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...
