Why Trauma is the real Gateway Drug

Have you ever thought about what was going on in your life when you began using substances or engaging in destructive behaviors?

"I started drinking more after ___________ happened."

"The first time I used was after ___________ happened."

"I got high to forget about ____________."

Using substances has been a way to escape from reality, to feel numb, to feel better. Why do we need to escape, to feel nothing or to feel good? Because it hurts!

Fill in the blanks with physical abuse, sexual abuse, divorce, death of a loved one, war, natural disasters...the list goes on. After a traumatic experience one finds ways to cope with it, whether it is healthy or unhealthy, anything to feel better. In order to heal, one must face the pain, find healthier ways to cope with the pain and eventually move past the pain. Recovery is possible!

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