The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common diagnosis among people with alcohol or drug addiction. A person’s life narrative may include issues of early life abuse, neglect, and toxicity. For some, PTSD may stem from combat experience, natural disasters, or a traumatic loss. For others, it may be less of an event, but more of an internalized sense of identity and false self. Regardless of the origin, there is a direct link between trauma and substance abuse. In these cases, trauma therapy is a necessity.