Trauma informed care is a type of program individuals can find at addiction treatment centers. Often, a history of trauma or a mental illness happens before someone develops an addiction. They may use the addiction to cope with these unresolved feelings, symptoms, and problems. To successfully become and stay sober, individuals need to treat the underlying trauma during addiction therapy services.

What Is Trauma Informed Care?

A traumatic reaction is how the mind and body cope with abnormal or challenging situations. From experiencing a traumatic event like a hurricane to suffering childhood abuse, there are many types of trauma that people might encounter. Someone’s reaction to trauma can affect their mental, physical, social and behavioral health for a lifetime. When someone experiences physical or sexual abuse, family dysfunction, maltreatment or neglect, it changes how they perceive the world. They are more likely to suffer from risky behaviors, emotional problems, and physical diseases. Mental illnesses are also more common after someone goes through trauma than those who don’t. Trauma informed care is a healthy approach to addiction treatment. This type of program may include therapy services like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). In trauma focused CBT, the individual evaluates the way they think, feel and behave. Over time, they learn how to change these automatic responses and adjust how they act in certain situations.

How It Works

In trauma informed care, counselors understand the consequences of past trauma on an addiction. They use this knowledge to help the individual heal from their substance abuse. Counselors know how to recognize the symptoms of trauma in families and clients. Then, they integrate this knowledge into creating programs and policies. Once someone starts treatment, they become empowered to choose their future and overcome their addiction. They can use their voice again and gain peer support to help with their transition. Trauma informed care offers a transparent, safe environment for patients to begin their recovery. Many people have co-occurring illnesses as well as an addiction. Often, the addiction and the co-occurring illness fuel each other’s symptoms. When someone stops using drugs or alcohol, they need new, healthy ways to cope with their underlying trauma or mental disorder. Trauma therapy is just one tool that patients have during recovery. Other programs like CBT and individual therapy also help clients progress through their treatment program. Each client is unique, so they need an individualized program that treats their specific needs.

Seeking Treatment for an Addiction and a Mental Illness

Through Pennsylvania addiction recovery services, clients can take the next step in their recovery. The right treatment program offers therapy options and peer support for long-lasting sobriety. At the treatment center, clients can find options such as:

  • Addiction education
  • Individual, group and family counseling
  • 12-step information
  • Intensive outpatient programs
  • Partial hospitalization programs
  • Outpatient programs

You do not have to suffer from your addiction forever. At Steps to Recovery, you can receive the trauma therapy and addiction care you need to restart your life. To discover how we can help your recovery, call us today at 267.209.7312.