Drinking can provide temporary relief from the emotional pain associated with unresolved trauma, but seeking solace at the bottom of a bottle can also lead to an alcohol use disorder. When someone turns to alcohol as a way to cope, they may begin to develop a pattern of drinking more than their body can handle. This can lead to physical dependence, tolerance, and eventually addiction.
Understanding the Effects of Trauma on Mental Health
Trauma is defined as any distressing event that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope, leaving them feeling helpless or emotionally overwhelmed. Common types of trauma include
- Physical abuse. Acts of violence such as being hit, kicked, or otherwise abused by a caregiver or other person in a position of power can leave psychological scars long after the physical wounds have healed.
- Sexual abuse. This includes any type of sexual contact without consent or abuse in a sexual setting.
- Emotional abuse. Any form of verbal abuse intended to intimidate or control someone’s behavior is considered emotional abuse.
- Neglect. Failure to provide basic needs or emotional support to someone can be a form of neglect that creates lasting psychological trauma.
- Natural disasters. People who experience extreme weather events such as floods, earthquakes, and fires can develop trauma from the experience—especially if they are displaced from their homes.
- War or combat. Any type of exposure to the violence and destruction of war can result in trauma.
- Violent crimes. Being the victim or witness of a violent crime such as assault, robbery, or murder can lead to significant psychological trauma.
- Accidents. Sudden and unexpected accidents, such as car crashes, can cause trauma due to physical injury or emotional shock.
The term adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) is used to refer to traumatic events that children experience before the age of 18. Studies have found that ACEs can have long-term effects on an individual’s mental health, leading to an increased risk of developing depression, anxiety, and other disorders. Because of their age, children who experience trauma are less likely to have the resources they need to cope in a healthy manner.
How Unresolved Trauma Can Lead to an Alcohol Use Disorder
No two people experience trauma in exactly the same way. Some of the factors that affect how a person processes a traumatic event include the individual’s prior experiences, the level of support from their social network, their environment, and their sense of control over the situation.
When a person doesn’t have tools to help them cope with trauma in a healthy way, it can lead them to numb their feelings with alcohol. Drinking can provide temporary relief from the pain and distress associated with unresolved trauma. Alcohol abuse can also help to blunt feelings of anxiety, fear, guilt, or shame.
Unfortunately, when people regularly use alcohol to cope with strong emotions, this eventually leads to an alcohol use disorder (AUD). Some of the signs that a person may be suffering from an alcohol use disorder include:
- Increased tolerance. People who continue to increase their drinking in order to achieve the same intoxicating effects are showing signs of an alcohol use disorder.
- Difficulty controlling intake. Having difficulty controlling one’s intake in terms of how much is being consumed or for how long is another sign that someone may have an alcohol use disorder.
- Cravings. Experiencing intense physical cravings for alcohol or having frequent thoughts about drinking can indicate a problematic drinking pattern.
- Withdrawal symptoms. Symptoms such as nausea, headaches, and tremors when not consuming alcohol are all signs that someone has become physically dependent on the substance.
- Risky behavior. Individuals with an alcohol use disorder may engage in risky behaviors such as driving while intoxicated, fighting, or having unprotected sex.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home. This could include missing work or school, neglecting household tasks, or being unable to fulfill obligations to friends and family.
Healing From Trauma and Moving Forward With Life
Therapy is an important part of the healing process for people suffering from unresolved trauma. Three main types of therapy can be used to help a person with an AUD process their trauma.
- Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT). This form of psychotherapy encourages awareness of negative thoughts and behaviors that contribute to a traumatic experience and helps the individual to challenge and replace these with more positive and productive thought patterns.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). The goal of DBT is to focus on building acceptance and validation for the individual so that they can learn to accept themselves and their past experiences. DBT also involves honing skills such as emotion regulation, distress tolerance, interpersonal effectiveness, and mindfulness, which can help the individual cope with and process difficult memories from traumatic experiences in a more balanced way.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR). Therapists who use EMDR help individuals process trauma by exposing them to the memory of the traumatic event while simultaneously engaging in bilateral stimulation activities, such as eye movements. The goal of EMDR is to help the individual reprocess the traumatic experience in a way that reduces its emotional impact so they can move forward with less distress.
Self-care can also be part of the healing process for people who are processing and recovering from past trauma. This includes:
- Exercise. Engaging in regular physical activity, such as walking or yoga, can reduce stress and anxiety levels.
- Hobbies. Setting aside time for leisure activities that bring joy, such as reading a book, playing a musical instrument, or gardening, can reduce feelings of depression.
- Journaling. Writing down your thoughts lets you process your feelings more objectively.
- Building a strong support network. Staying connected with people who provide a sense of support and understanding can help build resilience.
Waypoint Recovery Center’s South Carolina residential addiction treatment program provides trauma-informed care for men and women struggling with alcohol use disorders. Contact us today to learn more about how we can help you or your loved one take the first steps toward a brighter future.
