How Does Trauma Result in Addiction?

How Addiction Can Develop from Trauma

The Brain Can Become Reactive

Human brains are very adaptable.

The brain may react to and adjust according to human experiences because of a property known as plasticity.

Neurons in some areas of the brain develop, alter, and break as a result of everything people do and experience, whether good or harmful.

Childhood experiences may accompany individuals throughout adolescence and adulthood due to their flexibility. In truth, your thoughts, behaviors, and reactions to people, events, and opportunities are shaped by your experiences.

Abnormalities in the brain occur when people are traumatized. Impulse control and cognitive thinking are often affected by these changes.

The amygdala, prefrontal cortex, and hippocampus are the brain areas most affected by trauma. The amygdala controls the fight-or-flight response while your hippocampus integrates and maintains emotional memories.

The prefrontal cortex aids in the regulation of impulse control and emotions. The amygdala goes into overdrive after a traumatic event, suppressing the prefrontal cortex.

As a result, people are less able to manage their fears and become more reactive.

This can lead to lowered impulse control, making people indulge in substance abuse. 

Need for Constant Comfort

Cortisol levels rise after a traumatic event. Cortisol and other stress chemicals at dangerously high levels obstruct proper brain growth.

Individuals who have undergone trauma often crave comfort, relief, and satisfaction since they may not find pleasure and comfort. The brain seeks pleasure in order to fulfill this demand for comfort.

As a consequence, many individuals resort to substances that are addictive, such as alcohol or narcotics. Stimulants like crystal meth, cocaine, and heroin, for example, increase dopamine levels in the brain.

Dopamine, commonly known as the "feel-good" molecule, provides a feeling of pleasure, relaxation, and release for a short period.

Unfortunately, this feeling of well-being is fleeting, leading to people's continued use of these narcotics. As a result, some turn to drugs and alcohol to replace the comfort and security they should have had throughout their lives.

Increase Likelihood of Mental Health Issues

Untreated trauma may quickly lead to mental health issues.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that arises when individuals have trouble recovering from a catastrophic incident they have experienced or seen.

People who have been through trauma may become depressed or anxious.

Self-medication is a possibility for certain people.

Unfortunately, mental health issues might make people more susceptible to using addictive drugs. Individuals who are always depressed, suffering from panic attacks, and coping with social anxiety or paranoia may attempt to self-medicate their problems.

While people engage in practices that make them feel momentarily better when they are in a difficult circumstance, they attempt to self-medicate their difficulties.

Numerous people who have been through trauma self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Some people attempt to numb themselves from unpleasant thoughts and memories.

Pathways Recover Centers is here to help you through addiction disorders. We help people by using holistic techniques like professional therapy, which can address the trauma building up inside you.