Understanding Addiction
Addiction is often more than just compulsive substance use—it’s a complex condition that can stem from underlying emotional pain and trauma. Many individuals turn to substances as a way to disconnect from the deep-seated pain and overwhelm caused by traumatic experiences. Recognizing this link is crucial in treating addiction not just as a chemical dependency but as a holistic emotional and psychological issue.
Types of Addiction
Addiction can manifest in various forms, each with its own set of challenges and impacts on an individual’s life:
- Substance Addictions: This includes dependency on alcohol, prescription medications, nicotine, and illegal drugs. Substance addiction is characterized by the compulsive use of substances despite harmful consequences.
- Behavioral Addictions: Also known as process addictions, these involve compulsive engagement in non-substance-related behaviors such as gambling, eating, gaming, or shopping. Like substance addiction, these behaviors significantly impair one’s functioning and well-being.
- Alcohol Addiction: One of the most common forms of substance addiction, involving a physical and emotional dependency on alcohol.
- Drug Addiction: This can include both illicit drugs like heroin or cocaine and prescription drugs such as opioids or sedatives. Drug addiction often requires comprehensive medical and psychological intervention.
Our Approach to Addiction Treatment
At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, Kristin Cantella, LMFT, approaches addiction with compassion and a non-judgmental perspective. We focus on addressing the root causes of addiction, particularly the trauma history that often underlies substance use. Our treatment strategies are designed to promote healing from within, acknowledging and resolving the deep emotional wounds that contribute to addictive behaviors.
Trauma-Informed Therapy
Since trauma is a critical factor in many addiction cases, our trauma-informed therapy practices are central to treatment. This approach ensures that we treat not only the addiction but also the traumatic experiences that may drive it, facilitating a comprehensive healing process.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is effective in helping individuals identify and challenge the negative thought patterns and behaviors that contribute to substance abuse. This method also provides tools for coping with cravings and avoiding triggers.
Mindfulness-Based Interventions
These interventions teach clients how to stay present and mindful, reducing the impulse to use substances as a way to escape emotional discomfort. Techniques like meditation and focused breathing are part of this therapy, helping individuals gain better control over their responses to stress and anxiety.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR is highly effective for individuals whose addictive behaviors are linked to traumatic experiences or unresolved emotional distress. By processing these traumatic memories and reducing their emotional charge, EMDR can decrease the need for substances or behaviors used by individuals to self-medicate or escape from their pain.
This therapy helps rewire neural pathways associated with traumatic memories and can reduce triggers for substance use.
Internal Family Systems (IFS)
IFS is particularly useful for understanding and integrating the various internal parts that may contribute to addictive behaviors. This approach identifies and addresses different ‘parts’ or subpersonalities within the individual—such as parts that impulsively use substances to cope with emotional pain or parts that try to protect the individual from perceived threats.
IFS helps clients develop a more compassionate and understanding relationship with these parts, leading to greater self-awareness and control over addictive actions.
Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy is based on the connection between the mind and body, focusing on the physical sensations and stored trauma within the body. For addiction, somatic practices can help individuals become more aware of their bodily sensations and triggers related to substance use.
Techniques such as grounding, mindfulness, and tension release exercises can reduce the physiological cravings and anxiety that often accompany withdrawal and recovery. This awareness and regulation of the body’s responses can empower individuals to maintain sobriety and manage stress without relying on substances.
Benefits of Addiction Therapy
Engaging in addiction therapy at Touchstone Trauma Therapy offers numerous benefits:
- Healing Emotional Wounds: By addressing the underlying trauma, therapy helps heal the emotional wounds that contribute to addiction.
- Reducing Dependency: Clients learn healthier ways to cope with stress and emotional pain, reducing their dependency on substances.
- Improving Relationships: As individuals recover, they often experience improved relationships with family and friends, which can provide additional support during their recovery journey.
- Enhancing Quality of Life: Overcoming addiction leads to better physical health, emotional well-being, and an overall enhancement of life quality.
Why Choose Touchstone Trauma Therapy?
We provide empathetic, personalized care tailored to the complexities of addiction. At Touchstone Trauma Therapy, we are committed to helping you navigate the path to recovery, offering support and guidance every step of the way. Let us help you find the road to true healing and a life free from the need for substances.
