Trauma & Recovery

This guide offers support and practical strategies for maintaining sobriety while navigating the intense and overwhelming pain of grief, which can threaten hard-won recovery. It emphasizes that grieving sober is possible by strengthening your recovery support network, developing healthy coping mechanisms like physical activity and mindfulness, and seeking professional help from a grief-informed addiction therapist. […]

Trauma-informed care (TIC) is a fundamental shift in perspective that recognizes the widespread impact of psychological trauma and integrates this understanding into all aspects of service delivery, moving from “What’s wrong with you?” to “What happened to you?” It operates on six key principles—including safety, trustworthiness, and empowerment—and is guided by the “Four R’s”: Realize, […]

While the general U.S. population is cutting back on alcohol consumption, the rate among veterans remains high, highlighting a significant public health challenge fueled by factors like the impact of military culture, difficulties in civilian transition, and self-medication for issues like PTSD and deployment trauma. The article suggests that effective solutions are available, including therapy, […]

Journaling is presented as a powerful and often overlooked tool for addiction and trauma recovery, acting as a form of writing therapy that aids in emotional processing and cognitive restructuring. It helps individuals in recovery by providing a safe outlet, improving mental health through nervous system regulation, and serving as a critical mechanism for identifying […]

Adopted children and teenagers face a significantly higher risk of developing substance use disorders due to a complex interplay of genetic predisposition, early life trauma, attachment issues, and challenges in identity formation. Recognizing these factors and understanding the warning signs are crucial for adoptive parents to provide proactive support. Specialized treatment programs that combine evidence-based […]

This article explains the key differences between C-PTSD and PTSD, highlighting that PTSD often stems from a single traumatic event, while C-PTSD results from prolonged, repeated trauma, leading to more pervasive disruptions in emotional regulation, self-perception, and relationships. It also discusses the symptoms of each, the impact of childhood trauma, and various treatment approaches, emphasizing […]

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is a psychotherapy developed to treat severe psychosocial disorders, including borderline personality disorder, and has expanded to help with anxiety, PTSD, depression, and substance use disorders. It enables individuals to regulate intense emotions and manage self-destructive behaviors by striking a balance between self-criticism and the motivation for change. DBT achieves this […]

Trauma significantly impacts mental, emotional, and physical well-being, especially for individuals in drug and alcohol recovery, making it vital to recognize the spectrum of traumatic experiences for healing. The article explores various types of trauma—acute, chronic, and complex—and their associated symptoms, including emotional dysregulation and difficulties in relationships, as well as neurobiological effects on the […]

Key Takeaways: This article discusses the seven stages of grief, as popularized by Elisabeth Kübler-Ross, and how they relate to individuals in addiction recovery. It emphasizes that grief is a personal and non-linear process, affecting both emotional and physical health, and suggests coping strategies such as seeking support and practicing self-care, particularly for those maintaining […]

Supporting a veteran or military family member with addiction can be tough. However, there are steps you can take to help them. Discover more.

Trauma can manifest in different ways depending on a person's experience. Read about types of trauma, the effects, and how to heal.

Whether they are a child or adult, helping your child through trauma can be complex. Learn about some healing tips and how to create a safe space here