Homes that have addiction cases are often painful to live in, which is why the family members are often left traumatized bythe experiences in various degrees. Broad shifts from one side of the psychological, behavioral, and emotional spectrum to the other signify family structure that have addiction issues. In addition, family members living under such conditions experiencea lot of stress. This affects normal routines by undergoing frightening or unexpected experiences that are part of living with the addiction. In such situations, what is openly communicated does not relate with what is felt or seen in front of the eyes, or beneath the surface by the family members.

The family members, as well as drug users, can manipulate, bend, and deny reality as they try to maintain family order that they sense is slipping away. The whole system is centeredon the problem that is gradually getting out of hand.  In that, the main issuesare ignored whileinferior things are maximized, as a strategy to sideline the pain. This essay centralizes on trauma as one of the factors that promote and characterize addiction within families. It looks at the causes and general nature of trauma, a particular type of trauma, its mitigation modes, and possible cures. In addition, attempts are set to analyze some of the practical and theoretical ways of trauma treatment. Reliable spiritual and academic sources are used throughout the paper to support the analysis (Meichenbaum, 2008).

Trauma: its Causes and Nature

Living in this type of intense emotional atmosphere during the early childhood period can set up feelings of fear or those of attachment that are filled with ambivalence and anxiety. Children of drug peddlers or alcoholics, during their youthful years, areaffected by powerful feelings, sincethey lack the holistic development and family support to understand and balance the predicament. Due to this, they end up increasing their defense mechanisms.Reactions such as denialof the problem, shutting down the feelings, over controlling, rationalization, self-medication, and withdrawal symptoms get used as a means of controlling the inner turmoil currently felt. These phenomenal developments on the family members lead to trauma and depression (Fergusson, Boden & Horwood, 2008).

When drugs or alcohol are introduced into the family structure, the ability of the family to control its behavioral and emotional functioning is significantly changed. The disease can subsume the family members to such an extent that they lose their normalcy senses. Their life centers on lies, for example, preventing the truth from their children, themselves, and believing their false world. Faith and trust in an orderly world is disputed as the family life becomes chaotic(Corbett & Milton, 2011).

Both adults and children in such familieslose their sense of what, or who they can rely on. Since the disease is advancing, the family members quickly settle into routines of communication that progressively become dysfunctional.  Parents in such settings often leave the children to fend for themselves, make them compete for the little attention and love, or completely ignore their existence.  Since there are no reliable adults, children take up the parental role and attempt to provide the comfort and care that is missing. Often, trauma refers to the persistent or continual negative effects of experiencing extremely distressful actions. These adverse effects include psychiatric disorders, depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, distrust, and resentment that are personal psychological disorders (Allen, 2007).

Trauma objectively relates to shocking eventsthat leave lasting mental impression such an experience include surviving a near death event like a car accident. The painful experiences do not only come because of a disaster. Undergoing disturbing events in life can result in a person exhibiting trauma symptoms (Pearlman et al., 2006).

Socially, factors that can cause trauma include political/ war violence that is prolonged, severe, unpredictable, or repeated. In addition, experiencing events that are life-threatening or violent can be disturbing. violence rape (Davis, Mill & Roper, 2004).

Trauma also affects emotions. Naturally avoiding emotional distresses is possible, but it not always guaranteed. Blocking emotions can be sidetracked by intense, internal emotional disruptions. Therefore, it is advisable to progressively nature one’s feelings and develop them effectively, by controlling them before they get uncontrollable.  Sentiments such as panic, anxiety, and fear also play an important aspect in trauma therapy (Meichenbaum, 2008).

Nurturing awareness of these feelings allows one to implement defense mechanisms before they get uncontrollable. Since every person has a different reaction to situations, it is important to know the signs associated with the shock. It can fuel or stir up feelings such as fear, anger, denial, or guilt. On other occasions, it can have destructive results in life such as having compulsive or obsessive behavior, withdrawal symptoms, and drug abuse (Pearlman & Courtois, 2005).

It can be easy to recognize a traumatized person if one is aware of the symptoms. The various categories of trauma include cognitive, physical, and behavioral responses or symptoms.  The physical symptoms include fatigue, pain, aches, heightened or lessened appetite, low energy, and lack of sleep (Meichenbaum, 2008).

Emotional signs of trauma include fear, depression, shock, anxiety, grief, disbelief, sadness, and guilt. These reactions leave the patient shocked. After an emotional traumaticstress,the patient initial communication and interaction pattern changes. The individual realizes when it is too late that they are withdrawn or isolated from others. In addition, the individual tends to be disrespectful or distrusting to others, is easily frightened and vulnerable to abuse drugs (Fergusson, Boden & Horwood, 2008).

Individuals thought pattern change after a traumatic experience. Cognitive signs associated with the trauma include confusion, decreased concentration, forgetfulness, lowered alertness, and difficulty in decision-making. These reactions can happen after hours or immediately after the occurrence. It can take a long duration maybe years to fully recover from a disturbing event and be normal.

