Trauma is the result of a distressing event or series of events. It is an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds one’s ability to cope or integrate the experiences.
This definition of trauma includes not only unresolved childhood trauma, but adult onset trauma as well.
Some of the Most Common Forms of Trauma Are:
- Physical Abuse
- Loss of a Job
- Violence/Assault
- Divorce/Break-up
- Verbal Abuse
- Accident
- Spiritual Abuse
- Bullying
- Rape
- Violent Workplace
- Childhood neglect of physical needs
- Abandonment
- Childhood neglect of emotional needs
- Multiple Life stressors
- High-Stress job
- Death
- Growing up in an alcoholic/dysfunctional home
- Abortion(s)
- Domestic Violence
- Emotional Abuse
- Suicide of a Loved One
- Addictions
- Medical diagnosis/chronic illness/loss of functioning
- Infertility/miscarriage(s)
- Sexual abuse
- Natural disasters
- War/combat/political violence
- Infidelity
- Chaotic/dysfunctional environment
- Financial difficulties
- Car Wreck
- Burglary
- Pregnancy/Childbirth
- Witnessing something traumatic
- Psychiatric issues and hospitalization
- Chronic relapse and related consequences
- Addiction and related consequences
- Birth defects
- Learning disability
- Parental Alienation
- Death of a sibling
- Injury of a sibling
Since the function of addiction is to provide relief from emotional pain and conflict it only stands to reason that a person’s history could directly contribute to his/her emotional struggles and inability to manage feelings.
Often people are unaware that they are addicted to drugs, alcohol, or other behaviors to “numb out” or escape from unresolved trauma. There may be little or no awareness of this dysfunctional pattern until their mid-30s or 40’s when problems arise in their personal relationships and workplace. Over time, these addictive patterns begin to serve many purposes; not only does it help to distract and numb out painful memories or feelings, but they can create an illusion of control by decreasing anxiety, shame, and intrusive thoughts. Some people even report that it can provide a feeling of being “alive” or “normal”. Socially, it can be a vehicle that provides a sense of belonging and total acceptance by people who struggle with similar behaviors.
