How Childhood Trauma Contributes to Substance Abuse and Addiction

How Childhood Trauma Contributes to Substance Abuse and Addiction

How Childhood Trauma Contributes to Substance Abuse and Addiction

Reviewed by: A Medical Professional
How Childhood Trauma Contributes to Substance Abuse and Addiction
4 min read . 4 sections

Drug and alcohol addiction is a complex condition. Research suggests that addiction has roots in a person’s behaviors, genetics, experience, and more. Meaningful addiction recovery treatment programs must address the underlying aspects of their substance abuse and help them develop skills to avoid relapse.

One factor that can increase the likelihood of developing substance use disorder (SUD) is a history of childhood trauma. Having a history of childhood trauma, including abuse or living in a war zone, can make it more likely that someone will abuse drugs or alcohol later in life.

This article will explore the connection between childhood trauma and SUD.

You will learn:

  • How childhood trauma increases the risk of SUD
  • How to identify the symptoms of trauma
  • Where to find treatment for childhood trauma and SUD

If you or someone you love experience the effects of childhood trauma and require addiction treatment, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to learn about our treatment and support programs. You may reach out with questions or to schedule an appointment.

What is Childhood Trauma?

Research shows that a child’s earliest experiences can impact their well-being for the rest of their life. A child who experiences a traumatic experience may have a higher risk of developing alcoholism or drug abuse, mental health disorders, and other health conditions.

A traumatic event is a situation that results in psychological or physical harm. Some examples of childhood experiences that may cause trauma include:

  • Experiencing child abuse or neglect
  • Being involved in a serious accident
  • Being the victim of childhood sexual abuse
    Witnessing abuse
  • Living in a home with a parent or caregiver who uses drugs or alcohol
  • Living with a parent or caregiver with a severe mental illness
  • Living in a war zone
  • Surviving a natural disaster
  • Surviving or witnessing school or community violence
  • Being the victim of bullying
  • Having a parent who is incarcerated during childhood

Trauma in a child’s earliest years can shape the way their brain develops. Abuse, neglect, and other traumatic events can affect how a child thinks about the world. It can also shape a child’s view of themself.

The impact of trauma does not end when a child becomes an adult. Childhood trauma affects people for the rest of their lives. It can increase their vulnerability to addiction, affect their relationships, and have other effects on their long-term physical and mental health.

What is the Connection Between Childhood Trauma and Addiction?

Without treatment, trauma can result in toxic levels of chronic stress. Long-term stress can impact how the brain functions. It can cause permanent changes to the brain’s chemical and physical makeup. Some of these changes may affect a person’s ability to regulate their emotions or make decisions.

Children who experience childhood trauma may develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD can cause long-lasting behavioral and psychological symptoms, including:

  • Avoiding situations that remind the person of the traumatic event
  • Chronic sleep problems
  • Anxiety
  • A feeling of being “on guard” all the time
  • Fear
  • Chronic stress
  • Poor self-esteem and self-image

Without developing healthy coping mechanisms to manage these symptoms, people may turn to alcohol or drugs for relief. Repeated or heavy substance use can lead to physical or psychological dependence.

Treatment for Childhood Trauma and Substance Abuse

Recognizing the symptoms of trauma and addiction can be challenging. Some of the symptoms may be subtle or difficult to identify. However, substance abuse may cause significant changes in how a person thinks, looks, and behaves.

Knowing what signs to look for can help you identify a problem and seek treatment. Some of the common signs of substance abuse include:

  • Needing to use more or drink more to get the desired effects, or being able to use large doses of drugs or drink a lot without appearing intoxicated
  • Neglecting hygiene, responsibilities, hobbies, or relationships
  • Exhibiting withdrawal symptoms (sweating, shaking, nausea, insomnia, etc) when not using drugs or alcohol
  • Taking risks while using drugs or alcohol, such as having unprotected sex or driving intoxicated
  • Stealing, lying, or doing illegal things to get more drugs or alcohol
  • Wanting to stop using an addictive substance but being unable to quit

Trauma-informed addiction programs can help people who have experienced childhood trauma overcome SUD. Treatment programs may consist of:

  • Medically-supported detox programs
  • Trauma-informed mental health support, including medication management, tailored behavioral therapies, individual counseling, family therapy, and support groups
  • Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, nutrition support, and more
  • Relapse prevention education
  • Aftercare planning and support

Finding the right care is essential. Seek the treatment you deserve as soon as you recognize a problem.

Find Treatment Now

Experiencing childhood trauma can make it more likely someone will develop SUD later in life. However, you can overcome addiction and take back control over the direction of your life by getting the proper treatment and support.

Reach out to The Best Treatment to learn about our holistic treatment programs or to schedule an appointment.

References:

  1. Science Direct: The impact of childhood trauma on children’s wellbeing and adult behavior
  2. BMC Public Health: Effects of positive and negative childhood experiences on adult family health
  3. National Institute of Health (NIH): Childhood trauma among individuals with co-morbid substance use and post traumatic stress disorder
  4. Science Direct: The association between type of trauma, level of exposure and addiction

Medically Reviewed: September 25, 2019

Dr Ashley

Medical Reviewer

Chief Editor

About

All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

Dr Ashley Murray obtained her MBBCh Cum Laude in 2016. She currently practices in the public domain in South Africa. She has an interest in medical writing and has a keen interest in evidence-based medicine.


All of the information on this page has been reviewed and verified by a certified addiction professional.

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