Childhood Abuse Leading to Adult Addiction

Adult survivors of abuse often try to self-medicate painful memories. They may live with posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or other issues related to trauma that go untreated. Helping individuals recover from addiction means dealing with the underlying childhood trauma.

The Symptoms of Trauma

Some adult survivors of abuse are unaware that not dealing with childhood abuse in a healthy manner has contributed to a substance abuse problem. In order to get help for both substance abuse and childhood trauma it is important to recognize each of the trauma symptoms. While every person reacts in a different manner to traumatic experiences, the following are a few frequently seen symptoms of trauma:

• Feeling constantly on edge and alert
• Easily startled or feeling a sense of being jumpy all of the time
• Quick to anger, rage or violence
• Deep depression, anxiety, suicidal thoughts or a history of suicide attempts
• Flashbacks that feel all too realistic, are unpredictable or are disruptive to a normal life
• Sleeping trouble including insomnia and night terrors
• Inability to form healthy relationships
• A deep sense of guilt, shame or isolation

When you receive trauma treatment for the childhood physical abuse or childhood sexual abuse you suffered at the hands of someone you perhaps trusted, you will be in a much better position to tackle your sobriety.

The Dangers of Not Treating Alcoholism, Drug Abuse or Trauma

There are many severe problems that can occur, if you do not receive professional help for your issues with drug abuse, alcoholism or trauma. The development of the addiction alone is a severe problem that should be addressed. Dangers related to addiction and abuse include the following:

• Self-medication can lead to a potentially life-threatening overdose.
• Your addiction will progress without professional help for trauma and addiction. Addictions are progressive, and they do not go away on their own. They will become the all-consuming focal point of a life.
• Your personal relationships will suffer unless trauma or PTSD is addressed and treated.
• Holding down a good will be difficult or impossible as a direct result of the childhood trauma and substance abuse you are living with.

There is no reason to live your life under the control of your addiction and the trauma you suffered as a child. Don’t let your abuse win. You can change your life now.

Call for Abuse and Addiction Recovery Support Today

We understand what you have gone through and what you are experiencing now. When you call our toll-free helpline, you can confidentially discuss your situation with our compassionate counselors. Getting yourself into a rehab program that will help to simultaneously treat substance abuse and childhood trauma is a vital part of ensuring your future is bright and filled with happiness.