The Connection Between PTSD and Addiction
Updated on May 31, 2023 Content reviewed by Christian Losch, LCSW, LCADC Substance use disorder (SUD) can develop from a combination of various risk factors, including trauma. Untreated trauma can exacerbate physical and mental health problems, which can cause an individual to turn to alcohol and other drugs to self-medicate. One particularly challenging trauma-related condition […]
Childhood and the Traumatized Brain
Childhood and the Traumatized Brain Updated on 02/19/24 Content reviewed by Karen Rubenstein, LMFT Childhood experiences can play a significant role in how an individual navigates through life in adulthood. This includes childhood trauma, which can have lasting effects well into adulthood. Trauma can take a psychological toll on anyone, especially on young brains that […]
Veterans Using Creative Outlets to Manage PTSD Symptoms
Updated on May 31, 2023 Content reviewed by Nicholas G. Glines The US Department of Veterans Affairs estimates between 11-20% of servicemen and women have a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) diagnosis following their return from war. From this growing number, there is concern over the efficacy of post-war treatment. Research indicates that art therapy shows promise […]
Sexual Assault Awareness Month: How it Relates to Substance Use
Updated on 3/8/2023 April is Sexual Assault Awareness Month, a time to open a dialogue and educate the community about sexual assault. This blog discusses the way traumatic events, such as sexual assault, can lead to unhealthy coping mechanisms like alcohol or drug use. It also discusses the psychological effects of sexual assault including anxiety, […]
5 Underlying Reasons for Addiction
What Contributes to Addiction? Exploring 5 Root Causes Addiction always stems from a root cause, also known as one of the reasons for addiction. It is extremely important to treat both the root cause of the addiction in addition to treating the physical addiction itself. Staying sober involves much more than just detoxing from drugs […]
Trauma and Addiction
Are Trauma and Addiction Related? According to SAMHSA, trauma results from an event, series of events, or set of circumstances experienced by an individual as physically or emotionally harmful or life-threatening with lasting adverse effects on the individual’s functioning and mental, physical, social, emotional, or spiritual well-being. In the United States, 61 percent of men […]
Suicide and Addiction
Are Suicide and Addiction Linked? When someone is suffering from an issue with addiction, there are many complications that can come along with that. These can include legal issues, family problems, declining health and even suicide. Suicide and addiction are absolutely linked. Addiction not only exponentially increases the likelihood that someone will commit suicide, but […]
Triggers to Avoid During the Holidays
Triggers to Avoid During the Holidays A major part of a successful recovery process is knowing what your triggers are. During the holidays, it can be a time that they present themselves more often than not. It can also be time when new triggers can arise that you didn’t realize you had before. It’s important […]
Trauma Informed Care
How trauma affects addiction Trauma comes in many shapes, sizes and forms. The most important part about dealing with trauma is understanding it and how it can affect your life in ways you might not have realized. This is why we take great care in focusing on giving our clients psychoeducation about trauma. Learning about […]
PTSD and Trauma Leading to Addiction
PTSD and Trauma Leading to Addiction If you feel that your PTSD and addiction are connected, you’re probably right—and you’re certainly not alone. According to Time, between 50–66% of people with PTSD also struggle with addiction. Additionally, about half of those seeking treatment for substance use disorders also suffer from PTSD, as reported by MentalHelp. […]