Trauma Treatment & PTSD Recovery

Different Types of Traumas 

There are several types of traumas, including physical and psychological trauma. They stem from events that can happen both directly or indirectly to the individual and may occur at any time in a person’s life. Trauma recovery is usually different depending on the type of trauma as well as the severity of the symptoms. 

Common examples of significant traumatic events that often require trauma treatment of some kind include: 

• Rape or sexual abuse 
• Robbery or mugging 
• Assault 
• Abuse 
• Neglect 
• Physical violence 
• Abduction and kidnapping 
• Automobile accident 
• Public shootings or acts of terrorism 
• Natural disasters 
• War and Combat 
• Loss of a loved one or several loved ones 
• Prolonged illness or medical problems 
• Bullying

Signs of Trauma 

If a person experiences one or more of these traumatic events, they may begin to exhibit symptoms associated with trauma, including: 

• Nightmares 
• Sleep problems 
• Flashbacks 
• Anxiety 
• Avoidance of people and/or environments related to the traumatic event(s) 
• Depression 
• Trouble completing everyday tasks 
• Substance abuse 

Without our trauma treatment program, these symptoms may get worse. Eventually, these symptoms may grow into PTSD, anxiety disorder, depression, or addiction. 

Trauma and Mental Health 

In between trauma and addiction is a psychological imbalance. In many cases, patients can experience an acute or reoccurring mental disorder resulting from their traumatic event. Victims of trauma and addiction are particularly at risk for developing depression or an anxiety disorder. If these issues are left untreated, they can easily lead to substance abuse and ultimately chemical dependency. 

The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction  

It is not uncommon for people struggling to cope with a traumatic event to turn to drugs or alcohol for help. These substances may act as an effortless way to numb pain, forget, ease anxiety, sleep, and escape, but their use does more harm than good. Overall, these substances may make the symptoms worse or negatively impact the person’s overall mental health. Also, if a person turns to drugs or alcohol every time they experience symptoms, or even preemptively, this behavior becomes habitual. 

Their brain will start to alter in ways that reinforce this behavior, and chemical dependence will eventually occur. Many people are unaware of the negative consequences that come with using substances to cope until it is too late. This self-destructive behavior becomes a dangerous cycle, but with the help of our addiction and trauma treatment programs at our Lake Worth drug rehab, you may be able to break this cycle for good. 

How Does Trauma Recovery Work? 

After a traumatic event, the body typically recovers and heals by descending from a state of heightened stimulation. The high energy levels can drop, the internal alarms can silence, and the body can return to its natural equilibrium and balance. This should usually happen within a month or so after the event. 

However, for individuals who show signs of trauma-related disorders such as PTSD, recovery may take longer. In these cases, the trauma recovery process may require: 

• Moving to a safe environment 
• Developing coping strategies 
• Mental health assessment to understand the severity of symptoms 
• Trauma education 
• Trauma-focused therapies, such as Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TFCBT) 
• Developing skills for emotion regulation 
• Incorporating mind-body approaches such as mindfulness, yoga, and meditation into daily life 
• Ongoing support, such as an aftercare program following treatment 

The rate at which someone recovers from trauma varies from person to person. While some individuals can completely heal from the impact of a traumatic event, others may require ongoing support to sustain mental well-being. 

The Stages of Trauma Recovery 

When a person begins this type of recovery, they should remember it will occur in different stages. Each of the 4 stages of trauma recovery requires different skills and tools to overcome, giving an outline for the healing journey. 

The stages of healing from trauma include: 

• Safety and Stabilization: Building a sense of security and stability in one’s life is the main goal of the initial trauma recovery stage. In this stage, the goal is to lessen symptoms like anxiety, panic attacks, and nightmares that can interfere with the person’s ability to work normally. The person will learn coping mechanisms to control strong emotions, grounding strategies to stay in the moment, and relaxation strategies to quiet the body and mind during this phase. 
• Remembering and Mourning: Processing the distressing event is the second stage. People may start to remember the horrific experience in greater detail at this point. It is crucial to provide a nurturing environment that can aid in their memory processing and integration. Mourning is necessary because it enables people to express their grief for their losses, validate their suffering, and recognize their feelings. 
• Reconnecting: The third stage involves reestablishing relationships with oneself and others. In this phase, one should focus on regaining confidence in both themselves and other people, creating wholesome relationships, and discovering fresh perspectives on life. This period may also entail discovering fresh passions and pursuits that enrich and enrich life. 
• Integration: The final stage of trauma healing involves integrating the traumatic experience into one’s life story. Finding a new identity and meaning that incorporates the trauma but is not defined by it is a requirement of this stage. It involves moving forward with increased resilience and awareness of oneself and the wider world.