The consequences of an active and unchecked addictive disorder can be far-reaching and devastatingly impactful as every aspect of an individual’s life becomes vulnerable to the effects of problematic substance use. Losses occur across the spectrum of daily life—in relationships, finances, physical health, mental and emotional stability, self-esteem, self-image, spirituality, motivation, and confidence. The possibility of these types of significant loss increases with the progression of addiction. Furthermore, the cumulative effects of multiple losses and the grief that attends them can become overwhelming. To learn more about Promises Behavioral Health‘s treatment for trauma and PTSD, contact us today.
Addiction-Related Trauma
Trauma can be broadly defined as an overwhelming event that taxes one’s ability to cope. In every traumatic life event there is a profound sense of helplessness and powerlessness; the event, not the affected individual, is in control. Addictive illnesses create similar dynamics in the lives of those who have them. Compulsion and obsession, hallmark symptoms of addiction, become the driving forces of daily life. A sense of control and self-determination gives way in active addiction and the unmanageability of life becomes primary for the addicted.
Social Trauma
Our culture values autonomy, success, and achievement. Lifestyles involving problematic substance use and addiction, while supported in certain social settings, are marginal and negatively perceived in the culture at large. Individuals with addictive illnesses are often considered non-productive, untrustworthy, and unreliable. This type of social stigma and negative stereotyping can severely impact reputation, social interactions, career, family, and opportunities for achievement.
Some, debilitated by addictive illness, are not able to fulfill their social roles as a family member, employee, friend, and neighbor. For them ‘social losses’ can result in isolation, rejection, shame, financial crisis, divorce, job loss, and alienation which can be overwhelmingly profound.
Psychological Trauma
There are many psychological issues caused by substance use that can greatly complicate daily life for those with an addictive disorder. Some experience substance-induced psychiatric conditions such as mood, anxiety, and even psychotic disorders. Others have already existing conditions that are negatively affected by substance use. Any such issues can dramatically compound the consequences of addiction since overall functioning is even further compromised by concurrent psychiatric disorders.
Addiction treatment may become much more complicated when other disorders are caused by substance use or worsened by it. Sudden and severe disability can occur resulting in mental health crises and even psychiatric emergencies. Some may require psychiatric hospitalization for safety and stabilization. Such episodes cause individuals to feel hopeless, overwhelmed, stigmatized, and ashamed as they dramatically impact overall functioning, self-image, self-esteem, mood, mental abilities, and behavior.
Other Addiction-Related Trauma
Substance disorders increase the risk of other traumatic events for both addicted individuals and their families. The likelihood of certain traumatic events increases for those who are addicted. Among these are accidents, domestic violence, incarceration, sexual assault, unwanted pregnancy, birth defects, poverty, homelessness, infectious disease, and the removal of children by child protection agencies.
Children who live with addicted adults are also at higher risk for trauma than children who do not. They are more likely to be exposed to domestic violence, physical and sexual abuse and neglect. Government agents may remove them from their caregivers to live with relatives or enter foster care. Children raised in addicted homes are also prone to develop mental health problems such as chronic anxiety, depression, abandonment issues, unresolved grief, and low self-esteem.
Contact Promises Behavioral Health
If you or a loved one struggles with addiction-related trauma, we can help. At Promises Behavioral Health, we offer a wide range of treatment programs, including:
- Alcohol addiction treatment
- Heroin addiction treatment
- Cocaine addiction treatment
- Meth addiction treatment
- Opioid addiction treatment
To learn more about addiction-related trauma, contact Promises Behavioral Health by calling 844.875.5609.