Trauma can have lasting effects on its survivors. From reliving stressful memories and experiencing nightmares to exaggerated reactions and difficulty maintaining relationships, unresolved past trauma takes a toll.
If you or a loved one has experienced trauma, it can affect our relationships, work, daily experiences, and quality of life. Even if we are unaware of the trauma, it can affect us greatly, even leading to destructive behaviors, such as alcohol use disorder and substance use disorder to name a few. In treating an addiction, it’s important to address the root cause of why you or one you love is overindulging in alcohol or substances. Understanding the signs of trauma can help identify if there is a deeper issue and help treat it. While a substance or alcohol use disorder can stem from a physiological or psychological issue that does not stem from trauma, it can be beneficial to explore the potential causes when seeking treatment. If you determine that trauma has played a causative factor in drinking or overindulging in illicit drugs, then addressing the core cause can help in the recovery process.
SBIRT is a free online diagnostic tool designed to identify if you or someone you care about is experiencing an addiction. Recognizing the signs of trauma is directly linked to recognizing alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder. As such, SIBRT is here to share some of the most common signs of unresolved trauma to help guide treatment and encourage a deeper understanding of substance use or alcohol use disorder.
What is Trauma?
Trauma stems from experiencing or witnessing an event, such as an accident, violence, natural disaster, emotional, or sexual abuse, and more. Trauma affects people around the world every day, regardless of culture, social class, or race and its devastating effects. If left untreated, this can lead to self-destructive habits that add even more harm and lead to a long-lasting version of trauma called PTSD or post traumatic stress disorder. Many people with PTSD engage in substance or alcohol abuse. The signs and symptoms of PTSD can appear immediately after an event or surface years later. In any case, it’s important to get treatment before it leads to a substance or alcohol use disorder or other harmful outcome.
Treatment for Trauma-Induced Alcohol or Substance Use
If you or a loved one are showing signs of unresolved trauma and it is manifesting itself in an alcohol or substance problem, take the SBIRT assessment today. It is a free, 100% online assessment that can help you find the treatment you deserve simply by answering a few questions online. Nearby treatment centers for substance or alcohol will be provided if it is determined that you have a problem with alcohol or substances. There, you can address the root cause of what led you to become addicted to alcohol or substances in the first place. Resolving your trauma leads you toward a brighter future with the healing and recovery you deserve. SBIRT is here to help. When you’re ready to identify trauma and examine the common signs and symptoms of trauma that leads to alcohol or substance use disorders, check back here on SBIRT to explore the information you need to make an informed decision.