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Addiction is the temporary solution to your trauma.

Root of Addiction

Do you try to numb yourself? Do you try to escape from uncomfortable feelings and emotions? People who have experienced trauma try to block their pain. One of the causes for relapses is that as individuals get sober, their memories return. Instead of facing the pain, usually with no skills to self-soothe in a healthy way, people who struggle with addiction start using again. By using, you are trying to block your trauma. The compulsive efforts to self soothe, avoid negative feelings, or feel something better might work temporarily. But then the brain adjusts. And you will need more just to feel normal. You may even switch to another addiction, continuing the cycle. It is a difficult cycle to break, but you are capable.

Addiction Recovery

Addiction Recovery

Someone who is addicted to alcohol or drugs has a pathological, unhealthy relationship with a mood-altering substance. For these individuals, alcohol and drugs take over their life and become a priority; more important than family, friends, work, faith, hobbies, and so on. This problematic relationship only progresses with time, unless the person starts the recovery process.The person comes to rely on the substances in order to feel okay.  Addiction recovery should include connection with yourself, the world and others. It should also include resolving past traumas. Please note, addiction can also be to food, sex, video games, gambling, exercising, among other things. It does not only include substances. Addiction recovery should include compassion with yourself along the entire journey, because it is just that, a journey. What happened to you when you were little had nothing to do with you as a person. You were not the problem. You are worthy and always have been.

Addiction Recovery and Healing Traumas

Childhood trauma can often lead to addiction in adulthood. No matter how far into an addiction you may be, let me remind you that healing is possible. And it needs to target all the places trauma resides; your thoughts, your feelings, your body sensations, your memories, your past, your present, and yes, even your future. It’s important that you work with a licensed psychotherapist specializing in trauma work. EMDR and Attachment-Focused EMDR are excellent modalities for healing. Your inner child is waiting to let go of trauma and thrive in life as an adult. Don’t hesitate, contact us to find a therapist in your area today.