If you’ve ever experienced a traumatic event, you know how difficult it can be to cope with the aftermath. Unfortunately, untreated trauma can lead to many other problems, including several mental health disorders and addiction.
At Northpoint Washington, we specialize in helping people recover from trauma and addiction. We understand how the two conditions can influence each other and make a recovery difficult. But with the proper treatment and support, it is possible to heal and move on with your life.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or addiction, please contact us at 888.450.2153. We can help you get on the path to recovery and healing.
What Is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a distressing event. It can stem from a single catastrophic event, such as a natural disaster or a car accident. It can also be caused by chronic exposure to stressful situations, such as abuse or neglect.
Trauma can lead to several mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, and depression. It can also cause physical health problems, such as chronic pain or headaches.
If you have experienced trauma, you know that it can have a profound and lasting effect on your life. Unfortunately, many people do not get the help they need to deal with their trauma, which can lead to many other problems, including addiction.
Untreated Childhood Trauma
Childhood trauma is a type of psychological trauma that occurs in children. It can result from physical, sexual, or emotional abuse and neglect. Children who experience trauma often feel scared, alone, and helpless.
Untreated childhood trauma can cause changes in the brain that make it difficult to cope with difficult emotions. These changes can lead to self-medicating with drugs or alcohol in an attempt to numb the pain.
What Happens When Trauma Goes Untreated?
Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing reaction that overwhelms the physical, emotional, mental, or spiritual impact of the event.
Have you ever wondered what happens when trauma goes untreated? Here are some of the ways untreated trauma can lead to addiction:
- Changes in the brain – Trauma can cause changes in the structure and function of the brain. This change in structure can make it difficult to regulate emotions, leading to problems like anxiety, depression, and PTSD.
- Self-medicating with drugs or alcohol – Many people who experience trauma turn to drugs or alcohol in an attempt to numb their pain. This self-medication can lead to addiction and make it even more difficult to cope with the trauma.
- Health problems– Trauma can cause physical health problems, such as chronic pain, headaches, and gastrointestinal issues.
If you have experienced trauma, it is vital to get help. At Northpoint Washington, we specialize in helping people heal from trauma and addiction. We understand how the two conditions can influence each other and can help you break free and start living a healthy, happy life.
Effects of Untreated Trauma
While feeling upset after a traumatic event is normal, some people experience more long-lasting and intense reactions.
People generally experience effects of untreated trauma with:
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Intrusive thoughts
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind them of the trauma
- Negative changes in mood and thinking
- Difficulty concentrating
- Feeling detached or numb
- Feeling constantly on edge
- Outbursts of anger
- Difficulty sleeping
- Changes in eating habits
- Self-harming behaviors
- Suicidal thoughts
- Addiction
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it’s essential to seek professional help. At Northpoint Washington, we can provide you with the treatment and support you need to heal from trauma and addiction.
Northpoint Washington Is Here to Help Heal Untreated Trauma
Addiction is a chronic, relapsing disease characterized by compulsive drug-seeking and use despite harmful consequences. People struggling with addiction often feel like they cannot control their use, even when it is causing problems in their lives.
Several factors can contribute to addiction, including genetics, environment, and mental health disorders. However, untreated trauma is one of the most significant risk factors for developing an addiction.
If you or someone you know is struggling with trauma or addiction, it is important to seek professional help. Northpoint Washington can provide you with the treatment and support you need to heal and recover.
Call us today at 888.450.2153 to learn more.