There are many different reasons that people develop an addiction to drugs or alcohol. Research has proven that factors such as a family history of substance abuse or peer pressure can lead to addiction and alcoholism. However, more recent studies have shown that traumatic events are among the leading root causes of substance abuse disorders.
At Full Of Life, our team of experts in the field of addiction and alcoholism treatment firmly believe that mental health treatment is a vital part of the recovery process. Thus, we proudly offer a trauma therapy NJ program as part of our wide variety of addiction treatment services. If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction or alcoholism, then our trauma therapy NJ program could be the key to achieving long-term recovery.
Are Trauma And Addiction Related?
Trauma is defined as a behavioral state that results from severe emotional or psychological stress or physical injury. Tens of millions of people across the world experience traumatic events on a yearly basis. Furthermore, traumatic events are subjective to how an individual is processing and interpreting a particular situation. Some examples of trauma include:
- Physical or sexual assault
- Harassment and bullying
- Domestic violence
- Death of a loved one
- Unstable living environment or childhood
- Parental neglect or abandonment
- Chronic illness or pain
- Natural disasters
- Divorce
- Second hand trauma such as bearing witness to an assault
When individuals experience a traumatic situation, it often leads to immediate reactions of shock, denial, and anger. Furthermore, psychological studies have proven that there are long lasting effects. Some long-term effects of trauma include:
- Unpredictable emotions and mood swings
- Flashbacks
- Difficulties with relationships
- Headaches
- Stomach and digestion issues
- Poor coping skills
- Insomnia
- Night terrors
- Depression
- Anxiety and panic disorders
In order to deal with these effects, many people turn to drugs and alcohol as a way to soothe their symptoms and numb the emotional pain. The majority of these individuals will most likely struggle with addiction, since drugs and alcohol become a coping tool. At Full Of Life, our compassionate team of trauma-informed specialists understands that drug and/or alcohol addiction is often simply a coping mechanism to deal with the wounds of traumatic events. Thus, in order to properly treat addiction, our clinical team must also identify and heal the past traumatic events.
What Are Trauma Therapy Programs?
Trauma therapy NJ programs are addiction and mental health treatment programs that focus on healing the wounds of trauma. Through this healing process clients are able to create new, healthy coping skills and resolve triggers that cause them to turn to substances or experience emotional distress.
Trauma therapy NJ programs often provide a number of different therapeutic modalities. These therapies address the patterns of behavior and thoughts that result from traumatic experiences. Some of the therapies offered include:
- EMDR – Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing
- CBT– Cognitive behavioral therapy
- DBT – Dialectical behavioral therapy
- Trauma focused group therapy
- Exposure Therapy
- Narrative Therapy
- Somatic Experiencing/Mindfulness
The particular therapies utilized will depend on a number of different client specific factors including treatment history, the type of trauma experienced, medication regimen, and if co-occurring disorders are present. Here at Full Of Life we provide our clients with individualized treatment plans that include the treatment services that best fit their needs and circumstances.
The Benefits Of Trauma Therapy
Trauma therapy offers a wide variety of benefits to clients. The first, is overcoming the emotional wounds that trauma creates. Generally, traumatic events impact every aspect of the client’s life, even though they often don’t realize it. Through trauma specific therapies clients are able to pinpoint how these negative experiences are affecting them and their day-to-day living. Furthermore, trauma therapy allows clients to process their feelings surrounding the events. They are then able to create a new relationship with the trauma and begin living a healthy lifestyle.
Once clients go through our trauma therapy in NJ program they report a decrease in both depression and anxiety. Additionally, they are able to work with their therapists to develop new habits that are healthy for both their mind and body. Some of these habits include things such as meditation, exercise, and breathing techniques. Overall, clients can expect that addressing their trauma will greatly improve their overall life.
Full Of Life’s Trauma Therapy NJ Program
If you or a loved one are struggling with an addiction or mental health disorder, trauma may be the underlying issue. Here at Full Of Life, our trauma-trained clinicians can help you identify and treat the traumatic events that have been impacting your life. If you would like to learn more about our programs and how we can help you, then contact our admissions team today.
