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Reviewed by Psychological trauma is a central factor in the development of substance use disorders (SUDs), with studies showing that up to 75% of individuals with a SUD have experienced trauma.
In clinical settings, this figure rises to nearly 95% of patients seeking addiction treatment. A significant portion of these individuals encounter trauma in childhood, often in the form of physical or sexual abuse, which increases the likelihood of developing substance abuse issues in adult life.
Trauma therapy can be a breaking point in addiction recovery by addressing these underlying traumatic experiences and helping patients heal and break the cycle of addiction. Read on to learn about how trauma therapy works in addiction treatment.
Table Of Contents:
What Is Trauma Therapy?
Trauma refers to the emotional, psychological, or physical harm caused by distressing events or experiences that overwhelm an individual’s ability to cope. Trauma can stem from a wide range of incidents, such as:
- Accidents
- Physical or sexual abuse
- Violence
- Natural disasters
- Loss of a loved one
- Witnessing a traumatic event
These experiences can leave deep emotional scars, impacting one’s mental health and well-being long after the event itself. Trauma therapy is a form of treatment that addresses the aftermath of trauma and is designed to understand the root causes of distress and create a safe, supportive environment for healing and resilience.
It involves various therapeutic techniques that aim to address the emotional, mental, and physiological responses to traumatic events. This form of therapy focuses on helping individuals understand how past traumatic experiences influence their present behaviors, thoughts, and emotions and guide them toward addiction recovery.
How Does Trauma Therapy Work?
Trauma therapy works by helping patients process and heal from the emotional, psychological, and physical impacts of traumatic experiences. The primary goals are: 1) addressing the root causes of distress, 2) reframing negative thoughts and behaviors, and 3) restoring a sense of safety and control.
Here’s how trauma therapy typically works:
Building Trust and Safety
The first step in trauma therapy is creating a safe and supportive environment where the patient feels comfortable exploring their trauma. Building trust is essential, as it helps patients open up without fear of judgment.
However, research shows many patients may initially hold back due to fears of negative consequences or concerns about appropriate behavior in therapy.ย Patients with trauma histories may feel trapped or abandoned, so early trauma work should work on clearing up patientsโ concerns and establishing feelings of safety and trust.
Identifying Trauma and Its Impact
In therapy, patients work with their therapist to identify the traumatic events in their lives and understand how these events have influenced their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors. This step helps patients recognize patterns that may be contributing to issues like addiction, anxiety, depression, or PTSD.
Processing the Trauma
Trauma therapy techniques are used to help patients reframe negative thought patterns and process the emotions tied to their trauma. By confronting these painful memories in a safe environment, patients can begin to integrate the trauma into their life narrative in a healthier way.
Developing Coping Strategies
Patients are taught coping mechanisms to manage stress, anxiety, and emotional triggers that arise from past trauma. These strategies help build emotional resilience and create a sense of empowerment, reducing the likelihood of using substances or unhealthy behaviors as coping mechanisms.
Healing and Resilience
As therapy progresses, patients begin to heal from the emotional wounds caused by their trauma. They work towards reclaiming control over their lives, improving their self-esteem, and developing healthier relationships. The therapeutic process helps foster resilience, allowing patients to face future challenges with greater strength and adaptability.
5 Types of Trauma Therapy for Addiction Recovery
Trauma therapy is essential in addiction recovery, as unresolved trauma is a common underlying factor in substance use disorders.
Studies show that 77% of individuals with addiction experienced at least one trauma before the age of 16, with 55% of those reporting childhood sexual abuse. Individuals with a history of childhood trauma (CT) report more severe substance use involving polydrug use, higher dependence levels, and more frequent treatment episodes.
In these cases, several therapy approaches may be needed to address the core issues driving their substance use. Here are five types of trauma therapy that are particularly effective in addiction treatment:
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Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is a widely used approach that helps patients recognize and reframe negative thought patterns and behaviors tied to trauma. Through CBT, individuals learn healthier coping mechanisms, which reduce the need to turn to substances as a means of escape. This therapy empowers patients to manage the cycle of trauma-related stress and substance dependence by building mental resilience.
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Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) involves guided eye movements while focusing on traumatic memories, helping patients to reprocess these memories to reduce their emotional impact. By reworking how the brain stores these experiences, EMDR can diminish the effects of trauma without requiring extensive verbal processing.
This makes it especially helpful for individuals who may struggle to talk about their experiences and prefer a less intense approach to managing trauma.
