Trauma is an insidious experience that causes a host of issues for people of all ages. Research has solidified how detrimental these experiences can be. While we know that genetics and social factors play a role in the development of alcoholism, trauma and adverse life experiences are associated with a large portion of the disease as well. Trauma can be a silent but powerful catalyst that drives people to seek solace in alcohol, leading to a vicious cycle of addiction. In this blog, we explore the sources of trauma and experiences that can cause alcoholism, offering insight into the unique relationship between trauma and addiction.
Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma is a powerful predictor of future alcoholism or other kinds of alcohol abuse. Traumatic experiences during childhood, such as physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, neglect, or growing up in a household with substance abuse issues, can deeply scar a person’s psyche and leave a permanent impact. These traumatic events often result in long-lasting emotional pain and can significantly influence the development of substance use disorders. According to a study published in Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology, childhood trauma is significantly associated with an increased risk of alcohol use initiation.
1. Emotional Abuse
Verbal abuse, constant criticism, or emotional neglect during childhood can lead to low self-esteem and a constant sense of inadequacy. Many individuals turn to alcohol as a way to numb these painful emotions and gain temporary relief. Emotional abuse creates an environment of fear and insecurity, where children may internalize negative messages about themselves, leading to chronic anxiety and depression. The lingering effects of emotional abuse can cause individuals to seek solace in alcohol as a coping mechanism, trying to escape the relentless negative self-perception and emotional turmoil.
Related: Exploring Trauma and Addiction
2. Physical Abuse
The physical pain and fear experienced during childhood physical abuse can drive individuals to alcohol as a form of self-medication. Physical abuse often leaves both visible and invisible scars, creating a persistent sense of danger and hypervigilance. Alcohol provides a temporary escape from the memories of abuse and the physical pain associated with it. The numbing effect of alcohol can make it easier for individuals to detach from their traumatic experiences, albeit temporarily, leading to dependency.
3. Sexual Abuse
Survivors of sexual abuse often grapple with feelings of shame, guilt, and worthlessness. These intense emotions can be overwhelming and challenging to process, leading many to seek refuge in alcohol. Sexual abuse severely impacts a child’s sense of safety and trust, often leading to difficulties in forming healthy relationships later in life. Alcohol may offer a temporary escape from these overwhelming emotions, making it a common coping mechanism. The use of alcohol can dull the psychological pain and provide a brief respite from intrusive memories and feelings of self-blame.
4. Neglect
Emotional and physical neglect can lead to feelings of abandonment and a desperate need for comfort and validation. Children who experience neglect may grow up feeling unloved and unsupported, leading to a pervasive sense of loneliness. Alcohol can provide a false sense of security and self-worth in the absence of proper nurturing. Individuals who have faced neglect might turn to alcohol to fill the emotional void left by the absence of caregiving and attention during their formative years.
Complex Trauma
Complex trauma, also known as Complex Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (C-PTSD), arises from prolonged exposure to traumatic situations or multiple traumatic events over an extended period. Unlike single-event trauma, complex trauma typically involves repeated harm and a sense of being trapped, which can profoundly affect an individual’s mental and emotional well-being. This type of trauma can manifest in adulthood due to ongoing experiences, such as:
1. Domestic Violence
Adults in abusive relationships often endure years of psychological, emotional, and physical trauma. The constant fear, manipulation, and bodily harm experienced in such relationships can lead to severe emotional distress. Alcohol can become a means of coping with the chronic stress and fear associated with domestic violence. Victims may turn to alcohol to numb their pain and to temporarily escape their harsh realities, further complicating their ability to seek help or leave the abusive environment.
2. War and Combat Trauma
Veterans who have experienced the horrors of war often suffer from PTSD and related symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. The psychological and emotional scars left by combat can be incredibly intense. Many veterans turn to alcohol to self-medicate and numb these intense emotional and psychological scars. The use of alcohol can provide temporary relief from the symptoms of PTSD but often exacerbates the underlying issues, leading to a vicious cycle of dependence and worsening mental health.
3. Chronic Illness or Pain
Suffering from a chronic illness or experiencing chronic physical pain can be incredibly traumatic. The ongoing distress and anguish from persistent pain or a long-term illness can lead some individuals to seek relief through alcohol, which temporarily dulls both physical and emotional pain. The reliance on alcohol as a coping mechanism can lead to dependency and interfere with medical treatments, creating additional health complications.
Related: Help For Complex PTSD
Grief and Loss
Grief is a natural and profound response to the loss of a loved one. However, when grief is unresolved or becomes prolonged, it can lead to significant emotional distress and potentially to alcoholism as people struggle to cope with their emotions.
