Trauma is often the instigator of adolescent substance abuse, and many young people who have experienced trauma don’t even realize that they have. Adolescent substance abuse treatment that is trauma-informed can benefit any young person who suffers from a substance abuse disorder.
If you or an adolescent you love suffers from substance abuse, we can help. Reach out to our trauma-informed care team at Fort Behavioral Health today at 844.332.1807.
What Is Trauma-Informed Therapy?
Trauma is an overwhelming event that a person experiences that causes physical, psychological, and emotional symptoms. The term “trauma” is generally used to describe a large variety of experiences that are highly stressful, life-threatening, or potentially dangerous to the individual. The term “trauma” may also refer to abnormal or abnormal consequences of a traumatizing event, such as physical abuse or sexual abuse.
Trauma-informed therapy approaches mental health that considers that people often experience trauma in their lives. Trauma-informed therapy prioritizes a holistic approach.
Children and adolescents who receive treatment from trauma-informed psychologists have significantly fewer symptoms than those from expert psychologists who do not use the principles of collaboration and trauma-informed care.
A person who has received trauma-informed care can emphasize the positive and less on the negative aspects of their own experiences. They can live more fully and experience more joy in life.
Elements of trauma-informed therapy for adolescents include:
- Developing an intentional framework
- Prioritizing trauma-management
- Desensitization practices such as EMDR for processing traumatic experiences
- Group therapy to build confidence and self-esteem
- Understanding the root of trauma symptoms
- Emphasizing the role of family and friends in the process of understanding trauma & recovery
These are just a few of the angles that counselors and therapists use when engaged in trauma-informed therapy to help an individual heal.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Helps Adolescents Process the Effects of Trauma and Heal
Adolescents who have experienced trauma, including but not limited to sexual abuse or physical abuse, are even more vulnerable to the harmful effects of drugs and alcohol once they graduate high school. Trauma-informed care can provide the resources they need to avoid adverse outcomes.
Some teenagers experience trauma-related symptoms that lead to substance abuse and other behaviors like suicide or depression. These symptoms can be caused by traumatic experiences, such as experiencing violence or witnessing someone else’s violence.
Compared with peers without such a history of trauma, adolescents who have experienced traumatic events are more likely to use alcohol and drugs to cope.
Trauma-informed care helps adolescents simplify the healing process, reduce stress, improve relationships, and strengthen resilience.
Trauma-Informed Therapy Addresses Root Causes of Adolescent Mental Illness
Adolescents are often misunderstood as being passive victims of their environment. However, if they do not have a healthy support system, they can develop into a self-fulfilling prophecy of anxiety and depression.
Two main reasons to take an active and trauma-informed approach to your adolescent’s mental health care are:
- the current structure of mainstream care is not trauma-informed and can cause more harm
- Adolescents with untreated traumatic experiences may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
To give adolescents a chance to heal and become fully functioning adults, therapists must address the root causes of their issues. This means that therapists must be sensitive to the growing complexity within these individuals and stay true to the principles learned from Trauma-Informed Therapy.
Contact Fort Behavioral Health To Learn More About Trauma-Informed Therapy
At Fort Behavioral Health, we are passionate about taking a trauma-informed approach to all adolescent health care. We work tirelessly to help young people process trauma, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and become more resilient.
To learn about our programs and treatment options, contact us today at 844.332.1807.
