Tag: substance abuse|Truama

The Role of Trauma in Substance Abuse

Substance abuse and trauma are often closely linked, which is why high-quality addiction treatment programs offer integrated treatment to address both. Alcohol, as well as prescribed and illicit drugs, are commonly used to cope with negative emotions and symptoms associated with exposure to trauma. Commonly seen symptoms include (1): Anxiety Fear Sleeplessness Irritability Agitation Guilt Shame Self-blame Concentration problems Trauma Effects on the Brain During a traumatic experience, endorphin levels rise and remain elevated, helping to numb the person to the emotional or physical pain of the trauma. Once the event is over, endorphin levels gradually decrease, leading to endorphin…

Continue reading