Somatic Therapy
Somatic Therapy in Addiction Treatment
Substance use disorder (SUD) is a complex condition that affects a person’s mind, body, behaviors, and more. Experiencing traumatic events may increase a person’s risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can make it more challenging to overcome SUD and work toward lifelong recovery.
Somatic therapy is a holistic therapy that can help people let go of traumatic memories of destructive thoughts. This therapeutic approach focuses on regulating the nervous system and helping people focus on the present moment. It can be a very effective therapy for people who have experienced trauma and live with SUD.
This article will explore the benefits of using somatic therapy in substance abuse treatment. You will learn:
- What somatic therapy is
- The connection between trauma and substance use
- How to use somatic therapy in addiction treatment
- The benefits of somatic therapy in recovery
- Where to find comprehensive addiction treatment and recovery support
If you or someone you love has a history of traumatic experiences and substance use, you are not alone. Contact the intake team at Blue Star Recovery to learn about our holistic treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to schedule an intake appointment.
What is Somatic Therapy?
Somatic therapy is a treatment that can help people explore the physical experience of emotions within the body. Some mental health practitioners believe that the body stores and expresses emotions through physical symptoms, including chronic pain, poor concentration, and sleep disruptions. Increasing body awareness of these physical sensations can help people identify and process “stuck” emotions.
Somatic therapists work with their clients to build a stronger mind-body connection. Somatic experiencing therapy may benefit people who struggle with:
- Anxiety
- Relationship issues
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Complicated grief
- Depression
- Poor self-esteem
- Difficulty trusting others
Somatic therapy differs from cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other evidence-based forms of talk therapy. Instead of focusing on building resilience to physical sensations, it can help resolve them.
During somatic therapy sessions, people may engage in techniques that include:
- Guided imagery to help people learn how to return to a relaxed state
- Body awareness exercises to identify physical tension or other sensations
- Guided exercises to explore physical sensations connected to traumatic memories
- Recalling places and people that provide a sense of safety
Some mental health experts believe that somatic therapy may help people reprocess or release stored trauma. This, they believe, may help to reduce tension, anxiety, and other challenging symptoms of trauma.
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How to Use Somatic Therapy in Addiction Treatment
People who experience traumatic events may be more likely to develop substance use disorder (SUD). But what is behind this connection?
Traumatic events can have a lasting impact on a person’s mind and body. Some examples of traumatic events include:
- Experiencing abuse or neglect
- Being the victim of a sexual or physical assault
- The death of a loved one
- Living in a war zone
- Surviving an accident or natural disaster
Some people develop long-term symptoms of trauma or post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). The symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks (reliving the traumatic event as though it is occurring)
- Anxiety
- Insomnia
- Depression
Low self-worth - A feeling of being “on guard” or overly alert
- Anger
- Mood swings
- Avoidance of anything related to the trauma (people, places, objects, etc.)
PTSD symptoms can cause chronic stress, fatigue, anxiety, and other symptoms that interfere with daily living. The symptoms of PTSD may interfere with functioning and severely impact a person’s quality of life.
People with untreated PTSD may turn to drugs or alcohol for temporary relief. Using drugs or alcohol to relieve emotional pain is a form of self-medication.
People who self-medicate with drugs or alcohol may develop physical dependence or SUD. Many people with SUD require intensive treatment to stop using drugs or alcohol and avoid relapse.
The Benefits of Somatic Therapy in Addiction Treatment
There are several potential benefits to using somatic therapy in addiction treatment. Here are some of the most significant benefits of this holistic approach for those in recovery.
Somatic therapies can help people identify and heal stored trauma. Instead of avoiding or “stuffing” complex or uncomfortable memories, people learn to address them. Somatic therapists believe this can reduce physical and emotional symptoms of stress, leading to a calmer mind and body.
Somatic therapy allows people to explore their discomfort without automatically trying to avoid it. This may help to reduce impulsive behaviors, including drug or alcohol use.
Somatic therapy provides safe, healthy, and effective ways to reduce stress. Through it, people learn techniques to cope with stress at the moment and reduce overall stress. Learning somatic techniques can be very powerful for people who have felt powerless over their emotions or behaviors in the past.
Contact the Blue Star Recovery specialists to learn more about the benefits of somatic therapy in recovery.
Find Addiction Treatment Now
It can be challenging to overcome substance use disorder. Holistic treatment and evidence-based support can help you address the roots of your substance abuse and move forward.
Contact the intake specialists at Blue Star Recovery to learn about our comprehensive treatment and recovery support programs. You can also reach out with questions, to verify your insurance coverage, or to schedule an intake appointment.
References:
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Somatic Experiencing for Posttraumatic Stress Disorder: A Randomized Controlled Outcome Study
- American Psychological Association (APA): Somatic experiencing—Effectiveness and key factors of a body-oriented trauma therapy: A scoping literature review.
