Have you developed a substance use disorder and wondered if it might be connected to a traumatic event either in your past or that you are currently undergoing? When trauma impacts a person to the point that they begin to abuse alcohol or drugs to deal with it, they need to get professional trauma-informed addiction treatment. Buckhead Behavioral Health provides effective care in Atlanta that helps people put their trauma to rest and become sober. When a person deals with both issues simultaneously, they can make progress more quickly.
What Qualifies as Trauma?
Trauma can happen to someone in a variety of ways. It can be a one-time event or an ongoing series of events. Trauma that results in a person needing trauma-informed addiction treatment may have happened decades ago, a year ago, or be part of a current situation, such as domestic abuse. The traumatic event may have happened directly to a person, such as an assault, or it may be something they witnessed.
Some common traumatic events include:
- Natural disasters (hurricanes, flooding, earthquakes, etc.)
- Death of a loved one
- Serious illness
- Physical assault
- Sexual assault
- Serious injury or accident
- Act of terrorism
- Military or wartime action
- Community unrest, such as riots
- School shootings
Symptoms of Trauma
Trauma can cause different symptoms in a person, depending on what happened, when it happened, and other factors. Several symptoms happen commonly that indicate a person can benefit from trauma-informed addiction treatment. These include the following:
- Easily startled or agitated
- Moodiness
- Having flashbacks
- Avoiding situations or people who may remind the person of their traumatic event
- Difficulty sleeping
- Isolating from people
- Sensitive to certain stimuli, such as loud sounds
- Difficulty in relationships with family and friends
- Anxiety
- Panic attacks
- Abusing drugs or alcohol
Who Does Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Work For?
Trauma-informed addiction treatment can work for people from all walks of life and backgrounds. It proves common in certain populations such as people who work as first responders. This includes firefighters, paramedics, and law enforcement. It also affects a large number of military veterans and those still serving their country. Children who suffered from molestation, physical violence, or neglect may end up developing trauma. Regardless of how a person incurred the traumatic event, anyone can end up abusing drugs or alcohol in an attempt to self-medicate.
How Does Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Work?
Trauma-informed addiction treatment involves using approaches that take the neurological understanding of how people process and internalize trauma and apply it to healing the symptoms of trauma. Along with that, the resulting substance use disorder can be treated.
A hallmark of treating both trauma and addiction involves the use of talk therapy. This includes individual counseling, group therapy, and the use of family therapy, when appropriate. Cognitive-behavioral therapy helps many individuals put their trauma in perspective and learn healthy coping skills.
As well, holistic therapy offers several activities designed to heal the mind, body, and spirit simultaneously. Holistic therapy includes things like yoga, meditation, nutritional counseling, and exercise. When a person takes better care of multiple parts of their lives, the resulting benefits can help ease symptoms of trauma. Additionally, this kind of therapy helps people in recovery from substance use disorders.
At the heart of trauma-informed addiction treatment is teaching the individual that they have the ability to take charge of their lives. At Buckhead Behavioral Health our trauma therapy in Atlanta can help. During this time, you learn healthy coping skills to reduce and eliminate many symptoms of trauma. When this occurs, the person typically feels less of a need to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate.
Where Does Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment Take Place?
When someone enters formal treatment for addiction, the first stop usually takes place at a detox facility. This can take place while spending several days living in a rehab or in an outpatient facility, depending on the person’s needs and the severity of their substance use disorder. From there, many people transition into an inpatient rehab facility where they live for 30 days or more.
For others, outpatient care works best. They can get focused, productive treatment for their trauma and addiction during the day while still living in their homes. Those who achieve a certain level of recovery may qualify to receive virtual rehab care.
Does Insurance Cover Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment?
Insurance companies understand that substance use disorders qualify as medical illnesses. As a result, they cover many forms of treatment for them. As well, they typically offer coverage for mental health disorders such as trauma-based illness, including PTSD. Someone interested in using their insurance to pay for treatment can contact their company and ask any questions they have. They should make sure to get any treatment they want to seek pre-approved by the insurance company to ensure they get proper coverage.
Find Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment in Atlanta
Trauma affects a person both in the moment and long after the event has ended. Sadly, many people may not realize an event they went through or are currently undergoing qualifies as trauma. Buckhead Behavioral Health in Atlanta understands the connection between trauma and addiction to drugs and alcohol. Because of this, our skilled staff can help you walk through the steps that allow you to leave trauma in the past and heal.
If you would like more information about our outpatient trauma-informed addiction treatment, visit our admissions page now.
