When people think of addiction, they often focus on the substance being used—alcohol, opioids, stimulants, or something else entirely. But addiction rarely begins with a substance. For many, it starts with something unseen: trauma. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we understand that trauma and addiction are deeply connected. We approach healing not just by treating substance abuse, but by helping people confront the unresolved pain that may have led them there in the first place.
If you or someone you love is struggling with addiction and carrying the weight of trauma, you are not alone. Reach out to our team today to start your journey to recovery with our addiction treatment programs. We are here to support you with care grounded in compassion and dignity.
Understanding the link between trauma and addiction
The connection between trauma and addiction is not a coincidence. Studies have consistently shown that people who have experienced trauma—whether it is childhood abuse, neglect, sexual violence, the sudden loss of a loved one, or any other deeply distressing experience—are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders (SUDs). Extensive research highlights a profound connection between substance use and psychological trauma. Surveys show that approximately 75% of individuals struggling with SUDs have endured trauma at some point in their lives.1
Trauma disrupts a person’s sense of safety, stability, and self-worth. The emotional wounds left behind often do not heal on their own. When someone lacks the tools or support to process that pain, substances can feel like a temporary solution. Drugs and alcohol may numb the pain, offer a fleeting sense of control, or quiet the anxiety, shame, and fear that trauma leaves behind.
How trauma impacts addiction at the brain level
Understanding how trauma can lead to addiction starts with looking at the brain. When someone goes through trauma, their brain shifts into survival mode. The amygdala, the part of the brain that detects danger, becomes overactive, constantly on high alert even when there is no real threat. The prefrontal cortex, which helps with reasoning and decision-making, can slow down. This imbalance can leave people feeling on edge, struggling with mood swings, trouble sleeping, or intense emotional reactions.
Experiencing repeated trauma can change the way the brain processes reward and pleasure. Dopamine, the chemical that helps us feel good and stay motivated, is often impacted. For some, using drugs or alcohol provides a temporary escape by boosting dopamine levels and easing painful emotions, even if only briefly. But over time, the brain starts to rely on that relief more and more, which can lead to a cycle of dependency.
For many, this is not about wanting to “get high”—it is about wanting to feel okay. Substance use becomes a way to self-soothe. However, while it may help in the short term, it often leads to long-term harm. Left unaddressed, this cycle can deepen both the trauma and the addiction.
The different faces of trauma
Trauma does not always look like a single, catastrophic event. It can also come from chronic experiences that wear a person down over time:
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs): Include emotional neglect, parental substance use, or domestic violence.2
- Emotional abuse or bullying: Words can leave scars as lasting as physical wounds.
- Loss and grief: Sudden death, miscarriage, or prolonged illness can trigger intense emotional pain.
- Military service or first responder work: These roles often expose people to repeated traumatic events.
Each person has a distinct experience with trauma and a unique response to it. At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we provide a holistic approach that honors every story and builds healing from the inside out.
Why treating both trauma and addiction matters
Addiction recovery without trauma treatment is like bandaging a wound without cleaning it. It might work for a while, but the root issue remains. For someone with unresolved trauma, not addressing it can make relapse more likely. The pain is still there—and without tools to manage it, old coping strategies often return.
That is why we believe in treating the whole person. Spokane Falls Recovery Center provides drug and alcohol treatment services for individuals in need that include:
- Individual therapy: Clients work one-on-one with a trained clinician to identify triggers, build emotional regulation skills, and process traumatic experiences at their own pace.
- Group therapy: Sharing experiences in a supportive space helps people realize they are not alone while learning from the growth and insight of others.
- Evidence-based trauma care: Therapists often use cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) to help reprocess painful memories and reduce their emotional weight.
- Dual diagnosis support: People with substance use disorders often experience conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, or anxiety. Integrated treatment addresses both simultaneously.
Healing is not just about stopping use—it is about reclaiming a sense of self and safety. That is why our programs are grounded in compassion and dignity and tailored to the unique needs of each client.
Signs that trauma may be driving substance use
It can be hard to know whether trauma is playing a role in addiction. Here are some signs that it might be:
- Recurring nightmares, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts
- Trouble sleeping or feeling constantly on edge
- Avoiding people, places, or conversations related to past events
- A sense of numbness or emotional disconnection
- Using substances to manage emotions or feel “normal”
- Feeling stuck in shame, guilt, or grief
If any of these sound familiar, it may be time to talk to someone. You deserve support—not judgment. Spokane Falls Recovery Center is here to walk with you toward a transformed life of stable and healthy sobriety.
Start healing with Spokane Falls Recovery Center
Trauma does not have to define your story. And addiction is not a life sentence. There is hope, and there is help. Whether you have lived with trauma for years or are just beginning to recognize its impact, you are not alone.
At Spokane Falls Recovery Center, we provide a holistic approach to healing that integrates the science of addiction with the art of compassionate care. We meet you where you are and help you find the path forward—step by step. Call 844.962.2775 today to talk with a member of our admissions team, or connect with us online. We are ready to help you start your journey to recovery. Healing is possible—and it begins with reaching out.
Footnotes