1. Bereavement
Losing a close family member or friend can be emotionally devastating. The pain of such a loss can feel overwhelming, and individuals may turn to alcohol to numb this pain and provide a temporary escape from the intense emotions of grief. This can lead to a dangerous reliance on alcohol for comfort, which can spiral into dependency and addiction if the grief remains unresolved.
2. Divorce or Relationship Loss
The end of a significant relationship can trigger profound grief and feelings of failure, inadequacy, and loneliness. Alcohol can appear to numb these emotions and fill the void left by the broken relationship. The temporary relief provided by alcohol can lead to chronic use as a coping mechanism, increasing the risk of developing alcohol dependence.
Related: How to Navigate Grief
Accidents and Near-Death Experiences
Survivors of accidents or near-death experiences often develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can significantly contribute to alcoholism as a means of coping with the traumatic aftermath. These intense experiences can leave individuals grappling with severe anxiety, flashbacks, and a constant state of hypervigilance, making it challenging to return to a sense of normalcy.
1. Car Accidents
Those involved in severe car accidents may relive the traumatic event through intrusive memories or flashbacks, leading to ongoing emotional distress. The anxiety and fear resulting from such accidents can be overwhelming, often manifesting as PTSD. Individuals might experience nightmares, heightened anxiety, and an inability to feel safe. Alcohol can seem like an effective way to manage these distressing flashbacks and stress, providing temporary relief from the relentless fear and emotional turmoil. However, this coping strategy can quickly lead to dependency as the need for relief grows, interfering with the healing process and potentially worsening the psychological distress.
2. Medical Trauma
Experiencing a life-threatening illness or a close call during surgery can lead to significant trauma. The fear, uncertainty, and potential physical pain associated with medical trauma can be profound. Individuals may develop PTSD, characterized by anxiety, depression, and a persistent fear of recurrence. To cope with these intense emotions, some turn to alcohol, which can numb the fear and stress temporarily. The numbing effects of alcohol may provide short-term relief. Still, they also hinder emotional processing and recovery, increasing the risk of addiction and complicating the individual’s ability to deal with their trauma effectively.
Institutional Trauma
Traumatic experiences within institutions, such as prison, the military, or the foster care system, can result in alcoholism as individuals struggle to cope with the emotional and psychological scars left by these environments.
1. Incarceration
The harsh conditions, violence, and isolation experienced in prison can lead to significant trauma. The environment can be brutal, with constant threats of violence and a pervasive sense of fear. After release, individuals may struggle to adapt to life outside, grappling with PTSD, depression, and anxiety. Alcohol may become a coping mechanism for those attempting to manage the psychological fallout and adapt to the pressures of reentry into society, often leading to dependency as a way to escape the harsh realities they face.
2. Military Service
Military personnel can experience trauma during deployment, including exposure to combat, loss of comrades, and the strain of extended deployments. The intense experiences of warfare, witnessing death, and surviving under constant threat can leave lasting psychological scars. Some veterans turn to alcohol to cope with these traumatic experiences, using it to numb the pain, silence intrusive thoughts, and manage symptoms of PTSD. The reliance on alcohol can impede their ability to seek and engage in proper mental health care, exacerbating their struggles.
3. Foster Care
Children in the foster care system may endure multiple placements, neglect, and abuse, leading to significant trauma. The instability and lack of a consistent, supportive environment can result in attachment issues, anxiety, and depression. These early traumas can lead to a higher risk of alcoholism in adulthood as individuals seek relief from their painful past. Alcohol may serve as a means to cope with unresolved trauma, feelings of abandonment, and a desperate need for validation and security.
Discrimination and Marginalization
Systemic discrimination and marginalization, including racism, sexism, homophobia, and transphobia, can be traumatic experiences that drive individuals toward alcoholism. The persistent and pervasive nature of these forms of discrimination can lead to profound emotional and psychological distress.
1. Racial Trauma
The persistent experience of racial discrimination can lead to profound emotional distress, including feelings of inferiority, chronic stress, and anger. Individuals facing racial trauma might experience anxiety, depression, and a sense of hopelessness. Some turn to alcohol as a means of coping with the mental and emotional toll of racism, using it to numb the pain and provide a temporary escape from their daily struggles.
2. LGBTQ+ Discrimination
LGBTQ+ individuals often face discrimination, social rejection, and internalized homophobia or transphobia. The emotional pain resulting from these experiences can be severe, leading to depression, anxiety, and a feeling of being marginalized. This emotional distress can drive some to seek solace in alcohol as a way to escape prejudice and discrimination. The temporary relief provided by alcohol can lead to chronic use, increasing the risk of dependency and further exacerbating their mental health issues.
Trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD)
Trauma leaves a lasting imprint on a person’s body and mind. It disrupts normal psychological and emotional development, often leading to a range of mental health issues, including substance use disorder (SUD). Individuals who are unable to heal from these traumas may find themselves looking for solace in substances like alcohol as a means of self-medication. This coping mechanism provides a reprieve from emotional pain but ultimately leads to a cycle of dependency and further trauma.
