Complex trauma & addiction

The mainstream rhetoric around what we label “addiction” often centres around genetics and self control and focuses on cognitive and abstinence based treatments. The role of trauma is rarely mentioned or acknowledged.

There are many layers to addiction and we must look at all the biological, social, psychological and spiritual factors. Each case is unique and there is no one size fits all solution. But an overall acknowledgment of the correlation between trauma and addiction within the medical model is critical.

Many addictive behaviours offer a reprieve from painful and overwhelming sensations and emotions. The ability to distract ourselves or soothe ourselves in times of overwhelm can be a vital resource and isn’t always a bad thing. Many substances and behaviours aren’t inherently addictive. It is our acute and frequent need for relief from pain or discomfort that leads to the addictive relationship. Any time there is a relationship with a substance or behaviour that takes on an obsessive or compulsive quality, there is almost always suffering beneath the surface.

Additionally the trauma of living in a individualist, oppressive, puritanical, capitalist society leaves us vulnerable to seeking relief and pleasure from sources other than community, ritual, a sense of belonging and safety. We are left feeling hungry, restless, untethered and searching. We turn to substances or experiences that give us an experience that feels similar to attachment and connection. Similarly if we’ve experienced relational trauma we may avoid connection to protect ourselves from further wounding and attempt to fill these attachment needs through compulsive drug or alcohol use (or anything else).

Any addictive behaviour can actually be adaptive and useful at times because it allows us to survive, but it can also come at a cost to our connection with self and others. Shame around these behaviours only work to estrange us further from what we are seeking. The more we can understand addiction and the less we demonize it, the closer we move to treating those who are in pain with compassion and care.