Addiction Recovery

Time and time again research has proven the direct correlation between trauma and the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, especially addiction. When one thinks of “coping mechanisms” its natural to view these as positive. However, coping mechanisms refer to any mode used in managing one’s stress, and these are not always positive. Addiction has been shown to develop as a coping mechanisms to manage stress and to negatively cope with trauma. The direct link of trauma and addiction is why changing these behaviors is so challenging for many of those attempting recovery. Kaivara believes in the separation of the person from their behavior in order to process the triggers associated with addictive behaviors. Identifying the reason why the triggers developed is how one can learn to take control of them, and begin the journey toward recovery. Addiction is not a person’s “problem” that needs to be solved, but rather the symptom of the core issue that has caused the negative coping mechanism to develop.