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Substance Use and Trauma

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  1. Module Introduction
  2. ACE Study and Increased Risk
  3. Statistics
  4. Overview
  5. Trauma Increases Risk of Substance Use
  6. Coping with Trauma
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Private: Substance Use and Trauma Trauma Increases Risk of Substance Use
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Lesson 5 of 7
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Trauma Increases Risk of Substance Use

Self medicating

  • Some individuals turn to substances to provide relief from the symptoms of trauma, such as anxiety, intrusive thoughts, poor sleep, etc.
  • Many people are faced with painful memories and feelings following a traumatic experience. Substance use can provide temporary relief and become a coping mechanism.

You may find that you turn to substances when certain triggers arise, and to cope with difficult feelings.

Issue with self medicating: Difficulties reducing substance use

  • While you may feel temporary relief from using substances, they do more harm long term than good.
  • For example, triggers of traumatic experiences can increase drug cravings, making it harder to reduce your substance use.