Trauma and addiction often go hand in hand. Many people who struggle with substance use have experienced some form of trauma in their lives. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), about 75% of people in addiction treatment report experiencing trauma or abuse at some point in their lives. This connection isn’t just a coincidence, as trauma can actually change how the brain works and make someone more likely to use drugs and alcohol as a means to cope with their circumstances.
At Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, California, our dual diagnosis treatment program employs an integrated, evidence-based, holistic approach to focus on successfully diagnosing and treating the whole person (mind, body, and spirit) through the benefits of trauma-informed addiction treatment. This has also helped our specialists identify underlying factors of both co-occurring conditions, such as mental health disorders, ensuring that they are properly diagnosed and treated.
By carefully examining the established correlation between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse over time, our team has been able to implement targeted interventions such as trauma-focused therapy that address both conditions simultaneously. As a result, it prevents the exacerbation of symptoms, reduces the risk of relapse, improves mental health, and increases the chance of long-term healing.
Understanding Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment
Trauma-informed addiction treatment is a way of providing care that recognizes how traumatic experiences can affect a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors related to substance use. This approach understands that many people who use drugs or alcohol may be trying to cope with the emotional pain from past traumatic events.
Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment vs Traditional Treatment
- Traditional approach: Focuses mainly on stopping substance use and may ask, “What’s wrong with you?”
- Trauma-informed care: Looks at underlying causes and asks, “What happened to you?”
This type of care creates a safe environment where people feel respected and understood. Instead of just treating the symptoms of addiction, trauma-informed treatment addresses the root causes that may have led to substance use in the first place. The goal is to help people heal from both their addiction and their trauma at the same time.
Trauma-informed care uses specific principles like safety, trust, collaboration, and empowerment. These principles guide how treatment providers interact with clients and design treatment programs. The approach recognizes that trauma affects everyone differently, so treatment plans are tailored to each person’s unique needs and experiences.
The Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
When someone experiences trauma, it affects both their brain and body in lasting ways. Trauma can involve the brain’s fear center, called the amygdala, which can become overactive after traumatic events. This makes the person feel like they’re in constant danger, even when they’re safe.
The brain’s stress response system, known as the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis, can also become dysregulated after trauma. This means the body stays in a state of high alert, leading to symptoms like anxiety, depression, trouble sleeping, and difficulty concentrating. Common trauma types linked to addiction:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Domestic violence
- Sexual assault
- Military combat exposure
- Serious accidents or injuries
- Sudden loss of a loved one
To cope with these uncomfortable feelings and symptoms, many people turn to alcohol or drugs. Substances can temporarily numb emotional pain or help someone feel more relaxed. However, this relief is short-lived, and over time, using substances to cope can lead to dependency and addiction.
Research shows that people with trauma histories are much more likely to develop substance use disorders. The co-occurring disorders of trauma and addiction create a cycle that can be difficult to break without proper treatment that addresses both issues.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment
People who receive trauma-informed care are more likely to stay in treatment and actively participate in their recovery. This happens because trauma-informed approaches create an environment where people feel safe and respected. When someone feels understood rather than judged, they’re more willing to open up and work on their recovery.
Treatment providers who use trauma-informed approaches are trained to recognize trauma symptoms and respond in supportive ways. This helps build trust between the client and their treatment team, which is essential for successful recovery.
Trauma-informed addiction treatment addresses both substance use and mental health symptoms at the same time. This dual focus often leads to better outcomes for conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. Mental health improvements often include:
- Reduced PTSD symptoms: Less frequent nightmares, flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts
- Better emotional regulation: Improved ability to manage difficult emotions without substances
- Decreased anxiety and depression: More stable mood and reduced feelings of hopelessness
One of the key benefits of trauma-informed treatment is learning healthy ways to cope with stress and difficult emotions. Instead of using substances to numb pain, people learn practical skills they can use in their daily lives.
These coping skills might include mindfulness techniques, breathing exercises, grounding techniques, and ways to manage triggers. Having these tools helps prevent relapse and supports long-term recovery.
Traditional treatment approaches sometimes inadvertently re-traumatize people by using confrontational methods or not recognizing trauma symptoms. Trauma-informed care specifically works to avoid re-traumatization by creating safe spaces and using gentle, supportive approaches.
This means treatment providers are careful about how they interact with clients, how they structure treatment activities, and how they respond to trauma symptoms that may arise during treatment.
