Addressing Traumatic Events Involving Addiction

At Silver Ridge in Asheville, North Carolina, we recognize that trauma and addiction often go hand-in-hand, creating a complex cycle that can be difficult to break without proper support. Trauma-informed care is a specialized approach to addiction treatment designed to address the profound impact that unresolved trauma can have on an individual’s life and substance use. While it does not focus on processing the traumatic experience itself, trauma-informed care addresses the way trauma influences addiction and overall well-being, empowering clients to reclaim control of their lives.

Trauma can affect every aspect of a person’s existence, with physical, mental, behavioral, social and spiritual impacts. Our trauma-informed care program educates clients about the consequences of trauma, giving them the tools to understand how their past experiences might contribute to their addiction. We believe that healing from addiction requires recognizing the connection between trauma and substance use and learning new ways to cope and thrive in recovery.

The Relationship between Trauma and Addiction

It is not uncommon for individuals to turn to substance abuse as a way of coping with trauma. Addiction may begin as a means of escaping painful memories or overwhelming emotions, but over time, it often leads to even greater harm and additional traumatic experiences. This creates a vicious cycle where trauma fuels addiction, and addiction results in further trauma, leaving the individual feeling trapped.

Many people develop addictions after experiencing a traumatic event. These can include, but are not limited to:

• Living through a natural disaster
• Sexual abuse or assault
• Suffering a serious injury or accident
• Losing a loved one
• Witnessing a violent act or crime
• Experiencing domestic violence

When people attempt to manage the effects of trauma through substances such as alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behaviors (like overeating or sex), they often spiral into a destructive pattern. Instead of finding relief, they face more trauma and deeper emotional distress. The key to breaking this cycle is addressing both the trauma and the addiction simultaneously, which is where trauma-informed care becomes essential.

How Trauma-Informed Care Can Help

Trauma-informed care is built on the understanding that individuals who have experienced trauma need to feel safe and supported in order to heal. At Silver Ridge, we create a therapeutic environment where clients can begin to rebuild a sense of safety and stability, allowing them to confront their addiction without fear or re-traumatization.

The lingering effects of trauma, such as chronic stress and anxiety, can persist because the brain and body remain in a heightened state of alert, even when the immediate danger has passed. Unlike animals, humans have the capacity to dwell on traumatic events long after they occur, leading to prolonged emotional and psychological distress. Trauma-informed care seeks to help individuals feel grounded and safe in the present moment, giving them the tools to move forward from their past.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma-informed care is guided by six key principles, which are essential to fostering a healing environment:

1. Safety

Establishing a sense of safety is the foundation of trauma-informed care. In our programs, clients are provided with a secure and supportive environment where they can explore their experiences without fear of judgment or harm. Ensuring physical and emotional safety is critical for healing.

2. Trustworthiness and Transparency

Trust is vital in trauma recovery. Our care professionals are dedicated to being transparent in all interactions, ensuring that clients feel confident in the treatment process. Open communication helps to build trust between clients and therapists, allowing for more meaningful progress.

3. Peer Support

Having the support of others who have experienced similar challenges can be an invaluable part of the recovery process. Peer support fosters a sense of connection, reducing feelings of isolation and validating the client’s experiences. We encourage clients to participate in peer support groups as part of their treatment journey.

4. Collaboration

Healing is a collaborative process, and we believe in working closely with our clients, their loved ones and other professionals involved in their care. By encouraging collaboration, we ensure that each client’s needs and preferences are honored, empowering them to take an active role in their recovery.

5. Empowerment and Choice

Trauma can leave individuals feeling powerless and out of control. Trauma-informed care seeks to restore a sense of agency by empowering clients to make choices about their treatment. Clients are encouraged to participate in their care plan and take ownership of their recovery journey.

6. Addressing Cultural, Historical, and Gender Issues

Trauma is experienced differently depending on an individual’s background, culture and identity. Our trauma-informed approach acknowledges the importance of understanding these factors and ensures that treatment is sensitive to each client’s unique experiences. This includes addressing any historical or gender-related traumas that may impact the recovery process.

Rebuilding Life After Trauma and Addiction

At Silver Ridge, trauma-informed care goes beyond helping clients achieve sobriety—it is about empowering them to rebuild their lives with confidence and resilience. For individuals who have turned to substances to numb the pain of trauma, it is critical to learn how to face their emotions without relying on destructive coping mechanisms.

Our trauma-informed approach includes teaching clients how to manage triggers, regulate their emotions and develop healthy coping strategies. This process enables them to navigate life’s challenges without returning to substance use. Clients learn that they can live with their thoughts and feelings in a healthy way, rather than numbing or avoiding them.

We focus on helping clients rediscover a sense of purpose and fulfillment, equipping them with the tools they need to build a balanced and meaningful life in recovery.

The Importance of Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Treatment

One of the most important aspects of trauma-informed care is recognizing that unresolved trauma can be a significant barrier to successful addiction recovery. Without addressing the underlying trauma, individuals may struggle to maintain sobriety or may even relapse as they continue to use substances to cope with the pain.

By integrating trauma-informed care into addiction treatment, Silver Ridge provides a comprehensive approach that addresses the whole person—body, mind and spirit. This holistic care ensures that clients not only achieve sobriety but also work through the deep emotional wounds that may have contributed to their addiction in the first place.

At Silver Ridge, we offer trauma-informed care as part of our individualized treatment plans, ensuring that each client receives the personalized support they need to heal from both trauma and addiction. Our experienced therapists are trained in trauma-specific interventions such as eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). These evidence-based practices help clients process their trauma, develop new ways of thinking and regain a sense of control over their lives.

Taking the First Step Toward Healing

At Silver Ridge in Asheville, North Carolina, we are committed to providing compassionate, trauma-informed care that empowers individuals to heal from addiction and trauma. We understand the profound impact that trauma can have on a person’s life, and we are here to help clients find hope and healing.

If you or a loved one is struggling with addiction and unresolved trauma, our team at Silver Ridge is here to support you on your journey to recovery. Contact us today to learn more about how trauma-informed care can be the key to breaking free from the cycle of addiction and building a healthier, more fulfilling life.