Have you ever wondered why some people turn to drugs as a way of coping with their emotional pain? Individuals who have experienced emotional trauma, be it some haunting childhood memory, the loss of a loved one, or whatever else, are more likely to turn to drugs.
But why does trauma make someone vulnerable to drug abuse? People often underestimate the influence that an emotionally painful incident may have on their life, which can lead them to addiction troubles.
Let’s look into why emotional trauma makes people more likely to take drugs and how Durham, NC addiction treatment can help you put your life back together.
Emotional Trauma Increases the Risk of Drug Abuse
Any haunting memory, or feeling that constantly makes someone uncomfortable, can be described as emotional trauma. More like a mental version of long-term injury caused by an incident.
Some people fail to process their parents divorcing each other, some have trouble coping with the loss of a loved one, and some can’t forget traumatic experiences from their childhood – the list goes on.
Emotional trauma can have a significant impact on one’s mental and emotional well-being. It can lead to feelings of isolation, anxiety, and sadness. It can also increase a person’s risk of drug abuse.
In the United States, drug abuse is a big issue. The National Institute on Drug Addiction (NIDA) estimates that around 21 million persons in the United States suffer from drug abuse problems. Almost 3 million of them are drug addicts.
Emotional trauma can increase people’s sensitivity to drug dependence – numerous research works have proven this much. People suffering from mental distress must seek professional assistance without delay to address the source of their difficulties.
Traumatized individuals turn to drugs as a coping mechanism. Drugs can help people escape all the anguish and misery in their minds. This escape, however, is only momentary. The individual will eventually have to confront their feelings again.
When this happens, it’s time for another dose. It won’t take long for them to spiral down into the world of drug abuse from where it is impossible to escape.
If you or someone you love is battling with drug addiction, you must get assistance as soon as possible to begin living a healthy life again.
Types of Drugs People Abuse After Trauma
Not everyone turns to hard drugs.
But people can start abusing any drug they come across, as long as it keeps them at a distance from their emotional trauma. Alcohol, opioids, sedatives, and stimulants are among the most commonly abused options.
These drugs can temporarily relieve the bad feelings associated with trauma, but they can also cause long-term issues.
Alcohol
Many people turn to alcohol to self-medicate. It can dull the pain and make dealing with memories easier, but that’s not a solution to anything – the pain is still there. Excessive alcohol use can result in liver damage, mental health issues, and addiction.
Opioids
Opioids are also commonly abused following such trauma. These drugs can give temporary relief from pain and anxiety. However, the consumer will soon develop a tolerance, dependency, and addiction to them, leading to a lasting struggle.
Sedatives
Sedatives are occasionally used to assist people to cope with the overwhelming emotions associated with trauma. These medications can help to alleviate anxiety and improve sleep. If abused, they can make one sleepy, cloud their judgment, and introduce dependence.
Stimulants
Stimulants are sometimes used to deal with the anxiety that accompanies trauma. Some medications can make people feel more alert and energetic. They can, however, cause cardiac issues and addiction if abused (even lead to insanity).
The Link Between Emotional Trauma and Drug Abuse
Many people who have endured emotional trauma turn to medications to alleviate their suffering. Drugs can help people disconnect from their emotions and give them an escape from reality. Sadly, this numbing effect is just temporary, and the feelings will ultimately return.
In an attempt to alleviate the agony, this might lead to a vicious cycle of drug addiction.
People who have suffered emotional trauma may also suffer from anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These problems might make it challenging to manage one’s emotions healthily.
People may try to self-medicate (or use hard drugs and liquor) to alleviate their problems. Yet, substance usage will only worsen these mental health difficulties in the long term.
If you or someone you love is battling drug addiction, you must seek expert help.
Addiction treatment professionals that specialize in both substance misuse and underlying mental health disorders can make the best impact. It is possible to heal from emotional trauma and achieve long-term sobriety with the right treatment.
You just need to pull through and do what’s right.
How to Heal From Emotional Trauma
It is estimated that 60% of drug users self-medicate to cope with undiagnosed or untreated emotional trauma. Emotional trauma can present itself in a variety of ways, but it frequently includes feelings of powerlessness, humiliation, and isolation.
There are several things you may do to begin the healing process if you are having to cope with emotional trauma.
- Get professional assistance. A therapist can help you work through your emotions and develop good coping methods.
- Make contact with individuals who have had similar situations. There is strength in numbers, and sharing your experience with those who understand what you’re going through can be beneficial.
- Participate in activities that make you happy. This might range from exercise to volunteering to joining support groups. Regularly doing activities that make you happy can help balance out the negative feelings linked with your trauma.
- Be kind to yourself. It takes time to recover, and there will be ups and downs along the road. Rather than concentrating on setbacks, try to focus on your overall progress.
No More Googling For “Drug Addiction Treatment Near Me,” Get Help From Our Durham, NC Addiction Treatment Center
The time to seek help for emotional trauma and addiction is now. It’s important to address these issues as soon as possible to keep them from becoming more severe and impacting your daily life more seriously.
If you are experiencing anxiety, depression, flashbacks, or nightmares, it’s important to seek help as soon as possible. The same goes if you’re also struggling with addiction to drugs or alcohol – deal with the problem before it becomes more severe and difficult to overcome.
The Recovery Center of the Carolinas offers comprehensive treatment options at our Durham, NC addiction treatment center to help you address these issues. We have highly capable, reliable, and licensed therapists on board to help you throughout your journey to sobriety.
We’ll also hook you up with support groups to give you constant help with your troubles.
Whatever it takes – we’re willing to go the extra mile for you!
Don’t wait to get help. Stop searching for “drug addiction treatment near me,” and reach out to the Recovery Center of the Carolinas to speak to an addiction treatment professional today to begin your journey toward healing and recovery!
