Many ask about the connection between trauma and addiction. Does one cause the other, or vice versa? It’s a complex topic which I’ve tried to make as accessible as possible. Read on to learn more about this important relationship.
How Trauma Affects People
Trauma can be a very scary thing to experience as it causes a person to feel afraid, overwhelmed, out of control, and broken [1]. A hurricane, family violence or neglect, car accident, sexual abuse, mass shooting or war often threaten a person’s safety to the point that they feel intense fear. In response, their body and mind enter survival mode with the “fight or flight” stress response.
As a result, traumatic events overwhelm the ordinary neurological systems of care that give people a sense of control, connection, and meaning. They can affect a person emotionally and physically and cause severe emotional dysregulation or imbalance. Such extreme stress results in serious chronic changes in neurochemical systems and specific brain regions. This results in longterm changes in brain “circuits” involved in the stress response.
People filter traumatic experiences through their unique ways of thinking and feeling. Depending on this filter, some may have less of a reaction while others may develop more severe symptoms.
Traumatic stressors can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) which affects about 8% of Americans at some point in their lives. In addition, this can lead to a range of other mental health and physical conditions including [2]:
- Substance abuse
- Depression
- Dissociation
- Personality disorders
- Health problems
For many trauma victims, PTSD can be a lifelong problem with specific symptoms such as:.
- Intrusive thoughts
- Hyperarousal
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Sleep disturbances
- Changes in memory and concentration
- Startle responses
Can Trauma Lead to Addiction?
There is a strong scientific link between trauma and addiction. For those with dysregulated stress systems caused by trauma, drugs of abuse offer relief from persistent hyperarousal and anxiety.
At first, alcohol and drugs like benzodiazepines, opioids and cannabis have a calming, pleasurable effect. Some. such as depressants like alcohol and benzodiazepines, slow down the central nervous system. This has the effect of regulating mood, quieting intrusive thoughts and suppressing the arousal caused by elevated stress hormones [3].
Other victims of trauma protect themselves by dissociating or using depersonalization (feeling detached from their bodies or thoughts) to numb themselves. They may choose drugs like cocaine, amphetamines, synthetic drugs and nicotine for their stimulating effects.
What About Childhood Addiction?
Research studies have documented a well-established connection between substance use, interpersonal trauma exposure and traumatic stress in adolescents [4]. Earlier studies indicated that up to 59% of young people with PTSD later developed substance abuse problems [5] .
Higher rates of substance use occur in youth who have experienced:
- Child sexual abuse
- Physical abuse
- Abuse in the community
- Justice-involvement
- Exposure to disasters
Adolescents with PTSD are 4 times more likely to have an alcohol use disorder and 6 times more likely to have a cannabis use disorder than those without PTSD.
According to the self-medication theory, substance use may be a strategy for teens escaping or avoiding distressing thoughts or feelings related to a prior traumatic experience. For example, teens might use cannabis to alleviate distress related to reminders of sexual abuse.
The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
The National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) reported that, as with teens, studies of adults show that traumatic, extremely stressful experiences such as abuse, violence, neglect or the death of a loved one make a person more vulnerable to developing a substance use disorder, often as a form of self-medication [6].
Traumatic stress can also lead to changes in brain function and behavior. This can make it more likely that substance use may lead to an addiction. And this is especially true early in life with children who have experienced Adverse Childhood Events (ACEs) such as sexual abuse or neglect.
Severe or chronic stress also affects brain circuits involved in reward, motivation and learning. And stress can increase cravings and decrease the ability to control impulses. This is why stress can increase vulnerability to addiction or relapse. Research also shows having an addiction can make stress symptoms worse.
Co-occurring Disorders: Can I Have Trauma AND Addiction?
A co-occurring disorder is when someone has a mental health condition such as anxiety, depression or PTSD and a substance use disorder at the same time. As explained above, trauma can severely impact a person’s functioning. This may lead them to self-medicate as they seek relief from their painful mental health symptoms.
For these people, treating both conditions at the same time is recommended as they are often closely interrelated. Some research suggests this can increase the effectiveness of treating both [6].
Addressing Trauma to Treat Addiction
Addressing unresolved trauma in addiction recovery must be done by trained trauma-informed therapists. As the severity of the experienced trauma increases, there is also an increase in severity of substance abuse, as well as other negative life outcomes. Within this view, recovery is unlikely to be stable and longterm without addressing the underlying trauma.
Some research suggests that improving posttraumatic symptoms may improve substance use symptoms as well [7].
Dual Diagnosis
Dual diagnosis is another term for co-occurring disorder that you may see used.
Seeking Recovery Treatment in California
Located in Anaheim, California, Restorations Health Care can help you or a loved one overcome their addiction or mental health issues. Our mission is all about saving lives. We offer detox and inpatient treatment programs that help people get back on their feet. Our dedicated team of trained addiction professionals and counselors provides individualized addiction treatment programs for recovery. Reach out to our Admissions team now.
Sources
[1] Corrado, M. 2020. Stress, Crisis & Trauma: Supporting Individuals in Distress. Campaign for Trauma-Informed Policy and Practice.
[2] Bremner JD. Traumatic stress: effects on the brain. Dialogues Clin Neurosci. 2006;8(4):445-61.
[3] Giordano, A. 2021. Why Trauma Can Lead to Addiction. Psychology Today.
[4] Adams ZW. et al. 2021. Predictors of substance use in a clinical sample of youth seeking treatment for Trauma-related mental health problems. Addict Behav. 2021 Mar.
[5] The National Child Traumatic Stress Network. 2008. Making the Connection: Trauma and Substance Abuse.
[6] National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA). 2024. Trauma and Stress.
[G] Conklin E. 2016. Addressing Trauma in Substance Abuse Treatment. NYU Applied Psychology OPUS.
Van der Kolk, B. 2014. The body keeps the score. Brain, mind, and body in the healing of trauma. Penguin Books
