Addiction is the plague of our generation.

Addiction is an insidious disease that strips people of their identity and makes them prisoners. For over a decade, I have seen the destruction caused by this enslavement. I call it a disease because it is just that – a disease that exists both in the brain and in social systems. To treat addiction effectively is tricky, but there is hope!

Interwoven – Traumas and Addiction

There is not an addict alive that is not affected by trauma – and usually to a very high degree. Trauma and addiction are interwoven in that they are both a function of a broken survival mechanism in the brain.

In both trauma and addiction, there is an irrational condition highlighted by responses that don’t match the threats. The midbrain, a subconscious part of our psyche, signals the body to defend itself in the presence of perceived threats. But in most cases, there isn’t really a threat, except in our own minds.

Trauma-Specific Therapy

So naturally, it follows that one helpful approach for addicts is trauma-specific therapy. By healing that mechanism and being able to perceive threats more rationally, we can reduce the effects of triggers in our environment. Especially the trigger that we carry with us everywhere – our trauma.

Of course, this is only a starting point because addiction is highly complex. But, without healing from trauma, other help for addiction is likely to fail. And where trauma work is successful, there follows an increased capacity to engage in other modalities, such as group therapy, 12-step work, and family therapy.

If addiction is a challenge for you or a loved one, know that therapy here is a good start on the road to recovery!

Give me a call today to start your journey to being trauma – and addiction – FREE!