At Fountain Hills Recovery, we believe that addiction is only a part of the problem, or rather, the end result of a series of unfortunate events. Addressing the main issue behind substance use is the only way to guarantee a long-term victory over addiction. Trauma from previous life events can be a source of developing a habit of substance use in order to mask emotional pain.
Drugs are often used to disconnect and dissociate from negative emotional experiences. Unfortunately, this is just a temporary escape that the body adapts to over time. In order to achieve the same effect, the drug user needs to up the dose, going further down the rabbit hole of addiction. As a leading provider of trauma therapy in Arizona, Fountain Hills Recovery is decisive in helping people end this vicious cycle and continue with their lives in a healthy and balanced manner.
The Importance of Trauma Therapy
Trauma-focused therapy is a crucial part of the recovery process for those who suffer from PTSD and have emotional problems linked to a past event. Without proper guidance, many of these people turn to self-medication and abuse prescribed psychoactive drugs, alcohol, or illegal substances.
In our treatment facilities in Fountain Hills, Arizona, we use several therapy models to treat trauma, including the revolutionary Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) method. EMDR Therapy is an interactive type of psychotherapy in which the patient’s natural healing ability is stimulated through rapid eye movement while thinking about a distressing memory . The entire process is supervised by a trained therapist and conducted in an environment where the patient feels safe and comfortable.
In some cases, the trauma might be from the patient’s childhood, so we try to make sure that non-offending family members are also involved in the rehabilitation process. Of course, we only do this if it’s in the best interest of our client. Some of our staff members are experts who are specially trained or licensed to conduct these forms of trauma counseling services, assuring that the client does not have any adverse effects from revisiting traumatizing memories.
By utilizing this trauma-informed approach to treating addiction, we can provide our clients with the tools needed for long-term success in sobriety and help prevent relapse that usually happens with short-term solutions for addiction problems.
Are you suffering from specific emotional issues linked to trauma from a previous event in your life? We can help you find peace and self-acceptance, just give us a call or contact us through our website.
Frequently Asked Questions
We believe that addiction often is rooted in underlying trauma or emotional concerns. This means it’s crucial to address these deep-seated issues to ensure long-term success in overcoming addiction and substance abuse. Lingering trauma resulting from past life events can push individuals to self-medicate with alcohol or other substances to cope with their emotional pain. At Fountain Hills Recovery, our goal is to break this cycle with intensive inpatient trauma therapy and lead our patients to a healthier and more balanced life free from addiction.
Our treatment approach is built around trauma therapy, especially when treating those who are suffering from PTSD and emotional issues related to past events. We use a variety of techniques, including the innovative Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) process. EMDR is an interactive form of psychotherapy in which patients recall past traumas in a safe, supervised environment. If the trauma stems from childhood events, we may involve the patient’s family. Our post-traumatic stress disorder therapy sessions are always conducted by licensed therapists with experience in treating trauma, with the goal of helping clients address the events in their past and acquire skills and strategies needed for long-term sobriety and preventing relapse.
Ignoring trauma can lead to a variety of negative consequences that go beyond addiction and substance abuse. For example, an individual’s mental health can be adversely affected, leading to conditions including depression, anxiety and PTSD. Unresolved trauma also may impact a person’s relationships with friends and family, making it difficult for them to maintain lasting connections with others. Chronic stress also can cause a deterioration of physical health, with conditions including high blood pressure and heart disease resulting. Trauma also hinders personal growth and development, hurting one’s potential to succeed in their goals. Children may also be affected by their parents’ struggles, with learned behaviors and emotional patterns impacting their growth.
Some of the most common symptoms manifested as a result of trauma include flashbacks, intrusive thoughts and nightmares. Patients may experience anxiety, depression and intense mood swings, as well. Those suffering from trauma also may exhibit heightened irritability, anger and a sense of emotional numbness. Some common physical symptoms include trouble sleeping, fatigue due to muscle tension and an increased startle response. Those experiencing trauma also may avoid reminders of the specific events that led to it, experience dissociation and have difficulty concentrating. However, not all patients experience all these symptoms, and everyone’s experience is different. This is why professional trauma and PTSD counseling is necessary to help patients achieve a life worth living again.
You are not alone when you come to the Phoenix area for trauma therapy. The area’s landscape and climate create a peaceful environment for healing. This can help patients resolve issues with sleeping or irritability.
