What was once a somewhat controversial idea has begun to be accepted as a reality by health care practitioners and clients alike: trauma experienced by parents, grandparents, and even ancestors farther back in history can be passed down in a phenomenon called generational trauma. Though you may be wondering “is generational trauma real?” the testimony of experts, researchers, traumatized individuals, and many more points towards the effects of historical trauma on present day suffering.
What Is Generational Trauma?
According to Indiana University Health, generational trauma is the passing on of adverse childhood experiences (ACE’s) from generation to generation, often mimicking inherited genetic traits. To quote an IU professor’s favorite epithet, “The child is the father of the man.” What a person has experienced in childhood shapes who they are, and how they approach relationships ever afterwards, including with their own children.
ACE’s play a big part in generational trauma. According to the CDC, ACE’s can include, but are not limited to:
- Experiencing violence, abuse, or neglect
- Witnessing violence in the home or community
- Death of a family member
- Substance use problems in the home
- Mental health problems in the home
- Parental separation
- Imprisonment of family members
Many of these experiences can result in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), a mental health condition that can manifest at any point in time after the ACE. Signs and symptoms of PTSD include intrusive memories, flashbacks, hypervigilance, and memory loss, among others. Often co-occurring trauma plays a part. The effects this condition can have on the sufferer and their relationships is a key cause of generational trauma.
Generational Trauma and Addiction
An interesting piece of anecdotal evidence regarding the co-occurrence of generational trauma and addiction is that children may replicate the substance use disorder behaviors of their parents even without directly experiencing the addiction themselves. Not only are the negative affects of ACE’s passed on; sometimes the unhealthy coping mechanisms are as well.
To the question of “how does addiction affect relationships?” one unfortunate reply is “by inspiring addiction in others.” Stories emerge of children walking in their parents’ footsteps even after the parent has healed from their addiction.
Some of this may be due to the repeated effects of the ACE’s on the person who experienced them and those closest to them. But much of it is the result of generational trauma in a way we are just beginning to understand. We can draw much knowledge from indigenous communities, who have long espoused a close tie between contemporary members of their communities and their ancestors. Mental health researchers are beginning to see the very real implications of this belief.
How to Break Generational Trauma
If you or a loved one are experiencing the devastating effects of generational trauma, you may be wondering how to break the cycle, and if there is hope for you. The good news is that with evidence-based treatment, the loop of suffering can end.
Addiction Treatment
A first step towards healing is breaking free from the bonds of a substance use disorder. Many facilities and programs offer detox and withdrawal management to help mitigate the effects of first stopping the use of a substance. With the aid of professionals, this difficult first step becomes eminently doable.
Then, through a combination of methods including cognitive behavioral therapy, holistic treatment programs such as equine and yoga therapy, as well as retreat rehab, the long-lasting work of building new habits and mindsets can begin to take shape.
Addressing Generational Trauma’s Effects
For those who have experienced–or whose ancestors have experienced–an ACE, there are many issues to unpack and mental health considerations to make. They may consider one of many residential treatment centers for depression or another mental health concern. Relationship addiction help is often a part of many of these programs and can help to rebuild what generational trauma has broken.
Healing from Generational Trauma and Its Effects in Vermont
If you or a loved one are dealing with generational trauma and its effects on your relationships, consider Sana at Stowe in Vermont. Our Vermont rehab facility offers medication-assisted treatment and trauma-informed care that integrates elements of Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT) with the tenets of Nonviolent Communication in a Motivational Enhancement (ME) framework. This approach is accompanied by traditional skills-based therapies, such as cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) and various peer recovery support services.
The skills-based therapies are supplemented by process groups, expressive therapies and integrative treatments, such as acupuncture. Our trained professionals will work with you and your loved ones to develop a holistic treatment plan that will lead to lifelong recovery.
So if you want to be free from generational trauma and its devastating effects, please give us a call at Sana at Stowe today.
