Anyone who has personally or indirectly been impacted by addiction knows the road to recovery can be a long one. Traditional approaches to addiction treatment have historically focused entirely on the physical aspect of substance use; however, evolving research has proven more holistic methods that merge the mind and the body together may be more effective at treating long-term substance use disorders. Phoenix House Florida offers treatment options that utilize these methods, known as Trauma-Informed Care (TIC), to address both the physical and emotional roots of addiction.
What is Trauma-Informed Care (TIC)?
Coming from the shift in thinking, “What’s wrong with you?” to, “What’s happened to you?” the TIC approach merges past and present to provide effective healthy care for someone undergoing drug abuse recovery in Tampa. This approach recognizes that those who are battling with substance use issues may have faced trauma that has severely influenced or impacted their relationship with drugs and alcohol.
The core principles of TIC that are instrumental within the healthcare setting are safety, trust, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. These elements work together to ensure patients and staff alike feel safe and have the tools to complete the treatment program successfully. These principles are rooted in the feelings of a community collectively working towards a solution to a problem, and addressing the multi-faceted truth of addiction.
The Link Between Trauma and Addiction
Many individuals who experience substance use disorders have also experienced traumatic events such as physical, emotional, or exposure to violence. The National Institute on Drug Abuse calls out the high likelihood that children and adolescents who have experienced trauma become susceptible to developing substance use disorders when they are older.
The reason is that a person’s experience can actually cause changes in the brain that make a person more sensitive to daily life stress. Trauma survivors may be less able to cope with stress in everyday life, turning to drugs or alcohol to temporarily manage the stress that comes with that sensitivity. This can ultimately become a hard cycle to break as the feelings of stress become manageable when a person is under the influence.
Benefits of Trauma-Informed Care in Addiction Treatment
TIC helps to break the cycle of managing stress with substances by addressing the trauma directly. It also benefits both the patients and staff as it facilitates openness and trust which are crucial in recovery. For patients, TIC offers a more holistic approach to their treatment plan, and for healthcare providers, it can prevent burnout and reduce staff turnover leading to stronger relationships between patients and staff.
Additionally, TIC promotes long-term recovery through self-sustaining techniques, empowerment, and a community that can help process someone’s trauma without the use of substances. At Phoenix House Florida, we offer TIC through our Citra Residential Program. In the scenic hills of Marion County, this residential program helps adults find inner strength for long-term recovery.
For more information about supporting yourself or your loved ones through TIC, give us a call at (813) 881-1000 or request an appointment today.
Disclaimer: The contents of this website are for general educational purposes only. All content and media on the Phoenix House Florida website do not constitute professional medical advice nor is the information intended to replace the services provided by Phoenix House Florida or other qualified medical professionals. If you believe you are having a medical emergency, call 911 immediately.