How Trauma and PTSD Contribute to Addiction
Traumatic experiences can deeply impact the brain’s chemistry, especially areas involved in stress response, memory, and emotion regulation.
PTSD alters how the brain processes danger, often keeping the nervous system in a heightened state of alert.
Over time, this constant fight-or-flight response can lead to anxiety, insomnia, and emotional numbness—symptoms that are incredibly difficult to manage without help.
For many, substances like alcohol, opioids, or stimulants become a way to cope.
This pattern of using substances to escape emotional pain is common in those with PTSD, leading to PTSD and substance misuse, PTSD and substance use, and eventually, PTSD and substance dependence.
Without proper intervention, addiction can develop as individuals rely more heavily on drugs or alcohol to manage symptoms like intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, and sleep disturbances.
Studies show that those with PTSD are significantly more likely to struggle with addiction.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, over 46% of people with PTSD also meet criteria for a substance use disorder.
In particular, the connection between PTSD and alcohol abuse and PTSD and drug abuse is especially strong in populations with untreated trauma.
The longer PTSD goes unaddressed, the more likely it is that substance use will escalate. Trauma therapy offers a way out by treating both the underlying trauma and the addiction that often grows from it.
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Signs and Symptoms of PTSD and Trauma-Related Disorders
PTSD and trauma-related disorders can affect nearly every aspect of a person’s life—physically, emotionally, and behaviorally.
Common symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, intense anxiety, and hypervigilance, as if the trauma is still happening.
Many people begin avoiding anything that reminds them of the traumatic experience, including places, people, or even certain emotions.
Over time, this can lead to emotional numbing, detachment, and isolation.
Other signs include sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, irritability, and mood swings.
Physical symptoms—like chronic pain, headaches, or digestive issues—are also common as the body carries the stress of trauma.
When these symptoms go untreated, the risk of developing PTSD and substance-related disorders increases significantly. Many people turn to drugs or alcohol to manage overwhelming emotions or to escape intrusive thoughts.
This often leads to PTSD and substance addiction, where the original trauma remains unresolved and the substance use creates additional problems.
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we recognize how tightly trauma and addiction can become intertwined. That’s why our trauma-informed treatment focuses on healing both the symptoms of PTSD and the patterns of substance use that often develop as a result.
Evidence-Based Therapies for Trauma and PTSD
At Tulip Hill Recovery, we offer a range of evidence-based therapies to help clients process trauma and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
These therapies are core components of our trauma therapy for addiction treatment, targeting both the emotional impact of trauma and the behaviors that often develop in response to it.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) helps clients identify and challenge the negative thought patterns that keep them stuck in cycles of fear, shame, or self-blame.
By reframing these thoughts, clients learn healthier ways to view themselves and their experiences.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) builds on CBT by incorporating emotional regulation, mindfulness, and interpersonal effectiveness skills. This is especially useful for clients who experience intense mood swings or struggle with black-and-white thinking after trauma.
One of the most powerful tools we use is EMDR Therapy (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing). EMDR helps clients safely revisit traumatic memories while reducing their emotional charge through bilateral stimulation.
Over time, this allows the brain to reprocess traumatic memories in a healthier way.
In addition to these therapies, we incorporate holistic methods such as yoga, meditation, expressive arts, and nature-based activities.
These approaches support the mind-body connection and provide alternative ways to release trauma stored in the nervous system.
Together, these treatments form a comprehensive, compassionate path forward for anyone seeking trauma therapy for addiction treatment.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment: Healing PTSD and Substance Use Together
When someone is living with both a mental health and a substance use disorder, it’s known as a dual diagnosis.
In the case of PTSD and addiction, the two conditions often feed into one another—unresolved trauma can lead to substance misuse, while addiction can worsen mental health symptoms.
Treating just one side of the issue usually isn’t enough.
That’s why Tulip Hill Recovery offers comprehensive dual diagnosis care that addresses both PTSD and substance use disorders simultaneously.
Our approach integrates mental health support with substance abuse treatment, ensuring our clients receive well-rounded care tailored to their specific needs.
Through evidence-based therapy, medication management (when appropriate), and trauma-informed programming, we help clients heal the root causes of their struggles, not just the symptoms.