Research has shown a strong correlation between trauma and substance abuse. According to a study published in the Child Abuse Review, individuals who have experienced trauma are significantly more likely to develop SUD compared to those who have not experienced trauma. Specifically, studies indicate that people with a history of childhood abuse have about a 74% greater risk of developing substance use issues later in life than other people.
The Cycle of Trauma and Substance Use
1. Self-Medication
Individuals who have experienced trauma often turn to alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. The numbing effects of these substances can provide temporary relief from symptoms such as anxiety, depression, and flashbacks. This self-medication can seem like an effective short-term solution, allowing individuals to escape from their distressing emotions and memories.
2. Temporary Relief and Dependency
While alcohol and drugs may provide short-term relief, they do not address the underlying trauma. Instead, they mask the symptoms, making it difficult for individuals to process and heal from their experiences. Over time, the need for relief can lead to increased substance use and dependency. The body and mind become reliant on these substances to cope, leading to physical and psychological dependence.
3. Exacerbation of Trauma
The cycle of substance use exacerbates the original trauma. Dependency can lead to a range of negative consequences, including health problems, relationship issues, financial difficulties, and legal troubles. These additional stressors create new traumas, compounding the individual’s emotional and psychological burden. The inability to break free from this cycle can lead to feelings of hopelessness and despair.
4. Barriers to Treatment
Individuals caught in the cycle of trauma and substance use often face barriers to treatment. Stigma, lack of access to mental health services, and co-occurring mental health disorders can make it difficult for individuals to seek and receive the help they need. This can perpetuate the cycle of trauma and addiction, making recovery seem unattainable.
Breaking the Cycle of Addiction
1. Integrated Treatment
Effective treatment for individuals with trauma and SUD requires an integrated approach that addresses both issues simultaneously. Trauma-informed care and dual diagnosis treatment are essential for helping individuals understand the connection between their trauma and substance use. By addressing the root causes of trauma and providing strategies for managing triggers and cravings, treatment can help individuals develop healthier coping mechanisms.
2. Therapeutic Interventions
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and other trauma-focused therapies can help individuals process their traumatic experiences and reduce their reliance on substances. These therapies aim to change the negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma, promoting healing and resilience.
3. Support Systems
Building a solid support system is crucial for recovery. Support from family, friends, and peer groups can provide the emotional and practical support needed to overcome SUD. Support groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or Narcotics Anonymous (NA) offer a sense of community and shared experiences, which can be invaluable in the recovery process.
4. Long-Term Care
Recovery from trauma and SUD is a long-term process that requires ongoing care and support. Continued therapy, participation in support groups, and the development of healthy lifestyle habits are essential for maintaining sobriety and emotional well-being. Regular check-ins with mental health professionals can help individuals stay on track and address new challenges.
New Dimensions Can Help!
New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers specialize in helping adolescents and adults overcome alcoholism, substance abuse, and other addictions. Our Partial Day Hospitalization and Intensive Outpatient Programs assist clients in overcoming addictive behaviors. There are three locations in the Greater Houston area to serve you: Clear Lake, The Woodlands, and Katy.
If you or a family member need treatment for addiction or an intervention to assist your loved one in starting the process of recovery, call 800-685-9796. To learn more about our treatment programs, visit our website at www.nddtreatment.com. New Dimensions Day Treatment Centers offers a free initial assessment to help you get started on recovery.
References
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Sartor, Carolyn & Bachrach, Rachel & Stepp, Stephanie & Werner, Kimberly & Hipwell, Alison & Chung, Tammy. (2018). The relationship between childhood trauma and alcohol use initiation in Black and White adolescent girls: considering socioeconomic status and neighborhood factors. Social Psychiatry and Psychiatric Epidemiology. 53. 1-10. 10.1007/s00127-017-1461-2.
Liebschutz, J., Savetsky, J. B., Saitz, R., Horton, N. J., Lloyd-Travaglini, C., & Samet, J. H. (2002). The relationship between sexual and physical abuse and substance abuse consequences. Journal of substance abuse treatment, 22(3), 121–128. https://doi.org/10.1016/s0740-5472(02)00220-9
Smith NDL, Cottler LB. The Epidemiology of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder. Alcohol Res. 2018;39(2):113-120. PMID: 31198651; PMCID: PMC6561398.
Halpern, S. C., Schuch, F. B., Scherer, J. N., Sordi, A. O., Pachado, M., Dalbosco, C., Fara, L., Pechansky, F., Kessler, F., & Von Diemen, L. (2018). Child maltreatment and illicit substance abuse: A systematic review and meta-analysis of longitudinal studies. Child Abuse Review. Advance online publication. https://doi.org/10.1002/car.2534