LOS ANGELES, March 26, 2024 – In recent years, there has been a growing recognition of the intricate relationship between trauma, substance abuse, and mental health. Research and clinical observations, as seen in the study on the National Library of Medicine, have highlighted how these three factors often interconnect and exacerbate one another, creating a complex web of challenges for individuals struggling with these issues.

I spoke with Marcos Guillen, Director of Business Development at Launch to Wellness, an intensive outpatient program in Woodland Hills, CA, about his experience working with trauma and its relation to substance abuse and mental health. 

“I think 90% or more of people that I’ve worked with have had a co-occurring disorder, meaning not only was there an addiction present, but there was also some underlying trauma that was unresolved,” says Guillen.

According to a study by the National Library of Medicine, trauma, whether stemming from childhood experiences, physical or emotional abuse, or other sources, can have a profound impact on an individual’s mental health. It can lead to conditions such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), anxiety disorders, depression, and other psychological issues. Trauma can also significantly increase the likelihood of an individual turning to substance abuse as a way to cope with the pain, numb their emotions, or escape from distressing memories.

“And I think that obviously, addiction is so loud when someone is in the throes of it, and the focus is on the person’s behavior. Underneath that there is pain, and that pain is usually attached to some type of trauma,” shared Guillen.

According to an article on Dual Diagnosis on MedlinePlus, substance abuse, in turn, can further exacerbate mental health issues. Alcohol, drugs, or other addictive substances may provide temporary relief or a sense of control, but they often end up worsening the individual’s mental state in the long run. Substance abuse can lead to addiction, cognitive impairment, mood swings, and a host of other problems that can further complicate an individual’s mental health.

The article Mental Health and Substance Use Co-Occurring Disorders by SAMHSA discusses how mental health problems and substance use disorders often occur together. The co-occurrence of trauma, substance abuse, and mental health issues can create a vicious cycle. For example, someone who has experienced trauma may turn to substance abuse as a coping mechanism, which can then worsen their mental health symptoms, leading to more trauma and substance abuse in a self-perpetuating cycle.

“When it comes to trauma, the first thing we want to do is assess where the person is coming from. We are a very bio-psycho-social model. So we are not only treating the brain but all elements of the individual,” explains Guillen.

The complex intersection of mental health and substance abuse is deeply connected, and treatment programs are beginning to take a new approach to treating this concurrently. 

“I feel like the culture has shifted and become more open to trying new things. We are starting to see more over the years of meditation, we are starting to see more TMS, we are starting to see more hypnotherapy, so it’s become more eclectic in the sense that it offers more treatment modalities for people to explore and heal,” says Guillen.

Recognizing and addressing this complex interplay is crucial for effective treatment and recovery. The National Library of Medicine article on Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD discusses how integrated approaches that consider the interconnection of trauma, substance abuse, and mental health are usually the most successful. This may involve trauma-informed therapy, substance abuse treatment programs that address underlying trauma, and mental health interventions that target both the trauma-related symptoms and the substance abuse issues.

“So, yeah, recovery, I think, is two parts. There is the addiction, there is, you know, fighting the addiction, getting sober, going through the detox. And then I feel like there is the discovery piece that comes that ultimately allows us to solidify that sobriety and really start building that life we want,” explains Guillen.

Breaking the cycle of trauma, substance abuse, and mental health challenges requires a comprehensive and holistic approach that addresses the root causes of the issues and provides individuals with the support and resources they need to heal. By understanding and addressing the connections between these factors, we can better support individuals in their journey toward recovery and well-being.