Psychological Trauma

So far, the article has demonstrated that trauma is the result of a tremendously stressful event and occurrence that leaves the person with unbearable haunting reflections. Trauma leavesthe affectedvulnerable, lonely, and deprived of emotions of security and safety. Any event or action that may not cause actual physical injury but leaves a mentalimpact is traumatic. Life dissatisfactions because of death, midlife crisis or any other event are all factors that can directly Terr, 2009). In 2008, wellbeing Bolton of the wellbeing clinic categorized trauma into six main groups namely blunt force trauma, physical trauma, psychological trauma, penetrating trauma, childhood trauma, and post-cult trauma. The nature and designs of psychological trauma will be the focus of this article(Fergusson, Boden & Horwood, 2008).

Extremely stressful events that leave the individual lonely, insecure, and helpless are the main causes of psychological trauma. This makes them feel defenseless in a frightening world. If the condition continues,it probably changestheir behavior. For example,they start isolating friends, engage in drug abuse, and become hateful. Traumatic experiences commonly involve some threat to the safety, life and security of the individual, but any occurrence that is probably going to make them feel alone, and overwhelmed is traumatic, even if it there is no evident physical injury. It is not the objective aspects of the event that determine whether it is traumatic or not but the emotional, subjective experiences of the experience (Corbett & Milton, 2011).

The more helpless and insecure the victim feels, the higher the probability that they are affected. Stressful events will be traumatic if they happen suddenly since, the subject is unprepared for it and, therefore, cannot prevent it. Single spontaneous incidences can stress, horrible accidents, ailments, natural disaster or broken relationships can all instigate psychological and emotional trauma.  In accordance with the affected person, not all traumatic events lead to an extended psychological trauma (Tuval-Mashiach et al., 2004).

Even from some of these cases considered as traumatic, some people often recover quickly. The experience internally overwhelms others that on the surface may seem less traumatic (Blackeney & Creson, 2010).  Negative experiences are likely to traumatize a person if they are under other stress factors. Analysis also points out that people who have undergone traumatic experiences while young are more open to new attacks. Some of the signs of psychological trauma are mood swings, anger, blame, feeling disconnected, sadness and others.

Psychologists and researchers also argue that traumatic experiences experienced while young are more likely to have long lasting impacts that extend to adulthood. Children affected while young see the world as dangerous, unfriendly, and scary ( Terr, 2009). If such situations are not fixed, they multiply and transit into adulthood setting the conditions for possible future trauma.  This can hasten the family addiction experience. Sexual assaults, separation from parent, neglect, or bullying are some of the possible psychological trauma contributors.

Psychological trauma signs may wither away within months or days after the event. It is possible to feel emotions triggered by an image, sound, anniversary, or problems of painful memories, or situations that remind them of the unfortunate experience. Weeping is the most natural and common way people react to the experience. Survivors are encouraged to go through the process of grieving with others so as to share experiences and comfort (DiLillo,  Tremblay & Peterson, 2000).

(PTSD) Post-traumatic stress disorder

Post-traumatic stress disorder is considered a primary type of emotional and psychological trauma. It develops after the unfortunate experience. The peak of the PTSD is undergoing the same adverse event in re-currently. Symptoms of PTSD include nightmares, flashbacks, and memories. Recalling things that can instigate feelings of fear, helplessness, and insecurity can cause unbearable and intense reactions (Wellbeing, 2008).  Knowing how to distinguish the current from the past is a major issue in handling trauma.

Factors to consider while coping with trauma

Through the experiences, people instill meaning into their lives and experience their life choices through these stories they tell and make about themselves. The life story is not just a platform for telling oneself or others about life, but an avenue by which a person’s identity shapes. The design of one’s story is based on several factors that are psychological, for example, their culture, values, personality, norms, or situation. Therefore, these cognitive factors ought to be considered. The ability to retain stability and consistency at a particular trauma level and ordinary level of life is seen as a sign of recovery (Wigren, 2005).  This capability should project itself and be evident to the survivors re-telling their ordeal.

Constructing a meaning of life is also another important aspect in mitigating trauma. Coping process effectively incorporates a profound search for meaning of life on the survivor’s side. Questions like; what have I achieved? why now? What needs to be accomplished now?   What have I learnt through these events? Are examples of a survivor’s strategies to get meaning for their life. Self-evaluation is also another suggested means of mitigating trauma. Divergent modes of self-assessment associated with the trauma event are an effective means of effectively coping or maintaining a sense of self-control. Feeling active, guilty, responsible or passive are some of the factors that can happen when coping begins(Terr, 2009).

Spiritual leaders and psychologists suggest that one should implement one or more of these methods of handling trauma. These include; regular exercise, taking care of the body regardless of physical harm or not, getting enough good sleep. Physical actions like running or jogging can help lift one’s spirits and reduce stress (Wigren,2005). Restructure of these support system help the victim re-connect with others through the shared experiences. Telling others about it help the patient understand the aspects of their emotions that need immediate attention. Helps re-establish the usual sense of order and routine in survivor’s life(Murray, Davidson & Schweitzer, 2008).

