Trauma is deeply personal. What one person can absorb and recover from, another may carry as a life-altering wound. At Sana at Stowe, nestled in the tranquil beauty of Vermont, we recognize that trauma wears many faces. Understanding the different types of trauma is a foundational step toward compassionate, personalized care and long-term healing.
Whether it stems from a single event or years of compounding emotional injury, trauma influences mental health, relationships, and addiction patterns. This article explores the most common types of trauma, the individualized nature of trauma responses, and how trauma-informed care and holistic residential treatment create a path forward.
Understanding Trauma: More Than a Single Story
Trauma is not defined solely by what happened—but by how it was experienced. A traumatic event overwhelms a person’s ability to cope and regulate emotion. It can be physical, emotional, or psychological in nature, and its impacts may show up immediately or manifest years later.
For individuals with substance use disorders, trauma is often at the root of addiction. Addressing it directly through trauma-informed care is essential for lasting recovery. That is why recognizing the types of trauma experienced is so important in a dual diagnosis treatment environment.
Common Types of Trauma
Here are several widely recognized and clinically significant types of trauma:
1. Acute Trauma
Acute trauma results from a single, unexpected event such as a natural disaster, accident, assault, or medical emergency. The emotional impact is immediate and may trigger flashbacks, anxiety, or avoidance behaviors.
2. Chronic Trauma
Chronic trauma occurs from prolonged or repeated exposure to distressing events. Examples include domestic violence, bullying, or living in a war zone. Chronic trauma often leads to symptoms such as hypervigilance, dissociation, and emotional dysregulation.
3. Complex Trauma
Complex trauma results from exposure to multiple traumatic events over time, often within interpersonal relationships. It frequently involves betrayal or powerlessness—for instance, ongoing abuse by a caregiver. This type of trauma can deeply impact self-esteem, identity, and trust.
4. Developmental and Childhood Trauma
One of the most misunderstood types of childhood trauma, this category includes neglect, emotional abuse, abandonment, and early loss. The brain and nervous system are still developing during childhood, making early trauma particularly impactful. The effects often persist into adulthood in the form of attachment issues, anxiety, depression, or substance use.
5. Relational Trauma
Relational trauma stems from disruptions in secure attachment with caregivers or loved ones. It may not involve overt abuse but instead a lack of emotional attunement or validation. Individuals with relational trauma may struggle with intimacy, boundaries, and trust.
6. Collective and Generational Trauma
Collective trauma affects groups or communities. It includes experiences like racism, genocide, or a global pandemic. Generational trauma, also called intergenerational trauma, is passed down through family systems—often unconsciously. Recognizing these types of trauma in care models helps validate systemic experiences.
Trauma and Mental Health vs. Addiction
In dual diagnosis treatment, a common question is: Which came first—mental health issues or substance use?
Often, mental health conditions arise as a primary response to trauma. Depression, anxiety, PTSD, and dissociative disorders can be the mind’s attempt to protect itself. Addiction, then, becomes a coping mechanism—a way to escape or numb the pain.
Understanding this sequence is critical. Treating addiction without addressing underlying trauma or mental illness can result in relapse. That’s why trauma-informed care is at the core of the Sana at Stowe model.
Types of Therapy for Trauma
Healing looks different for everyone, and there are several types of therapy for trauma used within our trauma-informed, holistic approach environment:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thoughts and build emotional regulation skills.
- Trauma-Informed Yoga: Encourages mind-body reconnection and somatic awareness.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): A structured therapy that helps the brain process and release trauma.
- Internal Family Systems (IFS): Explores and heals inner parts that hold trauma.
- Mindfulness and Meditation: Builds self-awareness and nervous system regulation.
- Family Therapy: A vital component of family-involved treatment that repairs attachment wounds and improves communication.
Benefits of Residential Treatment for Trauma
For those living with complex trauma and co-occurring disorders, residential treatment offers safety, structure, and depth of care that outpatient settings often cannot. At Sana at Stowe, clients experience:
- 24/7 clinical support for safety and stability
- Personalized treatment plans grounded in evidence-based modalities
- Wellness and holistic services including massage, equine therapy, and art therapy
- Connection to nature in scenic Stowe, Vermont
Each day balances therapeutic work with restorative practices—building emotional strength, trust, and community.
Trauma-Informed Assessment and Addiction Screening
Recognizing trauma begins with the right tools. Our admissions process includes:
- ACEs and trauma Assessment Test: The ACEs assessment identifies early adverse experiences
- Drug use screening test: To determine substance use patterns
- Psychological evaluations for co-occurring disorders
This comprehensive assessment ensures that no part of a client’s experience is overlooked.
When Trauma Leads to Addiction
Some individuals turn to substances such as alcohol, opioids, or marijuana as a way to cope with emotional pain or numb distressing symptoms. For example:
- A person with relational trauma may develop marijuana addiction to ease social anxiety.
- Someone with developmental trauma may misuse benzodiazepines to manage panic attacks.
- An individual facing collective trauma might binge drink to escape overwhelming despair.
Recognizing these patterns helps clinicians tailor coping skills for addiction that honor the client’s full story, rather than simply treating the symptoms.
A Testimonial of Hope and Healing
“The depth of care and compassion I received at Sana at Stowe was unlike anything I’ve experienced. I felt seen and supported every step of the way. This place gave me my life back.”
—Former Client
This sentiment captures what we strive for: comprehensive, compassionate healing.
Healing in the Heart of New England
Located near Burlington, Vermont airport, Sana at Stowe is a peaceful retreat for individuals seeking recovery. We offer medically supervised detox, in-network insurance coverage, and a full continuum of care.
Our mission is simple: to create a healing space that honors your trauma, respects your resilience, and restores your hope.
Begin Your Journey
Understanding the types of trauma you or a loved one may have experienced is a powerful first step toward healing. At Sana at Stowe, we offer a sanctuary for this journey—where trauma is met with compassion, and recovery is built on dignity and trust.
Call us today at (802) 566-5906 or visit our website to learn more about our residential programs, therapies, and how we can support your recovery.
