According to a report by the National Institute of Health (NIH), at least a third of teenagers who have been neglected or abused may develop a substance abuse disorder before they reach 18 years. Childhood trauma and addiction can cause a range of problems to the victim, so seek professional help by enrolling in a Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) treatment program immediately. Northern Illinois Recovery Center understands the link between trauma and substance abuse. Our team of compassionate and experienced counselors and therapists can address both mental health issues and substance abuse often accompanying it.
Jump to Section
Insight Into Childhood Trauma and Addiction
According to a recent study, childhood trauma may be associated with drug and substance addiction—such an experience can follow you in adulthood, causing chronic mental health problems. The adverse uncomfortable feelings may cause someone to self-medicate through substances.
Research shows that about 55% to 60% of individuals with PSTD become dependent on some chemical forms. The American Psychological Association (APA) supports this assertion, while the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) cites approximately 7% to 8% of people in the US have a certain level of PTSD.
Successful treatment requires the identification of triggers, causing you to resort to substance use. A rehab center can help you overcome PTSD and substance addiction through various treatment programs, such as:
- Depression treatment program
- Individual therapy
- Dual-diagnosis therapy program
- Medication-assisted treatment
- Holistic treatment approach
What Are the Causes of Childhood Trauma?
Trauma is a severe emotional response towards a particular event that leads to psychological harm or physical injuries. The victim may not move forward with current life without recalling the incident over and again.
Such memories can cause people to have adverse mental issues, pushing them into misuse of drugs or alcohol for relief. Recent studies suggest more than 30% of individuals with PTSD can develop a major depressive disorder.
The term trauma describes a wide range of occurrences, including:
- Neglect by parents
- Fatal accidents like auto crash
- Natural disorders
- Terminal illness
- Constant prolonged harassment or bullying
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault or rape
Impacts of Childhood Trauma in Adults
When the symptoms of childhood trauma and addiction are left untreated, the person can experience severe consequences in adulthood. The disorder can affect several areas of your life as an adult.
Problems in Your Professional Life
The effects of childhood trauma can come as a conflict in your workplace. Trauma usually affects an individual’s way of perceiving adversity, handling responsibility, trusting others, and managing other factors adults go through while at work. As such, it can affect the quality of your life and career.
Relationship and Romance Issues
Survivors of childhood trauma, especially those who experienced sexual or physical bullying, can have challenges in developing intimacy with others. It can be difficult for such a person to have a healthy romance. PTSD directly impacts our formation of sexual identity and the ability to trust others.
Eating Disorders
Binge eating, anorexia, and bulimia are psychological disorders that can arise due to childhood abuse. Studies reveal that about 50% of eating disorder patients were assaulted during childhood. The victims may trust food more than people.
Food is readily available, cheap, and socially acceptable, so people don’t experience difficulties in getting and consuming it. Compulsive eating only provides short-term results, but the problem aggravates if you don’t cultivate proper coping mechanisms.
Discover How Northern Illinois Recovery Center Can Help
Childhood trauma and addiction can negatively affect an individual’s life. If you have any of the signs discussed above, seek professional help at a rehab center immediately. Don’t live in pain due to childhood trauma. Our experts at Northern Illinois Recovery Center will help you avoid adverse PTSD impacts and learn the right coping skills. Contact us at 855.786.1978 to schedule an appointment.
Licensed Physician and Surgeon
Dr. Beth Dunlap, a board-certified addiction medicine and family medicine physician, and is the medical director at Northern Illinois Recovery Center. She is responsible for overseeing all the integrated medical services at both campuses. Beth completed medical school, residency, and fellowship at Northwestern University, where she continues to serve on the faculty as a member of the Department of Family and Community Medicine. She has extensive experience in addiction medicine at all levels of care, and her clinical interests include integrated primary care and addiction medicine, harm reduction, and medication-assisted treatment.
© 2023 Northern Illinois Recovery.