Trauma (SUBSCRIBE)

“to plant a garden is to believe in tomorrow” Audrey Hepburn
Relationship between substance use and trauma
-Research demonstrates a strong correlation between exposure to traumatic events and later substance use issues. Many people who have experienced ACE Adverse Child Experience; criminal attack, disasters, war or other acute, chronic or developmental trauma sometimes turn to using alcohol or drugs to help them deal with emotional pain, bad memories, poor sleep, guilt, shame, anxiety or terror.
-People who are experiencing substance use issues are more likely to experience traumatic events than those without these problems. Many people find themselves in a vicious cycle in which exposure to traumatic events produces increased alcohol and drug use, which produces new traumatic event experiences, which leads to even more substance use.
Common Reactions to Trauma
Re-experiencing the Trauma
Trauma survivors may re-experience their trauma through thoughts, feelings, memories and other means. Re-experiencing a trauma can be very distressing and may trigger uncomfortable emotions such as fear, anger or sadness
-nightmares
-flashback (uncontrollable vivid imagers and memories of the trauma)
-distressing thoughts and feelings about the trauma
-emotional distress or physical responses after experiencing a trauma reminder
Avoidance of Trauma Reminders
Because reminders of a trauma can be so distressing it is common for trauma survivors to use avoidance to control these reactions.
-using drugs or alcohol to suppress uncomfortable thoughts and emotions
-avoidance of activities related to the trauma
-avoidance of people, places or things related to the trauma
-suppressing thoughts related to the trauma
-avoidance of conversations about trauma
Negative Thoughts or Feelings
Negative thoughts or feelings may begin to worsen after experiencing a trauma. Some of these thoughts and feelings might not seem to relate directly to the trauma.
-excessive blame toward oneself or others related to the trauma
-loss of interest in activities
-feelings of isolation of disconnection from surroundings
-difficulty experiencing positive feelings
-loss of memory related to the trauma
-excessive negative thoughts about oneself or the world
Hyperarousal
Reactivity or a feeling of being “on edge” may begin or worsen after experiencing a trauma. This category includes a broad range of physical and psychological symptoms.
-becoming irritable, quick to anger, aggressive
-heightened startle reaction
-difficulty concentrating
-frequently scanning the environment
-difficulty sleeping
-feelings of anxiety, symptoms; racing heart, upset stomach, headaches
-risky or impulsive behaviors
Traumatic Stress; The effects of overwhelming experience on mind, body and social connections.