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.