The world has been through an extraordinary set of months brought on by the global pandemic. Suddenly, it seemed we were all threatened by a severely contagious disease. Thousands have died, despite the efforts of many professionals to help them. Today, many of those professionals could be experiencing secondary trauma.
Secondary trauma is something that is felt indirectly rather than experienced first-hand. It happens to people who are commonly exposed to the trauma of others, such as healthcare workers. But there are circumstances through which anyone can feel the pain of secondary trauma.
The solution to secondary trauma is trauma therapy. It’s especially important to get this help to avoid mounting difficulties from substance abuse. For more information about this treatment option, reach out to the TruHealing Gaithersburg by calling (833) 625-0398 or using our convenient contact form today.
Relationship between Trauma and Substance Abuse
The tricky thing about the role of trauma, especially when it results in substance abuse, is the events or circumstances many times happened years earlier. Some studies suggest that many people with substance abuse are reflecting on traumatic incidents from childhood.
Trauma can trigger significant problems across the board with health. These problems do not stop with substance abuse and include heart disease, depression, and other disorders.
Trauma therapy seeks to tackle the role of trauma in all aspects of your life. Substance abuse is a frequent outcome of trauma as people seek ways of self-medicating to reduce their pain.
If you or a loved one shows signs of emotional trauma, it may be time to consider trauma therapy. Counselors will work closely with you to get the root of the issues facing you and help you build skills to defend against the adverse effects of trauma. Treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy or dialectical behavior therapy may also be utilized in trauma therapy.
What is Secondary Trauma?
Treatment experts have consistently recognized that secondary trauma is a significant factor in the treatment of mental health. This condition is a trauma that the person does not experience first-hand. Rather, it comes from reactions to hearing about or witnessing the aftermath of others’ trauma.
This reaction makes first responders, therapists, doctors, and others serving the community particularly prone to secondary trauma.
Secondary trauma is also sometimes called “compassion fatigue.” It can lead to problems such as anxiety, sleep issues, feeling isolated or anxious, helplessness, and more. Sometimes it’s hard to recognize the impact of secondary trauma. However, if you leave it untreated, the problems can quickly grow worse.
Trauma therapy is the most critical solution for secondary trauma.
The Basics of Trauma Therapy
Secondary trauma takes an already difficult situation and makes it worse. Trauma therapy is the place to address the issues of trauma.
In these therapy sessions, your counselors will help you understand trauma’s role in your life. You’ll look at how it impacts your sense of safety and security and your reactions to other situations in life.
Trauma can come in many forms. Some of these include adverse, persistent reactions to:
- Involvement in or witnessing car, train, or other accidents
- Being a victim of domestic violence.
- Being a victim of a robbery or other violent crime
- A sudden battles with your health
- Sexual abuse or sexual assault
Trauma often occurs in those in military service. The condition of post-traumatic stress disorder is a severe problem for those returning from active combat duty.
Addressing Trauma with TruHealing Gaithersburg
The link between trauma and substance abuse is undeniable. When your situation involves a secondary trauma, it makes treatment even more challenging. If this describes your situation, let TruHealing Gaithersburg help. We maintain an evidence-based rehab program that provides treatment for substance abuse, process addictions, and co-occurring disorders. Our accredited medical and therapeutic staff, experienced in all forms of addiction medicine, will support from intake through to aftercare. Reclaim your life of sobriety in a facility that emphasizes your security, privacy, and comfort. Take on the problems of trauma and substance abuse today. Learn about our rehab admissions process and then contact TruHealing Gaithersburg at (833) 625-0398 for an appointment.
