The phrase “knowledge is power” rings true when it comes to addiction recovery. Learning about addiction and sobriety—and yourself—is really helpful. Becoming self-aware means learning your triggers and how to cope with them. It also means learning some of the things that led you to drink or use, so that you can address any underlying issues.
Yes, addictive drugs (including alcohol!) change your brain to make you compulsively seek and use them. However, typically, there are deeper issues that lead people to seek out drugs or alcohol in the first place. If you don’t immediately know your underlying reasons for using, that’s okay. Learning about them often takes time and work.
Therapy is an excellent way to get to the roots of your addiction. Over time, your therapist will gain a strong understanding of your family, relationship, and trauma history, thought and behavior patterns, mental health status, and more. They’ll not only help you identify the dynamics and issues that may have led to your addiction; they’ll also support you in processing them.
Many people with untreated or undiagnosed mental health disorders use substances to self-medicate. Once you’ve removed drugs or alcohol—which will often exacerbate symptoms of mental health disorders—treatment for a mental health disorder will be much more effective. Quitting substances might help you realize you have a mental health disorder in the first place; now it will be clear what was and wasn’t caused by substances, and you will have more mental clarity.
People who grew up in homes with alcohol or drug abuse may go on to have addictions. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), children of a parent with an alcohol use disorder are four times more likely to later develop one themselves. This may in part be due to genetics, but could also be from internalizing unhealthy patterns.
History of trauma is often a factor in addiction. One study of over 10,000 people with addiction found that 90% had experienced trauma. This means that being in recovery can often mean processing trauma. This can be scary, difficult, and very painful, so make sure to go easy on yourself, give it time, and recognize when you need to pause. You don’t need to address everything right away. Eight years into recovery, I’ve learned that things come up over time and you don’t need to push yourself into addressing anything when you’re not ready.
Keep in mind that the cause of your addiction is rarely just one thing. You may discover new underlying issues over time. While it may be difficult to confront them, doing so can really help you stay sober.
If you are struggling with a substance use or mental health disorder, there is hope. TruHealing Centers offers high-quality treatment for addiction and mental health in facilities across the country. Our staff—many of whom are in recovery themselves—will help you understand the root causes of your addiction so you can thrive in long-term sobriety. Call an admissions specialist at 410-593-0005.