Traumatic events can trigger drug addiction

Here at Fairwinds Treatment Center, we have long held that a traumatic event may trigger a new drug problem or exacerbate an existing one. That's why, since Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef founded Fairwinds in 1989, he has used a unique dual diagnosis methodology to address both a patient's chemical dependency and any underlying psychological and emotional trauma that may be festering below the surface, which would otherwise prevent their recovery. 

In the last 25 years, cutting-edge research and emerging anecdotal evidence have continued to support Dr. El-Yousef's belief in the connection between substance abuse and other, often undiagnosed issues, such as post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder and obsessive compulsive disorder. Recently, a young methamphetamine addict shared the story of her descent into drug addiction with her local newspaper, The Billings Gazette.

Brittney Boswell says her substance abuse started when she was prescribed a painkiller after a miscarriage. She became addicted and when her prescription ran out, she started buying drugs off of the streets. She turned to meth after the death of her nephew. 

"I was willing to do anything to make that [pain] go away," she tells the source. "Within the first month, I lost my apartment, I lost my job, I lost my two kids … Even though I lost everything, I still thought I had everything in control." 

Boswell's story is not unusual. New or escalating drug use often occurs after traumatic events like a miscarriage, attack, accident or death. Undiagnosed issues like anxiety or depression may also make coping with such experiences more difficult, prompting the victim to turn to substances to try to mitigate their suffering. Trauma can also occur as the result of ongoing stress, stemming from living or working in a conflict-filled environment or from suffering longstanding abuse.

If an addiction sufferer does not address the trauma in addition to facing their chemical dependency, recovery will almost never be successful. On the other hand, Fairwinds' dual diagnosis system has a history of success, using a personalized combination of clinical treatment and therapeutic counseling to treat each patient's individual needs. Our experienced professionals can help patients acknowledge the past, develop coping skills for the present and move toward a stronger future. 

To this day, far too few drug addiction treatment facilities promote both inner and outer healing, focusing solely on the latter without acknowledging the former. However, if you or a loved one is struggling with addiction that may have a connection to a traumatic experience, know that help is available and recovery is possible with the help of a dual diagnosis plan. There is simply no better place to work toward a brighter future than at Fairwinds Treatment Center here in Clearwater, Florida. Contact us today to learn more.