Having fun, byenjoying spontaneous and creative functions such as painting, cooking, and singing, all help restore happiness in life. Getting support and help is encouraged in that the patient should consider seeking help from a professionalit can be a counselor, psychiatrist, church pastor or any person in a position to offer some assistance.Prayers and meditation is also a recommendedoption derived by spiritual leaders such as priests and pastors. Seeking spiritual answers can help you find and understand your questions and life better (DiLillo, Tremblay & Peterson, 2000).

Avoiding drugs is also advisable. Under stressful situations people often tend to misuse drug, for example, illegal drugs and excess alcohol. It may be appealing at first to take the drugs to interrupt mental functions (Pearlman & Mac Ian, 1995).They can help delay the trauma. Relaxing for some time off from work, taking a soothing, and warm bath, walking around the park, clearing thoughts,or listening to music also help alleviate stress. Spending quality time with loved ones, taking a meal with friends are some other social communications factors that inject new energy and perspective back into the victims life. Humor and laughter can take out fear, maintain a feeling of relaxation, and restore a peaceful mindset.  Regardless of whether it is a trauma or a life crisis, these events can help set and re-analyze one’s life (Pearlman & Mac Ian, 2006).

Practical and Spiritual Approaches of Treating Trauma

Trauma as already shown involves both emotional and psychological changes. An effective means of trauma treatment is one that can treat and restore the meaning of life and peace of mind to the survivor. Both practical and spiritual approaches in treating trauma are encouraged.  Members are encouraged by the religious leaders to take trauma and depression seriously. They guarantee that with prayers, anything can be achieved, but additional attention may be needed for trauma. Trauma in Christianity is believed to be induced spiritually by feeling guilty of wronging or hurting others, or a sense of having lived out of what God requires of human beings.  Fear of dying can also cause trauma (Corbett & Milton, 2011).

In such situations, spiritual things, prayer, and meditation can bring about a sense of wellness and help in mitigating the shock.  Spiritually, it is also important to accept frustration and discouragement as part of life and strive to not to get defeated. It teaches that as temptations and problems come by, when one is at their lowest point, when in despair and believe there is no way out, it is advisable to believe in a higher power. Another way to get out of trauma and depression spiritually is through confessions as a means of releasing the stored guilt and frustrations that cause the trauma. Spiritual mitigation of trauma and depression has a lot of justification, but in this territory, leaders encourage their followers to view life in a more practical way, and use experts for sorting the issues (Wigren, 2005).

Options of Trauma Treatment

It is advisable to tackle the massive memory related issues that have been pending to mitigate the dangerous effects of trauma. Treatment of trauma relieves troubled thoughts and emotions that weigh heavily on the victims mind. It is a good decision to heal trauma. Sometimes it is re-traumatizing to treat the condition.(Murray,  Davidson  & Schweitzer, 2008).

• Conditions that demand seeking a professional counsel include
• When having difficulty forming and sustaining credible relationships,
• When having problems functioning, avoiding things that can remind one of the traumas,and when experiencing depression, dissatisfaction, and anxiety.

The patient should choose a specialist that they feel comfortable since it directly helps with the treatment process. Healing and treating trauma should include processing trauma-related memories and feelings, re-building and developing the confidence to believe in others, and a release of all the negative stored energy (Murray,  Davidson  & Schweitzer, 2008).

Treatment Approaches: Trauma Therapy

Some approaches can be used in mitigation of emotional and psychological trauma. Majority of thepeople-experiencing trauma implement somatic experiences that use the ability of the body to self-heal. This analysis concentrates on body sensation as opposed to only memories or thoughts that encourage trauma. The strategy mainly teaches the patient on how they can handle the trauma by concentrating on different aspects of their body, release the excess stored energy, and tension (Pearlman et al., 2006).

A combination of behavioral and cognitive therapy through the implementation of (EMDR) Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing helps mitigate the trauma. Focus is on memories and traumatic emotions while following the therapist’s finger movements with the eyes. Negative emotions and memories are believed to be freed through the finger movements and consecutively giving the patient a chance to handle them. Cognitive behavior therapy (CBT) is designed to help with the analysis and processing of the patients emotions and thoughts. The psychological impacts may not be sorted through CBT, but it can help when incorporated with other body therapies like EMDR. (Murray,  Davidson  & Schweitzer, 2008).

Conclusion

The scope of trauma studies is quite extensive there are different ways of viewing where the problem originates, effective ways of handling it, its categorization, and possible practical and spiritual ways of effectively coping and treating it. This analysis suggests a combination of both practical and spiritual resources that guide on how to treat, cope, and understand the addiction trauma. It has offered a familiar as well as a strategic way of handling the related issues. Regardless of the trauma cases, the above information can apply in all cases.

References

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