What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Substance abuse is often seen as a symptom of a deeper unresolved psychological issue. For many people struggling with addiction, trauma is the root cause of their issues. The relationship between trauma and substance abuse is complex and requires specialized treatment. Fortunately, many rehab facilities are employing trauma-informed care. For those struggling with trauma and an addiction to drugs and alcohol, a trauma-informed treatment program will provide the tools and support needed for people to reclaim their health and happiness.

This article will further explore what trauma is, and we will define trauma-informed care. We will also discuss the importance of trauma treatment for addiction and where you can find a trauma program that fits your specific needs. Arista Recovery is your first and only choice if you are looking for trauma-informed care in Kansas City. Our evidence-based trauma programs are effective, proven to work, and tailored to meet your specific needs. Call us today to learn more about our Midwest drug rehab center.

What is Trauma?

Trauma can be defined as a lasting emotional response resulting from living through a distressing event. Examples of traumatic events can include the following:

• The death of a loved one or friend
• Living with a serious illness
• Prolonged poverty or severe financial distress
• Experiencing a natural disaster, terrorist attack, or school shooting
• Physical, sexual, or emotional abuse
• Being a victim of a crime such as a robbery, mugging, or assault
• Being involved in a serious car accident where someone was killed
• Living through war or experiencing combat-related fatigue

When people experience trauma, they feel they aren’t safe and lose their sense of self. People who experience trauma also have difficulty regulating emotions and have trouble with relationships. To cope with the visceral and raw emotions associated with experiencing a traumatic event, people often turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to cope with their feelings. While substances do provide short-term relief, their feelings resurface after substances wear off. Without professional help, the effects of trauma will grow worse over time—and they may also develop a substance abuse problem.

What is Trauma-Informed Care?

Trauma-informed treatment is a set of approaches that focus on addressing the mental health of clients who experience trauma and gives them the tools to help them heal. While trauma programs can focus on the client’s specific trauma, these programs are designed to help people manage the symptoms associated with trauma to reduce the chance of being re-traumatized. The approaches that are often used in trauma treatment include the following:

• Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on identifying distorted or upsetting beliefs that are related to the trauma.
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT): CPT is a specialized type of CBT that helps people create a new understanding of the traumatic event to reduce its ongoing negative effects on their life.
• Exposure therapy: with this therapy, individuals are exposed to situations or triggers that lead to anxiety so they can gradually confront and overcome their trauma.
• Medication-assisted therapy (MAT): MAT uses specific to address specific symptoms or chemical imbalances in the brain. MAT is designed as a complementary therapy and not used by itself.

What is the Importance of Trauma-Informed Treatment for Addiction?

Trauma-informed addiction for substance abuse is important because it considers a person’s life experiences. This form of treatment also reduced the self-torment in patients who feel that are “weak” or “flawed” in having the feelings they experience. Trauma treatment gives clients the tools they need to recognize the deal with their emotions and feelings in a healthy manner. These tools can include meditation, 12-step group help, therapy, and other self-care techniques.

Trauma-informed therapy allows people to make sense of what happened in their lives in a safe and supportive environment. People learn that trauma is one experience in their lives and does not define them as a person. As a result, people learn healthy ways to deal with the triggers and stressors in their environment that allow traumatic feelings to emerge.

How to Find Trauma-Informed Care in Kansas City

If you or a loved one are struggling with trauma and substance abuse, you must find professional help as soon as possible. Arista Recovery offers a full continuum of addiction treatment in Kansas City. We employ a unique synergistic approach to trauma treatment that reinforces clients’ strengths, capabilities, and resilience. We utilize an evidence-based team approach to treatment that empowers clients to embrace the imperfections of the recovery process while gaining skills and resources to maintain sobriety.

Your path toward lifelong happiness and recovery begins today. Call Arista Recovery toll-free right now and reclaim your life.

‍