Trauma

Many people who struggle with addiction have experienced trauma in some form whether it stems from childhood adversity, difficult life events, or ongoing stress. Trauma can leave lasting emotional wounds, and for many, substances become a way to cope with overwhelming feelings, numb distress, or regain a sense of control.

At Collective Care, we recognize that addiction is often more than just a substance use issue it’s a response to deeper pain. That’s why our approach to recovery is trauma-informed, addressing both the emotional wounds and the behaviours that stem from them.

How Trauma Contributes to Addiction

Emotional Numbing: Turning to substances to block out painful memories or feelings.

Hypervigilance & Anxiety: Using drugs or alcohol to quiet an overactive nervous system.

Difficulties with Trust & Connection: Struggling to form healthy relationships and seeking relief in substances.

Self-Blame & Shame: Internalizing trauma as personal failure, fueling cycles of addiction.

When someone experiences trauma, the nervous system reacts by shifting into fight, flight, freeze, or fawn mode—a survival response designed to protect us. However, when trauma isn’t processed, these responses can become long-term patterns, leading to:

For many, addiction starts as an attempt to self-soothe, but over time, it can create its own challenges: deepening emotional distress and reinforcing feelings of isolation.

Breaking the Cycle: Healing Trauma in Addiction Recovery

Lasting recovery isn’t just about stopping substance use it’s about addressing the underlying pain that fuels it. At Collective Care, we provide trauma-integrated addiction treatment, helping individuals heal both their emotional wounds and their relationship with substances.

SAFE AND SUPPORTED DETOX

For individuals who need medical support during withdrawal, we provide compassionate, supervised detox to ensure safety and comfort.

TRUAMA-INFORMED THERAPY

We create a safe space where clients can process their experiences without judgment or pressure. Our therapeutic approaches include:

Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (TF-CBT): Helping individuals reframe painful thoughts and build healthier coping strategies.

Somatic Therapy & Mindfulness Practices: Addressing how trauma is stored in the body and teaching techniques for emotional regulation.

BUILDING EMOTIONAL RESILLIANCE

Instead of relying on substances, we teach skills to self-regulate, manage triggers, and develop healthy coping mechanisms for stress and emotional pain.

REPARING RELATIONSHIPS AND REBUILDING TRUST

Trauma and addiction can impact relationships with family, friends, and oneself. Through family therapy and group support, we help clients rebuild meaningful connections and a sense of belonging.

Repairing relationships and building trust

LONG-TERM SUPPORT FOR LASTING CHANGE

Healing trauma isn’t a quick fix—it’s a journey. That’s why we provide aftercare planning, relapse prevention, and ongoing therapy to support long-term recovery.

Why Choose Us for Trauma Treatment?

At Collective Care, we are committed to providing:

Holistic Approach: We treat both addiction and the underlying trauma, not just symptoms.

Compassionate & Non-Judgmental Care: We meet you where you are, without shame or blame.

Evidence-Based & Trauma-Focused Therapies: Scientifically backed methods tailored to individual needs.

Take the First Step Toward Recovery

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcohol addiction, know that help is available. At Collective Care, we understand the challenges of overcoming addiction and are here to guide you every step of the way.

Trauma 30 Min Free Consultation
Holistic, Compassionate, Non-Judgemental care, Evidence-Based and Trauma-Focused Therapies
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30 min
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