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Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
TF-CBT combines traditional CBT practices with trauma-sensitive approaches to address both the mental and emotional impacts of trauma. This therapy helps individuals process traumatic memories while learning emotional regulation skills to manage symptoms of PTSD and addiction.
TF-CBT is particularly effective for those with co-occurring disorders and addiction, helping them understand and change the relationship between trauma, emotions, and substance use.
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Somatic Experiencing (SE)
Somatic Experiencing is a body-centered therapy that emphasizes awareness of physical sensations linked to trauma. By allowing patients to release stored tension safely, SE helps reduce the physical stress responses that often trigger substance use.
This approach is beneficial for those who experience trauma-related anxiety, hypervigilance, or panic, enabling them to develop a sense of calm and control over their bodies.
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Narrative Therapy
Narrative Therapy encourages individuals to tell their stories in a way that separates their identity from their trauma.
By reshaping their life narratives, patients can redefine themselves beyond their traumatic experiences and addiction. This approach empowers individuals to see their strengths and worth, fostering a new, positive self-image and supporting their recovery journey.
Each of these trauma therapies offers different approaches for addressing trauma, and the right choice depends on individual needs and circumstances. Consulting with an addiction specialist is essential to determine the most effective course of treatment, as they can help identify the therapy that best aligns with your personal experiences and recovery goals.
How Long Does Trauma Therapy Take?
The duration of rehab and trauma therapy varies widely depending on the individualโs trauma history, the severity of symptoms, and their personal goals for treatment.
Some people may find significant relief within a few months, especially if they are working with short-term, structured therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), which are often designed for focused, time-limited interventions.
For others, especially those with complex trauma or multiple traumatic experiences, therapy may be a longer process, spanning months to several years. In these cases, trauma therapy often involves more profound work that gradually builds safety and trust, addresses core trauma symptoms, and helps the patient develop strong coping skills.
Finding Trauma Therapy Near Me
We know that finding the right trauma therapy can be challenging, especially when trust feels difficult. It takes courage to seek help, but support is available to regain your life. There are professionals ready to help you on this journey.
Here are some tips to help you find the trauma therapy thatโs right for you:
- Check local mental health clinics or rehab centers that may offer trauma-informed care.
- Contact your insurance provider and request a list of covered trauma-experience therapists.
- Look for certified trauma therapists on online directories like Psychology Today or SAMHSAโs treatment locator.
- Reach out to support groups or nonprofits. Many have resources and referrals for trauma treatment.
- Ask for recommendations from trusted healthcare providers who often have mental health contacts.
- If in-person sessions are challenging, many therapists offer virtual treatment sessions.
- Ask potential therapists about their experience with trauma and addiction to ensure a good fit.
Heal from Trauma, Reclaim Your Life
Addressing trauma is a critical step in overcoming addiction and rebuilding a fulfilling life. Trauma therapy offers powerful tools to process painful experiences, develop resilience, and reclaim control over oneโs future.
From CBT and EMDR to somatic and narrative therapies, different approaches offer unique benefits, allowing you to work with an addiction specialist to find the treatment best suited to your needs. Taking the step to seek help requires courage, but once you do, it will improve your life and get you in place of good health.
If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and unresolved trauma, donโt wait to reach out. Contact a local rehab center or trauma therapist to begin your therapy journey.
People Also Ask
What does trauma therapy involve?
Trauma therapy involves processing traumatic experiences in a safe, supportive environment, using techniques like CBT, EMDR, or somatic approaches to reduce distress, build coping skills, and foster healing and resilience.
How do I know if I need trauma therapy?
If past traumatic events cause ongoing distress, anxiety, flashbacks or negatively impact daily life and relationships, trauma therapy can help you manage symptoms and regain emotional control.
Why is trauma therapy so hard?
Trauma therapy is challenging because it requires facing painful memories and emotions, which can feel overwhelming. However, skilled therapists help make the process manageable, guiding patients toward healing at their own pace.
Page Sources
- L Farrugia, M. P., et al. (2011). Childhood trauma among individuals with co-morbid substance use and post-traumatic stress disorder. Mental Health and Substance Use: Dual Diagnosis, 4(4), 314. https://doi.org/10.1080/17523281.2011.598462
- Yadav, G., McNamara, S., & Gunturu, S. (2024, August 16). Trauma-Informed therapy. StatPearls - NCBI Bookshelf. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK604200/
- Kleiven, G. S., Hjeltnes, A., Rรฅbu, M., & Moltu, C. (2020). Opening Up: Clientsโ Inner Struggles in the Initial Phase of Therapy. Frontiers in Psychology, 11, 591146. https://doi.org/10.3389/fpsyg.2020.591146