How Childhood Trauma Fuels Addiction and How to Heal
The Hidden Connection Between Trauma and Addiction
Did you know that individuals with a history of trauma are four times more likely to develop substance use disorders? Studies show that over 70% of people in addiction treatment have experienced trauma. At Bali Harmony Rehab, we recognise that addiction is rarely just about substances, it’s often about unresolved pain.
What Is Childhood Trauma?
Childhood trauma refers to deeply distressing events that overwhelm a child’s sense of safety or emotional stability. These experiences leave lasting imprints on the developing brain, affecting emotional regulation, stress response, and relationships well into adulthood.
What Are Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs)?
The ACE Study by the CDC identified 10 core categories of childhood trauma. These include:
Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
Physical or emotional neglect
Witnessing domestic violence
Parental substance abuse or mental illness
Divorce, loss of a parent, or parental incarceration
People with four or more ACEs are:
7 times more likely to develop alcohol dependence
Twice as likely to use illicit drugs
More prone to mental health conditions like depression, anxiety, and PTSD
These statistics reveal a clear, measurable connection between unresolved trauma and later addiction.
Why Trauma Leads to Addiction
Many trauma survivors turn to substances to escape emotional pain. Alcohol or drugs may seem to offer short-term relief from memories, anxiety, or sleep issues—but over time, they only reinforce dependency, isolation and distress.
Common trauma-related triggers include:
Flashbacks and nightmares
Chronic hypervigilance
Emotional numbness or dissociation
Low self-worth or shame
Difficulty trusting others
Without appropriate treatment, these patterns continue to fuel the cycle of addiction.
The Bali Harmony Approach to Trauma-Informed Rehab
At Bali Harmony Rehab, we specialise in trauma-informed addiction recovery. Our integrative, person-centred programs are designed to treat the root cause, not just the symptoms.
Our holistic approach includes:
RTT and Hypnotherapy
Reframes core beliefs formed during childhood traumaCBT and Individual Therapy
Develops safer coping strategies and challenges negative thinkingBreath-work, Yoga and Meditation
Restores nervous system balance and emotional awarenessGroup Therapy and Peer Support
Helps normalise trauma responses and builds healthy connectionNutrition for Recovery
Supports brain healing with dopamine-friendly, stabilising mealsAyurvedic Treatments
Addresses physical and emotional imbalance using ancient healing methods
Each client’s treatment plan is carefully tailored to their trauma history, personality and stage of recovery.
Breaking the Cycle of Pain
Healing from childhood trauma and addiction is not about forgetting the past, it’s about finding new ways to live with peace, clarity and self-compassion. With the right support, it is absolutely possible to:
Regulate your emotions without substances
Rebuild trust in yourself and others
Replace shame with resilience
Build a healthy, addiction-free future
You Are Not Alone
If childhood trauma continues to shape your adult life or fuel addictive behaviours, we are here to help. Bali Harmony Rehab provides expert trauma-informed care in a peaceful, private setting where healing is possible.
We are here to support you every step of the way, whether that is information, support or even eventually rehab. Contact us today for a confidential conversation about how we can support your recovery journey.
Client Review
“For years I didn’t realise my drinking was connected to childhood trauma. The team at Bali Harmony helped me understand the root of it all and gave me tools to heal, gently, patiently and with care. It changed everything.”
— Melissa, Former Client
Reviewed by
Dr. Amelia DN Sugiharta
Consulting Psychiatric Doctor, Bali Harmony Rehab
Last medically reviewed: July 2025