breathwork for addiction and trauma recovery

Breathwork for Addiction & Trauma Recovery: A Powerful Solution

Megan, Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator & Teacher, Yoga Instructor, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Holistic Nutritionist, Reiki 2 Megan, Trauma-Informed Breathwork Facilitator & Teacher, Yoga Instructor, Clinical Hypnotherapist, Holistic Nutritionist, Reiki 2

Exploring the Connection Between Trauma and Addiction

Before we delve into why breathwork for addiction recovery is such a powerful modality, its important to first understand where addictions come from. Addiction is not a matter of choice or a manifestation of disease. It does not indicate weakness, moral failure, lack of willpower, poor decision-making, or a fundamental character flaw, nor is it a predetermined brain or genetic disease [1].

Addictions serve as subconscious coping mechanisms that develop in response to human suffering and trauma. This perspective is not merely an opinion but is firmly grounded in extensive scientific research and literature. Unfortunately, societal awareness of this connection is lacking, leading to the unfair blame and punishment of individuals struggling with addiction. This lack of understanding only compounds the trauma an addicted individual has already suffered, and further exacerbates their need to self-soothe with their addiction of choice [2], [3].

Fortunately, a growing number of reputable professionals, including doctors, specialists, and scientists, are shedding light on the undeniable link between trauma and addiction. Among them, Dr. Gabor Maté, a prominent author and expert in trauma and addiction, emphasizes that many addictions originate from repetitive childhood trauma, serving as a means to escape overwhelming pain and suffering [4], [5]. According to Maté, addictions represent a form of self-medication, emerging when individuals face profound emotional challenges without adequate support or coping mechanisms.

Certified drug and alcohol counselor Nathaniel Hodder-Shipp adds valuable insights by explaining that drugs and alcohol can provide a sense of regulation for a traumatized nervous system. In some cases, consuming these substances may be the first time an individual feels safe or comfortable in their own body, and this creates a powerful attraction that can easily snowball into addiction [6].

Addictions Can Be Behavioral as Well as Substance Related

It is crucial to recognize that addictions manifest in various forms, extending beyond substance abuse to encompass behavioral patterns such as shopping, sex, gambling, video game playing, overeating, and media use [7]. While the link between drug and alcohol addiction and trauma is well-established in medical literature, the connection between traumatic experiences and addictive behaviors requires further research [8]. Nevertheless, Gabor Maté contends that all addictions, regardless of type, are attempts to regulate uncomfortable internal emotional states which are rooted in childhood trauma [9].

ACES & Addictions

Trauma gives rise to imbalances in the autonomic nervous system and causes the brain to undergo adaptive changes in response to environmental challenges. The impact of these alterations is particularly pronounced during childhood. The resulting changes from trauma render individuals more susceptible to seeking solace through addictive substances and behaviors. In fact, studies indicate a strong correlation between the level of substance use in addicts and the extent of abuse, trauma, or Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACES for short) [10], [11]. One example of this can be found with IV drug addictions – individuals with an ACE score of 6 or more (on a scale of 1-10), are 4,600% more likely to engage in IV drug use [14].

Sadly, every point on the ACE scale increases the risk not only for addiction but also for chronic diseases, depression, domestic violence, anxiety, and poverty [15], [16]. It’s important to note here that not all addictions originate from childhood trauma; traumatic events at any point in life can lead to emotional dysregulation, nervous system imbalances, and the draw to self-sooth through addictive substances or behaviors [17]

In light of these complexities, it becomes evident that to truly cure addiction, you must go beyond traditional approaches such as psychotherapy, group support meetings, and behavioral therapy. These are not the most efficacious methods on their own. To create lasting change and truly transcend the addiction, you need to process the core trauma that drives addiction, stabilize the nervous system, and release somatic tensions stored as a consequence of trauma. This transformative process is an internal undertaking, and it is why breathwork for addiction recovery is such a powerful modality.

Breathwork for Addiction Recovery & Trauma Release

The power of breathwork for addiction recovery cannot be overstated. Dr. Patricia Gerbarg’s research highlights the efficacy of regulated breathing in addressing trauma at various levels, even in cases resistant to other treatments such as psychotherapy and psychoanalysis. [18], [19]. Breathwork serves as a powerful tool for reconnecting individuals with their bodies, emotions, and feelings, allowing for the release of buried or numbed-out emotions that may have driven addictive behaviors for years.

During breathwork sessions, individuals gain access to the subconscious mind, enabling the alteration of self-sabotaging and negative addiction-fueling stories established in childhood. Breathwork also helps release traumas stored in the body, regulates the nervous system, and restores balance to individuals stuck in the parasympathetic (freeze) or sympathetic (fight or flight) responses [20], [21].

Breathwork is also an important tool for reconnecting you to your body, your feelings, and your emotions, and trauma forces you to disconnect from these in order to survive. Many breathers experience emotional breakthroughs during Breathwork and are able to release painful memories and feelings that they may have been subconsciously burying or numbing out through addiction for decades. Furthermore, breathwork addresses several underlying issues associated with addiction, such as anxiety, depression, and feelings of being unloved, unworthy, ashamed, or alone. And it fosters essential feelings for wellness, including bonding, forgiveness, meaningful connection, and self-love [22].

In addition to all of the above benefits, breathwork introduces a natural source of euphoria, showcasing to individuals struggling with addiction that they can experience profound well-being without harmful behaviors or substances [23]. And finally, breathwork helps reconnect individuals with their life-force energy and inner wisdom, acting as a potent ally in trauma and addiction recovery.

Concluding Thoughts on Breathwork for Addiction Recovery

In conclusion, while breathwork proves valuable in healing the underlying issues contributing to individual addiction, societal responsibility plays a crucial role in addressing broader issues such as poverty, racism, colonization, and capitalism, as pointed out by addiction expert Nathaniel Hodder-Shipp [24]. If you are grappling with addiction, remember that it is not your fault, and healing is possible. Recognize that there is light at the end of the tunnel, your greatest challenges can be transformed into your greatest growth, and you deserve happiness and health!

Breathwork can help heal the trauma that fuels addictions, however, it’s important that you work with a qualified, trauma-informed Breathwork Facilitator. I would be honored to be that facilitator for you, and if my words resonate, I invite you to reach out and embark on your breathwork for addiction recovery with me.

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