. Two ideal holistic healing practices are yoga and meditation because they can essentially be accessible wherever an individual finds themself. Being able to stop and stretch and meditate when one is feeling agitated can be crucial.

Yoga also offers many benefits that can help individuals in their recovery from trauma and SUD. According to the International Journal of Yoga (IJOY), “Therapeutic yoga is defined as the application of yoga postures and practice to the treatment of health conditions. Yoga therapy involves instruction in yogic practices and teachings to prevent reduce or alleviate structural, physiological, emotional and spiritual pain, suffering or limitations. Yogic practices enhance muscular strength and body flexibility, promote and improve respiratory and cardiovascular function, promote recovery from and treatment of addiction, reduce stress, anxiety, depression, and chronic pain, improve sleep patterns, and enhance overall well-being and quality of life.”

Trauma and SUD: Long-Term Recovery

The keys to any recovery plan are to any recovery plan are to stay “in the day” while also having attainable long-term goals to go after. This is important because it can keep an individual both grounded and motivated in their recovery.

Long-term recovery is also about maintaining a plan of action. Recovery must continue past the treatment center, and this can be done by continuing to utilize all of the tools and techniques previously mentioned. These include sticking with individual and group therapy sessions, joining and becoming part of a recovery community, and adding holistic healing options to one’s daily routine.

The Importance of Individualized and Comprehensive Care at NorthStar Recovery Center

Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we know how hard it can be to reach out and ask for help. We also know how hard it is to help a loved one who is struggling with issues of trauma and SUD. However, we also know that getting help and entering recovery is one of the most rewarding and life-changing experiences that a person will ever go through.

Here at NorthStar Recovery Center, we believe in long-term success over short-term “fixes.” That is why all of our recovery plans are tailor-made for each client and always have a focus on long-term goals and positive outcomes.

For those struggling with trauma and SUD, it is important to remember that there are people out there whose primary purpose is to see them succeed. There is help and there is hope in recovery. The key is to reach out one’s hand and grab it. At NorthStar Recovery Center, there are plenty of helping hands to catch it on the other side.

Joseph Campbell also famously said, “The big question is whether you are going to be able to say a hearty yes to your adventure.” Yes, recovery is an adventure, and it can be the adventure of a lifetime.

Trauma is highly prevalent in the U.S. When this trauma goes untreated, it can quickly lead to substance use disorder (SUD). When this happens, it is important to get the right dual diagnosis right away. Doing so can ensure that both issues are treated at the same time so a whole mind-body recovery can occur. If you feel like you or a loved one are struggling with issues of addiction, trauma, or co-occurring disorders, we can help get you on the positive path to long-term recovery right away. You don’t have to go through this alone. For more information about the common link between trauma and SUD, please reach out to NorthStar Recovery Center today at (888) 311-0911.