Addictions and Substance Use

There is a very strong correlation between trauma and addiction. Studies suggest that upwards of forty percent of trauma survivors engage in abuse of alcohol and/or drugs, compulsive sexual activity, gambling, shopping, or disordered eating. These problem behaviors can become unhealthy coping mechanisms. They temporarily create a sense of relief by numbing or distracting from emotional pain, temporarily blocking out memories, regulating mood, or just creating a brief sense of, “feeling better.”

Sometimes substance abuse grows from an unhealthy coping mechanism to a problem unto itself. When this happens, it is important to treat both conditions. At the Centre for Treatment, the therapists understand the link between trauma and unhealthy coping mechanisms. They are experienced in assessing and helping people work on more than one issue at a time. Many people can work on both issues concurrently, while others require specialized treatment for their substance abuse issues. Your therapist can help you assess what kind of treatment would be helpful for you.