Substance Use following Trauma

Making Sense of Trauma – 6

Substance Use following Trauma

Some people increase their use of alcohol or substances following a trauma. This is often an attempt to block out painful memories, thoughts or feelings related to the trauma.

There’s nothing wrong with responsible drinking, but if your use of alcohol or drugs has changed as a result of your traumatic experience, it can slow down your recovery and cause problems of its own.

MAKING SENSE OF TRAUMA ARTICLE SERIES

A series of articles covering trauma reactions

Related Resources

Making Sense of Traumatic Events
If you have experienced a traumatic event, you’re not alone. Unfortunately, trauma is prevalent in our society. An estimated 1 in 5 adults have experienced physical or sexual abuse during childhood.
Common Emotional Reactions to Trauma
It’s common to experience a range of different emotions following a trauma event.

Do I Have a Problem?
Many people who have a problem with alcohol and drugs will try to cover it up. Problems are not always visible, but there are signs, and different ways of approaching recovery.
Avoiding Trauma Triggers
Avoiding things that relate to or remind you of a traumatic event is a common way of managing the impact of trauma.

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We want to help you make changes in your own lives and point you in a direction to start doing so. This is Wellbeing Lothian’s aim.

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