Did you know that most adults experience a traumatic event at some point in their lives? For many, this can lead to mental health challenges or trauma-related responses, which may sometimes include substance use disorders (SUDs). While addictive substances may temporarily numb emotional pain, they don’t promote true healing. Because trauma is so common, trauma-informed care—including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment—has become an essential part of professional mental health and addiction treatment programs.
Trauma counseling provides a compassionate path to ease the distressing symptoms of substance use disorders and other mental health concerns. Although there are many effective therapies for addiction, trauma-informed care is often a cornerstone of personalized treatment plans. If you or someone you care about has experienced trauma and struggles with an SUD, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our caring team at ALANA Recovery in Georgia. Our PTSD treatment program can guide you on your healing journey.
Understanding Trauma
The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM) defines trauma as experiencing or being exposed to situations involving serious injury, sexual violation, or death in one or more of the following ways:
- Directly experiencing the event
- Witnessing the event in person as it happens to others
- Learning that the event occurred to a close friend or family member
- Experiencing extreme or repeated exposure to the details of such events
Examples of traumatic events include car accidents, natural disasters, mass shootings, and sexual assault. Trauma often stems from situations that threaten a person’s sense of safety or that of their loved ones. In some cases, prolonged unresolved trauma can develop into post-traumatic stress disorder. Many people seeking therapy are dealing with the lasting effects of trauma. Professional therapists and counselors play a vital role in preventing further harm during treatment, which is the focus of trauma-informed care.
What Is Trauma-Informed Care?
Trauma-informed care is all about creating a safe, supportive environment where people feel understood and empowered. It focuses on helping those affected get the care they need without causing further harm. Therapists and counselors who practice trauma-informed care take the time to understand how past experiences shape someone’s life today.
The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) outlines six core principles of trauma-informed care to guide mental health providers:
- Safety – Ensuring a secure, welcoming space where patients feel comfortable during treatment
- Transparency and trust – Building trust through honesty and openness about treatments and policies
- Peer support – Building connections with others to share experiences, build trust, and find hope together
- Collaboration – Working as a team with your therapist, where they support and guide you rather than take control
- Empowerment and choice – Focusing on your strengths and preferences, giving you the power to take charge of your recovery
- Cultural awareness – Treating patients as unique individuals, free from assumptions, and respecting their stories
These principles come to life when people recognize trauma, understand its effects, respond with care, and avoid re-traumatization. By adopting trauma-informed care principles, therapists and counselors help people navigate their way to healing.
How Can PTSD Treatment Help?
In cases where addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder co-occur, dual diagnosis treatment is often the most beneficial approach. PTSD may fuel addiction as a person attempts to cope with the lingering effects of trauma. By treating both PTSD and substance use disorders simultaneously, therapists can address underlying issues that may be contributing to substance misuse.
At ALANA Recovery, our team can help you navigate the challenges of PTSD. We use evidence-based practices that help you process trauma and develop practical ways to manage symptoms. We also offer a supportive, compassionate community where you can connect with others who truly understand what you’re going through.
Begin Your Journey to Healing with ALANA Recovery
ALANA Recovery is here to support you with care that genuinely understands what you’re going through. If you or someone you love is ready to start the path to recovery, call us at 770.759.7474 or reach out to our caring team online. You don’t have to go through this alone—we’re here for you.