Key Takeaways
- Inpatient addiction therapy offers trauma survivors structured 24/7 care, blending medical, psychological, and holistic support.
- Alcohol detox and drug withdrawal management create the foundation for recovery.
- Rehab’s specialized PTSD therapy addresses the deep connection between trauma and substance abuse.
- Patients are guided through practical steps, such as packing for inpatient rehab, to reduce stress during admission.
- A comprehensive program combines medical detox, therapy, and relapse prevention for long-term healing.
Introduction
For those who have been through trauma, addiction generally starts with suffering that hasn’t been dealt with. Many people resort to drugs or alcohol to numb their emotional wounds after going through trauma, whether it was childhood abuse, military duty, domestic violence, or any other life-changing experience. This may help for a short while, but using drugs and alcohol just makes the cycle of pain worse.
This is where inpatient addiction treatment is vital. Inpatient programs provide a secure and controlled setting for trauma survivors to deal with both their drug use and the trauma that caused it. As noted by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, trauma and substance misuse often reinforce one another, creating a cycle that is difficult to break without professional intervention.
This blog talks about why inpatient care is beneficial for those who have been through trauma, how it fits in with trauma-informed treatment, and what patients should anticipate along the way, including valuable tips like how to pack for inpatient rehab.
Why Do People Who Have Been Through Trauma Often Have Trouble With Addiction?
Research has repeatedly shown a substantial link between trauma and addiction. People who have survived may have trouble with:
- Thoughts and memories that come back to you and make you want to self-medicate.
- Sleep problems or nightmares that become worse when you drink too much alcohol or use sedatives.
- Emotional dysregulation—feelings of rage, remorse, or humiliation that seem too much to handle.
- Hyperarousal (always being awake) may make people depend on stimulants or depressants.
- Behaviors that help people avoid uncomfortable memories by using drugs.
Trauma survivors who don’t get assistance from a professional are locked in a loop where substance abuse makes PTSD symptoms worse and PTSD makes the urge for narcotics stronger.
What Part Does Detoxing From Alcohol Have in Getting Better?
Alcohol detox is usually the first step in inpatient treatment for those who are addicted to alcohol. Detox is getting rid of alcohol in a safe way while dealing with withdrawal symptoms that might be harmful, such as seizures, hallucinations, or extreme anxiety.
Medical detox ensures that those who have been through trauma are not harmed further during withdrawal. At many places, medications are given to patients to keep them stable while therapists start getting them ready for more in-depth addiction treatment. Detox strengthens the emotional healing that happens with trauma-focused therapy.
How Can Inpatient Addiction Treatment Help Those Who Have Been Through Trauma?
Inpatient rehab has advantages that outpatient programs generally don’t:
- Supervision and safety 24 hours a day, seven days a week, are crucial for those with severe PTSD and addiction.
- Plans for integrated treatment that include detox, trauma therapy, and relapse prevention.
- Therapeutic community support, where individuals who have been through similar experiences offer each other affirmation.
- Access to trauma therapy that is tailored to the person’s needs, such as trauma-informed counseling and therapies that have been shown to work.
Inpatient programs lower the likelihood of relapse and allow survivors the opportunity to recover in all areas of their lives by treating both addiction and trauma at the same time.
What PTSD Treatments Are Included in Rehab?
Inpatient rehab for PTSD generally includes:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is used to identify harmful thought patterns.
- Trauma-focused group therapy where survivors can safely share experiences.
- Mindfulness and relaxation techniques to regulate the nervous system.
- Medication management when antidepressants or anti-anxiety drugs are needed.
Some facilities even integrate creative and expressive therapies. For example, Grocke, Ragsdale, & O’Hara examined trauma-focused psychodrama in inpatient substance abuse treatment and found it helped participants process unresolved pain while developing healthier coping mechanisms.
What Do Patients Need to Know About Packing for Inpatient Rehab?
It may be hard to start treatment, particularly for those who have been through trauma and may already be anxious about leaving home. Packing for inpatient rehab becomes easier with guidance. Patients are asked to bring:
- Comfortable, modest clothing suited for the weather.
- Personal hygiene items allowed by the facility (without alcohol content).
- Essential documents (ID, insurance card, prescription list).
- Notebooks or journals for therapy assignments.
- Family photos for emotional support.
Items not allowed typically include alcohol-based products, internet-connected devices, or triggering objects. Most facilities provide detailed packing lists to ensure readiness.
How Can Inpatient Care Aid in Healing Over Time?
Detox is not the end of recovery. Inpatient programs help trauma survivors stay sober long-term by focusing on:
- HALT (managing hunger, anger, loneliness, and tiredness) as relapse prevention.
- Family therapy to rebuild trust and support networks.
- Holistic therapies, such as yoga, art, or equine therapy, can provide nonverbal healing.
- Aftercare planning, including outpatient therapy, sober living, and support groups.
This multi-layered approach strengthens the ability to resist cravings and achieve long-term sobriety.
Conclusion
Addiction is typically a sign of more profound trauma for many survivors. True healing requires more than willpower—it requires a safe environment, professional support, and coordinated care. Inpatient addiction therapy provides that foundation. With medical stabilization, alcohol detox, and comprehensive PTSD treatment, survivors can begin to rebuild their lives free from substance abuse.
If you or someone you love is struggling, help is available. At Virtue Recovery Las Vegas, we provide specialized trauma-informed treatment designed to empower survivors with the tools they need for lifelong recovery. Call 866-520-2861 today to begin your healing journey.
FAQs
What makes inpatient addiction therapy better for those who have been through trauma than outpatient care?
People with both PTSD and addiction need 24-hour structured support, which inpatient rehab provides.
Is it safe to detox from alcohol without medical supervision?
No. Withdrawal can cause seizures, hallucinations, and extreme anxiety, making medical detox essential.
How can inpatient rehab help people with PTSD?
Through trauma-informed therapies like CBT, EMDR, group counseling, and mindfulness-based practices.
What should I bring with me to rehab?
Bring comfortable clothes, approved hygiene products, IDs, insurance cards, and personal items such as journals or family photos.
What happens when you leave inpatient rehab?
Most patients continue recovery through outpatient therapy, sober living, and relapse prevention programs.
Resources:
- U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. Substance Use and PTSD. National Center for PTSD, U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, 29 May 2025, https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_misuse.asp
- Henslee, A. M., & Coffey, S. F. Incorporation of Prolonged Exposure Therapy into Residential SUD Treatment: A Case Series. Journal of Traumatic Stress, case series cited in NCBI PMC, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3811127/
- Grocke, D., Ragsdale, B., & O’Hara, M. Trauma-Focused Psychodrama in Inpatient Substance Abuse Treatment. Journal of Group Psychotherapy, Psychodrama & Sociometry, study available via NCBI PMC, https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC7252437/