Evidence-Based Trauma Therapies Used in Addiction Treatment
EMDR helps people process traumatic memories in a way that reduces their emotional impact. During EMDR sessions, a person recalls a traumatic memory while following a therapist’s finger or light with their eyes. This bilateral stimulation helps the brain reprocess the memory so it becomes less distressing.
EMDR is particularly effective for people with PTSD and can be integrated into addiction treatment. Sessions typically last 60-90 minutes, and most people see improvement within 6-12 sessions.
This therapy helps people understand how trauma has affected their thoughts and beliefs. Many trauma survivors develop negative thoughts about themselves, others, or the world. Cognitive Processing Therapy helps identify these unhelpful thought patterns and develop more balanced, realistic thinking.
The therapy often includes writing exercises where people write about their traumatic experiences and work through their thoughts and feelings with a therapist. This approach is effective for both trauma symptoms and substance use.
Seeking Safety is designed specifically for people who have both trauma and substance use issues. Unlike some trauma therapies, Seeking Safety doesn’t require people to talk about the details of their traumatic experiences. Instead, it focuses on building coping skills and creating safety in the present moment. Topics covered in the Seeking Safety protocol include:
- Managing triggers and cravings
- Building healthy relationships
- Practicing self-care
- Developing problem-solving skills
Measurable Outcomes of Trauma-Informed Care
Research shows that trauma-informed addiction treatment leads to better outcomes compared to traditional approaches. Studies have found several key improvements when trauma-informed care is used.
Treatment retention and completion rates are higher in trauma-informed programs. People are more likely to complete their treatment program when they feel safe and understood. This is important because completing treatment is strongly linked to better long-term recovery outcomes.
Relapse rates tend to be lower for people who receive trauma-informed care. By addressing the underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use, people are better equipped to maintain their sobriety over time.
Mental health symptoms improve more significantly when both trauma and addiction are treated together. People report fewer symptoms of PTSD, anxiety, and depression after completing trauma-informed treatment.
At Laguna Shores Recovery, we’ve seen these benefits firsthand in our clients who participate in trauma-informed care. The integrated approach of addressing both trauma and addiction together creates a stronger foundation for lasting recovery.
Trauma-Informed Addiction Treatment FAQs
Trauma-informed addiction treatment specifically recognizes and addresses the impact of traumatic experiences on substance use, while regular programs may focus only on addiction symptoms. Trauma-informed care uses approaches that prioritize safety, trust, and understanding of how trauma affects recovery.
Trauma-informed treatment can address various types of trauma, including childhood abuse, domestic violence, sexual assault, military combat experiences, serious accidents, natural disasters, and sudden loss of loved ones.
Treatment length varies based on individual needs, but residential programs typically last 30-90 days, while outpatient therapy may continue for several months or longer, depending on progress and recovery goals.
Yes, trauma-informed care may be particularly beneficial for people who have relapsed after traditional treatment, especially if unaddressed trauma contributed to their continued substance use.
Most insurance plans cover trauma-informed addiction treatment when provided by licensed facilities and professionals, though specific coverage depends on individual insurance policies and may require pre-authorization.
Trauma-Informed Care at Laguna Shores Recovery
Laguna Shores Recovery in Dana Point, CA, incorporates trauma-informed principles throughout all our treatment programs. Our approach recognizes that trauma is common among people seeking addiction treatment, and we’ve designed our programs to be sensitive to trauma survivors’ needs. Our clinical team includes licensed therapists trained in evidence-based trauma treatments like EMDR and cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT). We also offer mindfulness-based therapies, somatic approaches, and group therapy options that support trauma recovery.
The physical environment at Laguna Shores Recovery is designed to promote healing and safety. Our facility offers private spaces, comfortable common areas, and access to outdoor areas where clients can find peace and relaxation. We maintain policies that protect privacy and dignity while fostering a supportive community atmosphere.
Our trauma-informed addiction treatment extends beyond therapy sessions to include how staff interact with clients, how we structure daily activities, and how we respond to crises. This comprehensive approach helps create an environment where healing from both trauma and addiction can occur.
To learn more about trauma-informed addiction treatment or discuss your specific situation, contact Laguna Shores Recovery. Our admissions team can help verify your insurance benefits and answer questions about our trauma-informed approach to recovery. We’re here to support you in taking the first step toward healing from both trauma and addiction.
Matthew Beck B.A, M.A, LMFT 
