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Finding the Root of Your Addiction

Addiction is rarely ever caused by simply using substances. Many complex issues factor into one turning to substances. These factors typically include past traumas and co-occurring mental disorders. To successfully treat substance use disorder (SUD), you must also seek treatment for these underlying factors.

By getting to the root cause of your struggle with addiction, you will not only recover but also be able to maintain recovery long-term. Individuals can find their root cause of addiction through therapy, trauma-informed services, and dual diagnosis.

Therapeutic Modalities

Many therapeutic modalities are used to treat the underlying cause of addiction. Individual therapy helps many clients. By working with a therapist whose expertise matches your needs, you will talk about your past, discuss how you got to where you are today, and examine your behaviors as they relate to trauma, emotional struggles, and addiction.

Other beneficial forms of treatment may include:

  • Group therapy
  • Meditation and yoga
  • Psychodrama
  • Art therapy
  • Adventure therapy

Understanding the Impact of Trauma on Addiction

Trauma plays a significant role in the development of SUD. Traumatic experiences vary. Some experience an isolated traumatic event, and others continually experience trauma over time. Common examples include:

  • Abuse and neglect
  • Natural disasters or accidents
  • Violence or exposure to combat zones
  • Loss and grief
  • Illness or injury

People respond to trauma differently. However, seeking trauma treatment can prevent any underlying conditions from developing. Not everyone struggling with addiction will realize the connection it has to trauma. Seeking treatment will help connect those dots, discover the root cause of addiction, and address your trauma and mental health struggles.

Dual Diagnosis and Co-Occurring Disorders

Similar to how trauma treatment can help you discover the root cause of addiction, seeking treatment for co-occurring disorders can also help you make this discovery. Dual diagnosis and co-occurring disorders are when someone struggles with a mental health disorder in addition to SUD.

Research indicates that individuals with pre-existing mental illnesses are at a greater risk of becoming dependent on substances. When people do not know how to cope with symptoms of mental illness, they may turn to substance use and ultimately become dependent.

People struggling with co-occurring disorders benefit from dual diagnosis treatment as this method integrates mental health and addiction recovery programming. This program will treat underlying conditions like anxiety, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or other illnesses while treating addiction.

If you are struggling with addiction and are unsure what kind of treatment is right for you, discuss your options with a mental health professional or your medical provider. A treatment program that addresses mental health issues and substance abuse will help you discover the root of your addiction and teach you the tools needed to live a life of recovery.

Those struggling with addiction may not realize or know the root cause of their struggles. It can be hard to pinpoint the underlying causes of addiction on our own. For example, trauma can impact the development of addiction later on in life. Seeking trauma treatment can help us understand and treat it appropriately. Similarly, people with pre-existing mental illnesses are at a greater risk of becoming dependent on substances. Dual diagnosis will show you the root cause of addiction and offers the chance to treat the underlying cause and the addiction. For more, call The Guest House at (855) 483-7800.