Substance use disorder often develops due to deeply rooted trauma stemming from childhood adversity, abuse, neglect, or other distressing events. If you don’t take time to heal, trauma can manifest in emotional dysregulation, chronic stress, and physical health issues. You may also use drugs and alcohol to escape overwhelming feelings.
Hope Lodge takes a trauma-informed approach to recovery. One of the evidence-based therapies we use to help our clients heal is somatic experiencing, a powerful method that will help you release stored trauma, regulate your nervous system, and build resilience – without relying on substances to numb emotional pain.
What Is Somatic Experiencing Therapy?
Developed by Dr. Peter Levine, somatic experiencing is a body-focused therapy designed to help people process and heal from trauma by tuning into physical sensations. Unlike traditional talk therapy, which primarily focuses on thoughts and emotions, SE works by addressing your nervous system’s response to trauma – helping your body release pent-up energy that can keep you stuck in fight-or-flight mode.
SE derives from the understanding that trauma gets trapped in the body, causing symptoms like anxiety, hypervigilance, chronic stress, and even substance cravings. The therapy focuses on gradual regulation of the nervous system, helping you:
- Recognize bodily sensations linked to distress and learn to release them.
- Develop resilience against stress and emotional triggers.
- Restore a sense of safety and self-awareness in your body.
A somatic experiencing therapist will gently guide you through exercises to track physical sensations, regulate breathing, and safely process your experiences without re-traumatizing you.
The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
Drugs and alcohol provide a temporary escape from the emotional pain, anxiety, or dissociation related to untreated trauma. However, substance use only reinforces cycles of distress, leading to deeper dependency and increased suffering.
You cannot force yourself to move on from trauma by suppressing painful memories. Trauma changes your brain and body, often leading to:
- An overactive stress response that leaves you in continual fight-or-flight mode.
- Emotional numbness or dissociation.
- Intrusive memories and triggers, leading to substance use as a coping mechanism.
You may struggle to heal without professional support and evidence-based techniques like somatic experiencing because you lack the tools to regulate your nervous system and safely process your trauma.
How Somatic Experiencing Helps in Addiction Recovery
SE therapy offers a safe and effective path for recovering from a dual diagnosis of trauma and addiction.
- Reconnect with your body: Many people with SUD detach from their physical and emotional selves. SE helps restore awareness and presence.
- Regulate your emotions: Instead of turning to substances to escape distress, SE will teach you to self-soothe and handle your feelings in a healthier way.
- Release stored trauma: Your body can register traumatic stress at a cellular level, which can lead to chronic anxiety, cravings, and compulsions. SE helps discharge this stored energy, leading to deeper healing.
- Prevent relapse: By addressing the underlying causes of addiction, including unresolved trauma, SE helps reduce emotional triggers that contribute to relapse.
Discover the Hope Lodge Difference
At Hope Lodge, we understand that addiction recovery requires holistic healing. Our trauma-informed approach integrates evidence-based treatments to help our clients process and move on from negativity.
Our Costa Mesa and Lake Arrowhead locations are peaceful, discreet, and conducive to recovery. We offer same-day admissions and accept many forms of health insurance, making it easier for you to access the care you need. Contact us today if you struggle with substance use and trauma.