Trauma is a sensitive topic and can be tricky to talk about. However, one in three women worldwide experience some form of sexual assault. For many, the traumatic experience typically leads to self-medicating with alcohol or drugs to hide the pain.
Sexual assault trauma is characterized as rape, molestation, unwanted sexual touching, or any unwanted, non-consensual sexual contact, regardless of the victim’s mental capacity. An attacker can use physical force, threats, alcohol, or drugs as a tool to assault someone. Even non-contact actions like being "flashed" or bullied to look at sexual content are forms of traumatic events.
Psychological Effects of Trauma
Trauma changes the life of the victim. Trauma sufferers experience feelings of depression, anxiety, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or use drugs to help them hide from the pain. The emotional effects of sexual assault can take a toll on their well-being. It’s important to note that good mental health is crucial to addiction recovery. The signs of a mental health problem can be manifested in quite a few different ways including addiction.
Trauma and Addiction Treatment
Coping with emotional or physical trauma can feel unbearable. Victims also feel shame and guilt by thinking they had something to do with it. This is 100% false but difficult to dismiss since many victims don’t tell anyone or ask for help. They can feel lost or abandoned as they tend to isolate themselves. The crushing feelings can, at times, seem to take over everything. Sexual assault and other trauma-events spur the sufferer to use substances to hide the pain. Unfortunately, their families and friends think that they are just experiencing addiction and substance abuse. Many times, women come into addiction treatment and the trauma was not uncovered until they spoke with therapist who makes them feel safe. Trauma informed therapy teaches healthy coping skills that help the victim move forward for this type of dual diagnosis patient.
Addiction recovery at Simple Path offers a safe, confidential environment where dual diagnosis trauma victims can focus on themselves with a trained clinician. Simple Path Recovery understands that this might be the most challenging to talk about and ask for help. Our boutique-style setting offers valuable therapy with supportive team dedicated to your mental health and well-being.
Simple Path Recovery is a oceanside, boutique addiction treatment center located in Pompano Beach, FL. Recognized as a Top Florida Drug & Alcohol Rehab, Simple Path is committed to individualized care, 12-step integration, and Medication Assisted Treatment (MAT). Their addiction helpline is available 24/7 at 855-467-3625.
About the Author
Matthew Koenig is the principal of Last Call Marketing, which devotes their efforts to Digital Marketing, Content Marketing, Website Design and SEO, primarily in healthcare and tourism concerns. Mr. Koenig is based out of South Florida. His sober date is June 10, 2013.
