Like a splinter, trauma can burrow deeper and deeper into the life of a young adult until it causes an infection that manifests in all aspects of life - emotionally, mentally, and physically. The complexity of trauma is especially daunting when coupled with substance use disorder and mental health challenges. Dual-diagnosis treatment programs are designed to address these intertwined issues, helping individuals heal on a deep and lasting level. At Momentum Recovery, located on the serene shores of Wilmington, North Carolina, our treatment experience extends beyond traditional therapy models. This blog explores five surprising, yet powerful, experiences at Momentum Recovery that may facilitate healing from trauma for young adults.
1. Nature’s Healing Power: A Therapeutic Connection to the Ocean
For centuries, the ocean has symbolized both the turbulence of life and the calming force of nature. At Momentum, our proximity to the coast plays a critical role in the healing journey. Young adults are encouraged to connect with the ocean in a meaningful way, whether through mindfulness walks on the beach, surf therapy, or simply experiencing the rhythm of the waves.
This interaction with nature taps into what is known as "blue space therapy," a growing area of research that shows how proximity to water can reduce stress, anxiety, and depression. The ocean becomes a metaphor for life—teaching young adults that they, too, can navigate the waves of emotion and trauma with resilience. The therapeutic environment allows them to feel grounded and present, offering a sense of calm that traditional therapy settings often cannot provide.
2. Mindfulness & Surf Therapy: Rebuilding Trust in Self
One of the most unique aspects of Momentum Recovery is the integration of surf therapy. Surfing may seem like an unusual treatment for trauma, but it has proven to be a profound way for young adults to reconnect with their bodies and rebuild trust in themselves. Trauma often leaves people feeling disconnected from their physical selves, leading to an array of symptoms such as dissociation, anxiety, and low self-esteem.
Surf therapy requires individuals to be fully present in the moment. Balancing on a surfboard amidst the powerful ocean forces helps young adults cultivate mindfulness—a core component of trauma recovery. Mindfulness through surfing teaches patients to stay grounded in the present, offering an experiential way to combat the intrusive memories and hypervigilance often seen in trauma survivors. As they learn to trust the process of the ocean, they simultaneously begin to trust themselves again.
3. Community Support: Building Authentic Connections
Trauma often isolates individuals, making it difficult to trust others and form meaningful relationships. At Momentum Recovery, community plays a pivotal role in healing. Young adults enter a structured environment where they are not only receiving treatment but are also building relationships with peers who share similar experiences.
The unique community setting at Momentum Recovery offers both individual and group therapy, but it’s the informal, day-to-day interactions that often yield the most profound healing moments. Whether it's during group discussions, shared meals, or group recreational activities, patients begin to see that they are not alone in their struggles. They witness the healing power of empathy, shared experiences, and mutual support.
What may be surprising is that this sense of community extends beyond the clinical environment. Momentum Recovery fosters a family-like atmosphere where patients are seen as individuals, not diagnoses. This authentic connection builds trust—an essential element in trauma recovery—and allows young adults to gradually reintegrate into the world with newfound confidence and support.
4. Holistic Therapy Approaches: Healing the Mind, Body, & Spirit
Momentum Recovery embraces a holistic approach to treatment, understanding that trauma affects the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. Beyond traditional psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral techniques, young adults have access to various alternative therapies that address the physical and spiritual dimensions of healing.
One of the key offerings is yoga therapy, which allows individuals to reconnect with their bodies in a safe and gentle way. Trauma often leads to physical manifestations such as tension, pain, or hypervigilance. Yoga helps release these physical symptoms by encouraging mindful movement and deep relaxation. By integrating breathwork and body awareness, yoga becomes a powerful tool for trauma survivors to reclaim control over their physical and emotional states.
Additionally, Momentum Recovery incorporates meditation, art therapy, and experiential therapies that invite young adults to explore their trauma from different perspectives. These therapies empower individuals to express emotions that might be too difficult to verbalize, facilitating a deeper level of healing.
5. Individualized Dual-Diagnosis Treatment: Addressing Trauma & Mental Health Together
What sets our program apart is its commitment to addressing both trauma and mental health disorders simultaneously—a crucial aspect of dual-diagnosis care. Many young adults struggling with substance use disorder have underlying mental health conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, or personality disorders. Treating one without addressing the other often leads to relapse or incomplete healing.
At Momentum Recovery, our treatment team conducts thorough assessments to create individualized treatment plans that address both the addiction and the mental health disorder. Through integrated care, patients receive therapy for trauma while also learning to manage their mental health symptoms in a healthy way.
Momentum Recovery as a Beacon of Hope
Trauma recovery is never linear, but we’re dedicated to helping young adults find a safe, nurturing space to heal, grow, and thrive. If you or a loved one is seeking dual-diagnosis treatment, Momentum Recovery provides a sanctuary where healing is not only possible but inevitable. Give us a call today.