Trauma

Trauma can be seen in chemically dependent people’s history and while it does not cause chemical dependency, it can be a block to recovery that needs to be part of both the treatment and recovery process. Trauma can result from experiences of violence and includes physical, sexual and institutional abuse, neglect and disasters that induce powerlessness, fear, recurrent hopelessness and a constant state of alert or even anxiety. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is an anxiety disorder caused by trauma.

Traumatic experiences can be shocking or terrifying, singular or multiple compounding events over time where the person experiencing trauma feels out of control or dehumanized by the experience. Accordingly, trauma complicates an individual’s alcohol and drug abuse treatment plan and while trauma does not necessarily cause an addiction, it can be a factor that spurs people to an addiction. Furthermore, trauma can be a block in addiction recovery and should be assessed and addressed concurrently with substance abuse treatment.

Trauma to the patient which may result in alcohol or drug dependency can be caused by one or more physical and/or emotional experiences. Such situations that might trigger traumatic responses in patients could include the loss of a person of great importance to them; serious or chronic health issues; living through a natural disaster such as a tornado, flooding, fire; physical or emotional abuse by another person at any time of life; being the victim of violent crime; and in these times, a victim of war or an episode of terrorism.

Caron Texas provides various tools that may be utilized to address trauma, including psychological interventions, educational readings around trauma, as well as coping skills and grief groups. At times, patients can be referred for support to another provider following primary addiction treatment. While Caron Texas does not primarily treat trauma, clinical staff is able to provide assessments, support through a mental health consultations and an appropriate referral if further work in this area is needed following treatment.