Substance Use following Trauma
Substance Use following 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 EventsIf 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.
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.
- Common Emotional Reactions to TraumaIt’s common to experience a range of different emotions following a trauma event.
- Alcohol and Drug MisuseMost people use alcohol and other drugs for their benefits - perceived or experienced - not for the potential harm they may cause. This applies to both legal and illegal substances, including drugs that are prescribed. No one takes a drug to feel worse. It’s important to remember that the vast majority of people who drink alcohol and/or use legal or illegal drugs do not become dependent on any of these substances.
- Avoiding Trauma Triggers
- The Effects of Alcohol and Drugs
- Changes in How You Perceive Yourself, Others and the World
- Coping with Changes
- Re-experiencing Trauma
- Feeling ‘On Edge’
- Helping a Loved One Make Sense of Trauma
- VIDEO: How Does Trauma Affect the Brain?
- Trauma: When to Seek Professional Support
- VIDEO: Considering the Impact of Trauma
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