The Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse in Women

Post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse-related concerns are widely prevalent mental health challenges across the world. Trauma and substance abuse can often get connected as well, especially if substance consumption begins as a coping mechanism. Females often experience traumatic instances in their lifespan. The increasing trauma-related concerns have also led to more research on understanding trauma and substance abuse in women.

Understanding Trauma and Its Impact on Women

Traumatic instances amongst women can include abuse in different ways, such as physical, emotional, and sexual. Trauma during childhood is also common in women and can be a risk factor for developing mental disorders. Trauma can influence the social, mental, physical, and other aspects of a female’s health.

How Trauma Leads to Substance Abuse in Women

Substance abuse disorders are very commonly observed after traumatic instances.  Substance abuse disorders can include the use of drugs such as tobacco, cannabis, or alcohol. Trauma can lead to substance abuse in women due to several factors. Some of those have been discussed below.

Coping Mechanisms Gone Wrong

1. Trauma and substance abuse in women may be connected, as after traumatic instances, females may start consuming substances as a coping mechanism.

2. Gradually, there can be an extreme dependence on this maladaptive coping mechanism leading to increased tolerance for the same level of substance.

3. This tolerance, if not managed properly, can lead to substance abuse disorders, which would require professional mental health support for management and treatment.

Trauma-Triggered Mental Health Disorders

Trauma can trigger diverse mental health disorders such as:

1.  Substance Abuse-related concerns

2.  Mood disorders such as depression

3.  Post-traumatic stress disorder

4.  Panic disorder and generalized anxiety

5.  Sleep disorders and Dissociation

Social and Relationship Pressures

1.  Despite experiencing emotional abuse, women may experience pressure to maintain a relationship with the same person.

2. Social and relationship pressures can further deteriorate mental health concerns, leading to increased dependence on substances for coping.

3. Relationship conflicts can also act as a trigger for using substances again, increasing the risk of developing addiction disorder.

The Cycle Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

The trauma and substance abuse cycle can be caused by the emotional pain due to traumatic instances. As an individual feels extreme psychological pain and might not find the right coping mechanism, one may end up consuming alcohol or drugs to forget the pain. This can continue in a loop, which would highly benefit from a professional intervention.

Emotional Numbing

- The temporary suspension of emotions might be felt through substance consumption.

- An individual may feel disconnected from the difficult reality of the present due to alcohol.

- Emotional numbing and avoidance may increase the strengthening of substance intake.

Relapse Triggered by Trauma Memories

-    Traumatic memories can often be triggering.

-    Recurring dreams and flashbacks can be difficult to manage on one’s own.

-    One may once again use a maladaptive coping mechanism to relax oneself.

Co-Occurring Disorders

A few of the many co-occurring disorders for trauma and substance abuse in women can include PTSD, depression, anxiety-related concerns, etc.

Women Addiction Recovery: Why Trauma-Informed Treatment Matters

Women addiction recovery can become smoother with the support of trauma-informed professionals. Psychiatrists and psychologists who abide by the principles of trauma-informed care ensure clients’ safety and empowerment during the recovery journey.

Safe and Supportive Environment

A person who does not feel safe and supported may not be able to open up and express themself. Here are some benefits of a safe and supportive environment:

1. Trusting therapeutic alliance

2. Sharing without the fear of judgment

3. Client feeling more respected

Addressing Trauma at the Root

Traumatic incidents might have occurred decades ago and still be influencing an individual’s life. The professional and client can work together to explore the deep inner wounds and gradually work on them to bring positive changes in well-being.

Learning Healthy Coping Skills

- Grounding techniques

- Self-care practices

- Engaging in hobbies

- Finding creative outlets

- Sports and physical exercise  

Supportive Community and Group Therapy

A supportive community can bring a feeling of togetherness. Group therapy sessions can offer a space to explore one’s journey in depth and learn from others’ journeys as well. It can boost motivation to work on the concerns and help in building a healthy support system.

How Athena Okas Supports Women Healing From Trauma and Substance Abuse

Athena OKAS is a women-centric mental health center. It is a perfect place for women's addiction recovery journeys in a calm and serene environment surrounded by greenery. Some of the key points of our mental health facility are mentioned below.

Safe Environment for Women

After experiencing traumatic instances, one may feel hypervigilant and unsafe in a lot of places. Our goal is to offer safety first, which allows us to build a trusting relationship with the client.

Trauma-Informed Care Model

Our professionals offer trauma-informed care, ensuring the basic principles, such as client empowerment, safety, trust, etc., are met during the treatment journey. Our clients work in collaboration with us, wherein we develop a customized treatment plan for them that supports their mental health needs.

Integrated Substance Abuse Treatment

Women's addiction recovery shall include substance abuse treatment, and for that, we use specific techniques and modalities. Some of the ways through which we support clients in this journey include:

1.  Cognitive Behavioral Techniques

2.  Schema therapy

3.  Motivational Interviewing

4. Client-centered care

5.  Expressive arts therapy

6.  Pharmacotherapy

Signs You Should Seek Help

1. Unable to engage in activities of daily living with no specific biological cause.

2. Emotion dysregulation leading to frequent mood swings.

3. Impulsive decision-making and risk towards self, such as reckless driving.

4. Increased dependence on the substance for coping and unable to withdraw from the substance.

5. Experienced traumatic instances followed by nightmares, flashbacks, and difficulty trusting others.

6. Challenged in maintaining interpersonal relations and increased conflicts in social relationships.

Final Thoughts

If you or anyone you know is hiding their emotional pain behind substance, then it is the right time to seek support. Athena OKAS is a safe and supportive space designed for women with trauma and substance abuse. We also offer support for other mental health disorders such as depression and anxiety.

Women's addiction recovery should not be difficult, and we aim to make it super easy with our trained professionals. You can call us at +91 9289730444 to learn more about our treatment approach!