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Behind every addiction, there is a story—one of pain, struggle, and survival. Invisible wounds can fuel the vicious cycle of substance abuse. Addiction may emerge from trauma as an attempt to cope and regain some sense of control.
At Freedom Recovery Centers (FRC), we understand the complex connection between trauma and addiction. Our compassionate and expert team knows that addiction may not be about the substance itself—but escaping the pain in everyday life. Acknowledging each person’s story and addressing underlying trauma is an essential piece of the puzzle when working toward recovery. In this article, we take a closer look at trauma and its role in addiction, as well as how it’s possible to heal from it.
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What is Trauma?
The American Psychological Association defines trauma as “an emotional response to a terrible event.” It can happen due to various events and experiences, such as1:
- An accident
- Crime
- Natural disaster
- Physical abuse
- Emotional abuse
- Neglect
- Witnessing or experiencing violence
- The death of a loved one
- War
Trauma can be challenging to treat. It doesn’t just impact the mind; it can also leave lasting effects on the body and nervous system2. After all, our brain works to protect us. When trauma happens, the fear center in the brain becomes hyperactivated. This causes a flood of stress hormones, leading to the “fight-or-flight” response. But with trauma, this doesn’t always go away after the event—or it’s easily activated due to similar sounds, people, and surroundings.
As a result, the body and mind remain in a state of hypervigilance3, as if the threat were still present, even years after the traumatic experience.
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How Does Trauma Lead to Addiction?
Trauma responses can vary from person to person. For many, substance use acts as a form of self-medication. Alcohol, opioids, stimulants, and other drugs can temporarily ease overwhelming emotions, painful memories, or physical discomfort caused by trauma. Even though this relief is short-lived, it can feel powerful for someone struggling with constant distress.
On a neurological level, both trauma and addiction affect the same brain circuits. Trauma disrupts the brain’s stress response and reward4—the very systems that addictive substances target. This overlap makes people more vulnerable to addiction, as substances can feel like the only way to find relief.
The truth is that many trauma survivors struggle to regulate their emotions5, making substances an easy way to numb the pain or regain a sense of control. Others use drugs or alcohol to escape painful memories or triggers.
Trauma—particularly in childhood—can also disrupt the ability to form healthy relationships, leaving individuals feeling isolated and turning to substances for comfort. In fact, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) have been linked to a higher risk of developing substance use disorders later in life.
Many with trauma also carry deep shame or self-blame6—feelings that substances may temporarily dampen.
Beyond the personal struggle, trauma survivors also often face environments where support is lacking, relationships are unstable, or substance use is normalized. And this can further increase the risk of addiction.
Yet, with compassionate, trauma-informed care, healing is possible, helping to address both the addiction and the deeper wounds beneath it.
Common Types of Trauma That Lead to Addiction
With the above in mind, certain types of trauma are also more susceptible to developing addiction. These include:
- Childhood Adverse Experiences (ACEs)7: Our early childhood experiences really do shape us down the line. If someone has had many ACEs, they are more likely to turn to substance use. This is largely due to changes in the brain, such as a hyperactive fear center.
- Military or Combat Trauma8: Many veterans and active service members experience traumatic events on the job, leading to PTSD and other mental health issues. When left untreated, these mental health conditions can lead to substance use to numb the pain and symptoms.
- Sexual Assault and Domestic Violence9: Shame, guilt, and feelings of powerlessness are common after these types of trauma, leading to substance use to numb these feelings.
- Intergenerational Trauma10: This is very much related to ACEs. What we learn from our parents and their stress responses can pass trauma down through generations. This can be particularly challenging since it can be harder to pinpoint. At the same time, there is hope and healing is possible.
- Grief11: An unexpected or sudden loss of a loved one can prevent you from processing these emotions. In turn, this can cause a trauma response.
It’s also worth mentioning that trauma isn’t limited to the above. Any event or experience that causes a heightened response can lead to unresolved trauma and substance abuse.
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Untangling Trauma & Addiction Together
Healing from trauma and addiction may sound overwhelming. But addressing both together can pave the way toward recovery and a healthier and more fulfilling life. True healing begins when you process these difficult emotions. At FRC, our team is here to help.
Using a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies, we’ll help you untangle the complexities of trauma and uncover how it’s contributing to substance use. Our team focuses on treating the whole person, including the wounds deep beneath the surface. Leading with compassion and care every step of the way, we strive to offer a safe space where you can focus on healing.
When you’re ready to learn more, call us at 804-635-3746 or fill out our online form. There is hope, and you can build a life you love, beyond past pain or shame.
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