We all know that addiction doesn’t occur in a vacuum. Addiction is often a combination of things, including your genetic propensity, environment, health, and traumatic experiences. Often, properly dealing with your addictive tendencies requires that you address trauma instead.
Work With a Team
Don’t try to address trauma on your own. Work with a team of professionals along with your own interpersonal support network. 12 step sponsors can be helpful in in pointing you in the right direction for help. A therapist will help you explore your trauma in a healthy way, while also providing you with the coping skills you need to recover rather than dwelling. Close friends and family members can be allowed to help, but remember: you’re not obligated to tell anyone about your trauma that you don’t want to.
Learn More About How Trauma Impacts You
There have been many scientific studies about how trauma impacts adults and children alike. Learning more can help you explain your own behavior and support you in your recovery. Often, people find that everything clicks into place as they learn more, and they feel more in charge of the situation. People don’t just become addicts overnight: there are well-studied issues that lead to it. Recovery is discovery of yourself.
Avoid Triggers for Your Trauma
There are things that can bring back memories and feelings that are associated with trauma. Often, these things may tempt you to abuse substances again. Learning more about your triggers is what helps you avoid them. Triggers could be a time of year such as the holidays, or just being around certain family members. Don’t be afraid to cut people out of your life that aren’t healthy to you. Your journey can have many changes and the people and situations you surround yourself with may change as you discover and recover.
Keep a Journal of Your Feelings
Journals make it easier for you to track your feelings, turning your emotions into something that’s more productive. An emotional outlet gives you a better understanding of how you’re impacted by the trauma in your life and gives you the opportunity to explore your own reactions to that trauma.
Trauma and addiction aren’t easy things to tackle, but with the help of professionals you can improve and take charge. For more information, check out My 12 Step Store.