Dr. Richard Soper and the Truth about Trauma and Addiction

As a specialist in the field of Psychiatry and Addiction Medicine, I, Dr. Richard Soper, observed that trauma links to most cases of addiction. Many of my patients who suffer from substance abuse or even depression have causal and unresolved trauma. Trauma and addiction are topics with many misconceptions which I, Dr. Richard Soper, would like to clear out through this blog post.

You define trauma

One of the types of damages to the mind is psychological trauma. This type occurs as a result of a distressing event in an individual’s life. Most often, it is a result of an overwhelming amount of stress that exceeds someone's ability to cope. It is something painful for you, not somebody else's. The definition of psychological trauma is entirely subjective, so if you thought it hurt, then it did.

Most of us have trauma

I believe almost everyone has trauma and events that are too overwhelming for us to cope with. The following are some of the potentially emotionally traumatic events that could cause psychological trauma:

·         A loved one’s death

·         Divorce

·         Abuse (of any form)

·         A medical diagnosis or chronic illness

·         Toxic relationships

·         Job loss

·         Isolation

Self-hurt and unresolved trauma

If you want a way to spot people who have unhealed trauma, you should keep in mind that self-hurting is usually a result of unhealed trauma. Author J.M. Storm once said, "Before you pass judgment on one who is self-destructing, it’s important to remember they usually aren’t trying to destroy themselves. They’re trying to destroy something inside that doesn’t belong.”

Compassion is needed to heal trauma

If you want to recover from your unresolved trauma, you need to be compassionate to yourself. Allow yourself to remember the original root event that causes your trauma. Whatever it was, identify that painful occurrence and offer yourself compassion and understanding. Believe that you have the power to be free from it, and you will be.