Dr. M.K. (Khal) El-Yousef founded Fairwinds Treatment Center, one of the best addiction treatment centers in the world, on the belief that substance abuse is often triggered or worsened by underlying issues like trauma, anxiety, depression, obsessive compulsive disorder or bipolar disorder. After seeing that far too many addiction treatment centers ignore these psychological, mental and/or emotional challenges, focusing exclusively on the physical aspects of chemical dependency, Dr. El-Yousef developed his unique dual diagnosis methodology. For the last 25 years, this approach has helped Fairwinds’ patients heal inside and out, promoting a lasting, comprehensive recovery.
A recent article in The New York Post highlights the link between childhood trauma, depression and addiction, a connection that Dr. El-Yousef and Fairwinds’ other treatment specialists have observed firsthand in many of our patients. The piece examines the case of an anonymous man who recently shared his story on Reddit, saying that in addition to being abused as a child, he also suffered severe bullying throughout his youth.
After graduating from high school, the 28-year-old says that he moved away from home and went to a distant college, where he was able to make a fresh start and forge a new identity. He now has a good job, plenty of friends and a life that looks great from the outside. However, the trauma he suffered as a child continues to haunt him, leaving him with low self-esteem and persistent depression. While he would like to be in a serious relationship, the Reddit user says he can’t seem to make a meaningful connection, and instead turns to alcohol to handle his pain and get him through interactions with romantic interests.
“I think I’m turning into an alcoholic,” the man writes. “I literally cannot make a move without getting [drunk.] Sometimes I just can’t possibly build up enough liquid courage and just end up blacking out and/or going home.”
His drinking habits and mental state are certainly cause for concern, but they are far from uncommon. Many adults who suffered traumatic experiences in childhood, such as abuse or bullying, never have the opportunity to constructively address their internal wounds. As a result, those past hurts continue to damage their lives in the present, often causing them to turn to substance abuse as a way of coping with their suffering. Needless to say, alcohol and drugs only make their pain worse.
If you endured trauma as a child and today find yourself struggling with addiction, it’s important to realize that you are not alone, and that help is available here at Fairwinds Treatment Center in Clearwater, Florida. We have helped countless people just like you find peace and healing and go on to live happy and well-adjusted lives. Contact us today to learn more.
