From 9/11 to COVID-19, we are living in an age of uncertainty. Many young adults grew up witnessing multiple once in a lifetime events and for a lot of us, those things left scars whether we were aware of them or not. Substance use and mental health disorders often intertwine, especially for young adults. When trauma is at the root of addiction or mental health issues, treating only the symptoms is like treating gunshot wounds with gauze. At Momentum Recovery, our trauma-informed approach is more than a method—it’s a philosophy of healing, safety, and respect. This blog explores what trauma-informed treatment truly means and how it transforms recovery for young adults navigating the challenges of dual diagnoses.
Understanding Trauma & Its Impact on Addiction and Mental Health
Trauma looks different for everyone. For some, it might be a single, significant event—such as abuse, loss, or a life-threatening experience. For others, it’s an accumulation of chronic stressors over time, like persistent bullying, family conflict, or overwhelming life events. Regardless of its form, trauma can profoundly affect the mind and body, and the impact on young adults is particularly acute.
When untreated, trauma often leads people to develop survival mechanisms, sometimes resulting in mental health challenges like anxiety, depression, or PTSD. For young adults, who may lack coping skills or support networks, these symptoms can spiral into substance use as a means of self-medicating. Trauma-informed treatment is about meeting individuals where they are, considering the possibility of past trauma, and supporting them with empathy and validation.
What is Trauma-Informed Treatment?
Trauma-informed care is a framework designed to address trauma's profound impact by emphasizing safety, choice, collaboration, and empowerment. At its core, it recognizes the prevalence of trauma among individuals seeking treatment and works to avoid retraumatization through mindful and compassionate care practices. At Momentum Recovery, the trauma-informed approach includes four key principles:
- Safety – Creating a physical and emotional environment where young adults feel safe to open up and explore their experiences.
- Trustworthiness & Transparency – Establishing trust by being open, honest, and consistent in treatment approaches and interactions.
- Collaboration & Mutuality – Encouraging shared decision-making and respecting the individual’s role as the expert in their own experiences.
- Empowerment, Voice, & Choice – Fostering empowerment by recognizing and reinforcing the strengths, resilience, and abilities of each person.
Trauma-informed care is integrated throughout all aspects of treatment at Momentum from the language clinicians use to the physical layout of the treatment spaces. By acknowledging trauma as a crucial aspect of the therapeutic journey, our team can create a more respectful, non-judgmental environment where young adults feel safe enough to heal.
How Trauma-Informed Treatment Helps Young Adults in Recovery
Young people face unique challenges that can complicate the recovery process. Peer pressure, social media influences, academic pressures, and family dynamics are all stressors that can amplify the symptoms of trauma and co-occurring disorders. Trauma-informed care is designed to address these challenges holistically. Here are ways that trauma-informed treatment supports young adults in recovery:
Reducing Triggers & Re-traumatization: In a trauma-informed program, clinicians are attuned to the potential for triggering situations. By actively minimizing environments or practices that could be distressing, the treatment process becomes safer and more supportive, enabling deeper therapeutic work.
Enhancing Emotional Resilience & Coping Skills: Trauma can alter how individuals respond to stress, making it difficult to manage even minor daily challenges. Through trauma-informed approaches, young adults are taught healthy, adaptive coping mechanisms to handle stress without resorting to substance use.
Building a Support Network of Trauma-Informed Peers & Clinicians: Lots of people with a dual diagnosis benefit immensely from feeling part of a compassionate, informed community. Group therapy at Momentum Recovery, guided by trauma-informed principles, provides a safe space where young adults can connect, share experiences, and learn from others without fear of judgment.
Treating Both Trauma & Addiction Together: Dual-diagnosis treatment is fundamental to successful, sustainable recovery. When we address both trauma and addiction simultaneously, young adults are better equipped to understand the connections between past experiences and current behaviors, fostering long-lasting change.
Empowering Clients with Self-Agency: Trauma-informed care encourages individuals to actively participate in their treatment plans. This collaborative approach helps young adults regain a sense of control and independence, critical elements for confidence-building and self-worth.
Key Components of Trauma-Informed Treatment at Momentum Recovery
Momentum Recovery offers a comprehensive suite of services designed to support trauma-informed healing. The integrated programs provide young adults with a range of tools and therapeutic modalities aimed at addressing both mental health and substance use issues in tandem. Here’s a look at some of the key components:
Individual & Group Therapy: A combination of one-on-one and group therapy helps young adults process trauma in a supportive setting. Therapies such as CBT and EMDR are used to reduce the power of traumatic memories while building resilience.
Experiential Therapy: Activities like art therapy, adventure therapy, and mindfulness exercises allow individuals to connect with themselves and others in non-verbal, experiential ways. This process is particularly effective for those who may have difficulty articulating traumatic memories but can express and process them creatively.
Holistic Therapies: Incorporating physical wellness through practices like yoga, meditation, and nutrition counseling helps individuals achieve mind-body alignment and develop healthier, trauma-sensitive lifestyles.
Family Therapy: Involving family members in treatment can be a powerful way to repair and rebuild relationships. Trauma-informed family therapy offers a space for honest dialogue, helping to mend trust and educate loved ones on how they can support the young adult’s journey.
Life Skills & Career Support: For young adults, transitioning into adulthood with unresolved trauma and dual diagnoses can feel overwhelming. Momentum Recovery’s life skills training and career coaching equip clients with the practical tools to pursue independence confidently.
A Brighter Future through Trauma-Informed Recovery
If you or a loved one is seeking a safe, compassionate space for healing, reach out to us today to learn more about our trauma-informed dual-diagnosis program. The journey to healing is challenging, with the right tools, support, and care, you can reclaim your life and step confidently into the future.