Our team creates individualized treatment plans that evolve with each client’s progress, addressing emotional wounds alongside addiction triggers.
If you’re searching for trauma therapy in Murfreesboro, it’s essential to choose a program like Tulip Hill’s that specializes in dual diagnosis.
By treating both trauma and substance use in tandem, we give clients the best chance at lasting recovery and true emotional healing.
What to Expect at our Trauma Therapy in Murfreesboro
Tulip Hill Recovery offers trauma therapy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During your treatment, you can expect trauma-informed care, which drives our treatment models. We understand that most people might have trauma in their past, possibly without realizing it. Therefore, our professional staff is mindful that our treatment doesn’t re-traumatize you or minimize your experiences.
We offer different levels of care to meet your needs in recovery, including:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Post-recovery program
- Recovery residences
In addition, we will introduce you to experiential therapies, like art and music therapy, psychodrama, and adventure therapy. These types of therapies help when you struggle to talk about your emotional experiences. Overall, our trauma therapy focuses on providing the best treatment to meet your needs in recovery.
Supporting Families Through PTSD and Addiction Recovery
Veterans often face unique forms of trauma that can deeply impact their mental health and increase the risk of addiction.
At Tulip Hill Recovery, our rehab for veterans is designed specifically to support those who have served, especially those coping with PTSD and alcoholism or PTSD and drug abuse.
We recognize that combat trauma, moral injury, and survivor’s guilt can leave lasting emotional scars that traditional treatment programs may overlook.
Our veteran-focused program combines trauma-informed care with personalized addiction treatment.
We offer access to medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate and peer support from others who understand the military experience.
Veterans can participate in individual and group therapy, including trauma-specific modalities that help address both PTSD symptoms and substance use patterns.
Many veterans turn to alcohol or drugs as a way to numb the lasting effects of trauma. Over time, this can develop into serious substance use disorders if left unaddressed.
That’s why our integrated program focuses on healing both the psychological wounds of service and the addiction that often follows.
At Tulip Hill, we’re committed to honoring veterans with the targeted, respectful, and effective care they deserve.
What to Expect at our Trauma Therapy in Murfreesboro
Tulip Hill Recovery offers trauma therapy in Murfreesboro, Tennessee. During your treatment, you can expect trauma-informed care, which drives our treatment models. We understand that most people might have trauma in their past, possibly without realizing it. Therefore, our professional staff is mindful that our treatment doesn’t re-traumatize you or minimize your experiences.
We offer different levels of care to meet your needs in recovery, including:
- Partial hospitalization programs (PHP)
- Intensive outpatient programs (IOP)
- Post-recovery program
- Recovery residences
In addition, we will introduce you to experiential therapies, like art and music therapy, psychodrama, and adventure therapy. These types of therapies help when you struggle to talk about your emotional experiences. Overall, our trauma therapy focuses on providing the best treatment to meet your needs in recovery.
Supporting Families Through PTSD and Addiction Recovery
Healing from PTSD and addiction doesn’t just affect one person—it impacts the entire family. That’s why Tulip Hill Recovery includes family therapy, educational workshops, and support groups as part of our trauma-informed care.
We help loved ones better understand the effects of trauma and addiction, while also giving them tools to support their healing. Through guided sessions, families rebuild trust, improve communication, and learn how to support recovery without enabling harmful behaviors.
When families heal together, everyone moves forward.
Begin Trauma Therapy in Murfreesboro Today
If you’re struggling with PTSD and substance abuse, you’re not alone—and you don’t have to keep fighting it by yourself.
Healing is possible with the right support, and trauma therapy in Murfreesboro at Tulip Hill Recovery is designed to help you take that first step toward lasting change.
Our team specializes in trauma therapy for addiction treatment, offering evidence-based care that addresses both the emotional roots of PTSD and the patterns of substance use that often follow.
Whether your trauma stems from childhood, military service, or other life events, we’re here to help you feel safe, understood, and empowered.
Getting started is simple: Call us today to speak with a compassionate admissions team member, verify your insurance, and schedule a confidential consultation.
Recovery starts with a conversation—and we’re ready when you are.
Supporting Families Through Recovery
We understand addiction affects the whole family. Our comprehensive family program helps rebuild trust and restore relationships.
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