Trauma Therapy for Addiction Recovery in Massachusetts: A Holistic Approach to Healing

What Is Trauma Therapy?

Trauma therapy is a form of psychotherapy that helps clients identify, process, and cope with the effects of trauma. The techniques and therapeutic exercises give clients the skills to manage trauma responses in everyday life. 

Studies have shown that trauma “therapies are applied in behavioral health contexts to create a safe and supportive environment that fosters healing and resilience while integrating trauma awareness into every facet of care.” All programs at NorthStar Recovery Center offer trauma therapy. Clients use the skills and tools learned in trauma therapy to create healthier coping mechanisms for managing their trauma responses. 

The Connection Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Trauma and substance abuse share many risk factors. Individuals with a history of trauma are more likely to experience substance abuse and vice versa. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA), “Studies show traumatic, extremely stressful experiences like abuse, violence, neglect, or the death of a loved one make a person more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder.”

Some potential connections between trauma and SUD include: 

• People may abuse substances to manage trauma responses 
• Abusing alcohol or drugs may lead to traumatic situations 
• Trauma and addiction may happen independently and worsen the effects of each condition

The underlying causes of trauma and addiction may increase stress during rehabilitation. Stress management is an integral part of treatment for both substance abuse and mental health disorders. 

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Mental Health

Trauma has a profound impact on mental health. Childhood trauma can affect cognitive and behavioral development. Trauma later in life may cause severe mental health disorders. Addressing the effects of trauma using psychotherapy or other evidence-based treatments provides the best outcomes for individuals with SUD. 

Some of the most common causes of trauma include: 

• Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)
• Living or working in an unsafe environment 
• Witnessing or experiencing a natural disaster 
• Sexual or physical abuse 

NorthStar Recovery Center treats all forms of trauma using a whole-person approach to care that addresses the causes and the side effects of trauma. 

Types of Trauma Disorders: Including Acute Stress Disorder

Many different events and experiences may cause trauma. The type and severity of trauma will impact how a person responds to it. Many people with a history of trauma develop mental health disorders. 

Some of the most common trauma-related disorders include: 

• Acute stress disorder (ASD) 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 
• Complex post-traumatic stress disorder (C-PTSD) 
• Dissociative identity disorder (DID) and other dissociative disorders 
• Borderline personality disorder (BPD)
• Specific phobias related to trauma 

Trauma also increases the risk of people being diagnosed with other mental health disorders, including seasonal affective disorder (SAD). Therapists treat these co-occurring conditions using individual and group therapy. Programs at NorthStar Recovery Center offer counseling from experts in addiction and mental health. 

How Trauma Affects the Brain and Nervous System

Trauma impacts the brain and central nervous system (CNS) in multiple ways, including: 

• The amygdala may become overactive and more sensitive to stress 
• Trauma may impair areas of the prefrontal cortex, affecting emotion regulation 
• Dysregulation of the hippocampus may impact memory, causing flashbacks, dissociative events, and fragmented memories 
• Chronic trauma may cause an overproduction of stress hormones 
• Excessive activation of the sympathetic nervous system and heightened startle response
• Increased pain sensitivity
• Lasting changes to brain volume, connectivity, and function 

Individuals who experience trauma at a young age are more likely to experience more significant changes to the brain and nervous system. 

Recognizing the Emotional Symptoms of Trauma: Fear, Anger, and Shame

Unaddressed trauma may cause fear, shame, anger, guilt, and other strong emotions. Therapy sessions provide clients with a safe space to explore and express these feelings without judgment. Therapists validate the emotions caused by trauma and provide healthy outlets and coping skills to help clients heal.