Did you know that teens and young adults often develop complex trauma? Believe it or not, trauma can lead them down the path of drug abuse. Finding ways for them to manage trauma can reduce the risk and even help them avoid relapse. That’s where trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy comes into play. Pairing this therapy with trauma therapy treatment can be effective for recovery.
What Is Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy?
As the name suggests, this form of cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) focuses mostly on trauma. In fact, experts typically use it to treat young adults. However, trauma-focused CBT is effective for treating young children and adult trauma survivors as well.
The goal of trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is to help people overcome the early onset of trauma. Generally, this period refers to trauma that they suffer before their brains fully develop the mechanisms to process trauma. Without these mechanisms, traumatic events can haunt people long after they happen.
When Is Trauma-Focused CBT Helpful?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is most helpful when young adults experience personal trauma. Some examples include mental, physical, and sexual abuse. However, it also helps when they have post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). In fact, PTSD often occurs from exposure to violence or the loss of a loved one.
As the brain develops, it’s able to process trauma better. Even as an adult, though, it’s possible for it to fail to process trauma correctly. When this happens, people have lingering effects of the trauma. Most of the time, the best way to overcome the trauma is to seek professional help.
Unfortunately, far too many people don’t seek professional assistance. This problem occurs among all ages. Instead of seeking help, they try to cover up their symptoms by using drugs and alcohol. In order to continue getting relief, they have to abuse drugs regularly.
Trauma-focused CBT can put an end to this cycle. It can help them deal with the heart of the problem, which is trauma.
The Need for Trauma-Focused CBT in Rehab
A vast majority of people start abusing drugs to cover up the effects of trauma. For that reason, it’s important for addiction therapy programs to include trauma-focused CBT for them.
However, few rehab centers offer only trauma-focused CBT. Even though it’s effective, people can benefit from other forms of treatment as well. Other addiction treatment programs, such as dual diagnosis treatment and family counseling, play a vital role in recovery too.
Finding Therapy That Young Adults Can Count On
Do you know a young adult who needs rehab that offers trauma therapy? If so, consider reaching out to Red Oak Recovery®. We specifically provide addiction therapy services for young adults. A few of the programs that we use include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Family counseling
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Trauma counseling
- Individual and group therapy
Don’t let trauma lead someone you care about down the path of drug abuse at a young age. Find out if trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy is right for him. Reach out to us today to learn more about this form of CBT at 866.457.7590.
