In recent years, rehab centers across the world have been finding that some people are not able to stay clean without trauma treatment. In this blog we examine why this is, explore the link between trauma and addiction, and look at specific trauma based treatment modalities which can support long term recovery.

If you believe that trauma is stopping you from getting clean from addiction, there is a way out. Contact us on +44 20 4530 5225 to find out how we can get you the help you need.

When Regular Addiction Treatment Isn’t Enough

People struggling with addiction have often found that the usual approach for addiction treatment is effective for them. This usually involves a mixture of 12 step work, talk therapy and group sessions which educate clients on the nature of addiction. But some find that despite going through rehab and working a program diligently, they are still not able to stay away from substances or other addictions.

There is an unfortunate tendency of some people working in rehabs or being fellows in recovery communities to blame the person who relapses. These people may claim that the person who relapses did not try hard enough in rehab, didn’t follow through on a program of recovery, or is in denial about some aspect of their addiction.

We believe that this is not necessarily the case. Our experience has shown us that people with severe trauma may not be able to stay away from addictive substances and behaviors without going through a trauma based treatment program.

In cases where addiction is deeply rooted in past trauma, a more comprehensive and trauma-informed approach to treatment is necessary. Traditional methods can be effective for many, but they may not fully address the underlying wounds that drive compulsive substance use.

Understanding the Link Between Trauma and Addiction

For people with severe trauma, addiction often serves as a coping mechanism—an attempt to numb painful emotions, dissociation, or chronic stress responses. When trauma remains unprocessed, simply removing the addictive substance or behavior doesn’t resolve the internal distress. In fact, for many, sobriety without trauma healing can feel intolerable, increasing the likelihood of relapse.

Trauma-based addiction treatment recognizes that healing addiction requires more than just willpower or behavioral change; it involves nervous system regulation, emotional processing, and deep healing of past wounds.

What Does Trauma Based Treatment for Addiction Involve?

Trauma based treatment for addiction is a departure from other methods of addiction recovery. It involves exploring the beliefs that developed from experiencing trauma and questioning the narrative. After this is done, client and therapist develop healthier understandings of life which are aligned with long term recovery.

A trauma sufferer may have experienced severe betrayal from a care-giver, or from someone they trusted, leading to a belief that people are inherently bad and that connection is dangerous. This makes addiction recovery even more challenging, as it can lead to isolation, which frequently leads to relapse.

The person with trauma may not even be aware of this pattern of behavior until it is presented to them by a trauma professional. In cases like these, self-awareness is key, and it can lead to a situation where new understandings are developed, and this possibility for connection is restored.

In recent years, many trauma therapists have begun incorporating somatic approaches to trauma healing. This style of trauma therapy helps trauma sufferers to lean into parts of the body when trauma is stored, experiencing old wounds which had been repressed. Trauma sufferers with addiction often use substances to cope with these old feelings.

Focusing on these old feelings allows trapped energy to be released. We find that once this is done, it can become far easier for people with addiction to stay clean, as their using substances is often caused by an attempt to not experience these wounds.

Methods of Releasing Trauma in Addiction Treatment

Trauma-based treatment for addiction focuses on actively processing and releasing emotional wounds. Therapists use different approaches to help trauma sufferers confront and heal from trauma instead of numbing the pain with substances. Below are three powerful methods used in trauma-focused addiction recovery.

Somatic Experiencing (SE): Healing Through the Body

Somatic Experiencing (SE), developed by Dr. Peter Levine, helps people with trauma release trauma stored in the nervous system by focusing on physical sensations. Many people struggling with addiction feel disconnected from their bodies, making it difficult to process past wounds.

• SE guides people with trauma to notice and track bodily sensations linked to trauma.
• Grounding exercises, breathwork, and slow movements help release stored tension.
• By completing the body’s natural stress response, SE reduces the urge to self-medicate.

Instead of reliving traumatic memories, Somatic Experiencing allows participants to physically let go of trauma, creating a sense of safety and balance.

Internal Family Systems (IFS): Healing the Inner Parts

Internal Family Systems (IFS), created by Dr. Richard Schwartz, helps clients understand and heal different parts of themselves. Addiction often stems from wounded parts that carry pain or from protective parts that use substances to avoid suffering.

• IFS encourages the experiencing different inner parts, like an abandoned child or a protective figure.
• Acknowledging these parts with compassion can help heal old wounds.
• Strengthening the “Self” allows a person to lead their internal system with confidence.

Rather than fighting addiction, IFS helps to integrate and support the parts that struggle with trauma.

Compassionate Inquiry (CI): Questioning the Trauma Narrative

Dr. Gabor Maté developed Compassionate Inquiry (CI) to help his clients uncover and challenge the subconscious beliefs formed by trauma. Many people with addiction carry deep-seated beliefs of unworthiness, leading to patterns of shame and self-destruction.

• CI therapists guide clients to explore their hidden emotional wounds driving their addiction.
• Instead of judging these beliefs, participants in Compassionate Inquiry approach them with curiosity and self-compassion.
• Challenging trauma-driven narratives creates space for healing and transformation.

Compassionate Inquiry allows people to see past their addiction and reconnect with their authentic selves.

Get Trauma Based Treatment for Addiction Today

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction and trauma, it’s time to explore trauma based treatment options that can lead to lasting healing. Our team of experienced professionals is here to support you through your recovery journey. 

Contact us today at +44 20 4530 5225 to learn more about how trauma-focused treatment can help you break free from addiction and heal from the inside out.