Emotional trauma lies at the heart of many types of addictions. Recognition of trauma as a root cause of addiction has been recognised since the 1970s. Treatment professionals have understood the role of trauma as a co-occurring disorder in the development of substance abuse, disorders, and relapse.
Emotional trauma is a stress that “causes physical or emotional harm from which you cannot remove yourself”. It relates to the individual’s internal beliefs and their innate sensitivity to stress. As a result of the trauma, the individual feels intense fear or helplessness. Which can lead to serious long-term struggles with depression, anxiety, and addictive or impulsive behaviours.
Trauma can stem from abuse or neglect as well as other painful or frightening experiences. It is particularly damaging when it occurs in childhood. These could be a car accident, bullying, school killing, sudden life change, or near-death experience, whether experienced firsthand or witnessed. It can also result from growing up in an alcoholic or addicted home. Or any other environment where children are taught to bury their feelings.
Whatever purpose medication or drug use serves for the trauma survivor, what began as one problem (unresolved trauma) becomes complicated by a second serious problem (substance abuse or other high-risk behaviours), until the coping mechanism itself becomes so disruptive that treatment is needed.
Treatment For Emotional Trauma
AcuDetox™ is used to detoxify the human body, treating emotional and psychological conditions. This process of Auricular Detoxification removes toxins and restores balance to the organs, brain chemistry, and mind. Some of the benefits of AcuDetox reported by clients and clinicians include “a more optimistic and cooperative attitude towards the process of recovery, reduction in cravings, anxiety, and sleep disturbance, and less need for pharmaceuticals”.
The National Acupuncture Detoxification Association (NADA) encourages community wellness through the use of a standardized auricular acupuncture protocol for behavioural health, including addictions, mental health, and disaster & emotional trauma.
This is a no-nonsense, non-verbal, drug/pharmaceutical-free, and barrier-free approach to behavioural health using auricular acupuncture to detoxify the body.