Addiction treatment center programs at Promises is trauma-informed, which means we recognize that trauma is often at the root of addictive behaviors. Most people experience some form of trauma in their lives. Some turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with unbearable emotional pain. Some get stuck in a cycle of relapse because they haven’t addressed the trauma that fuels their drug problem. In some cases, drug addiction leads to trauma. For example, getting into an accident as a result of driving under the influence. To support our clients’ healing, we offer a number of weekly trauma groups. This can include a group focused on the Seeking Safety model. Our seeking safety PTSD therapy program helps to focus treatment on both substance abuse and the symptoms of PTSD in clients. 

What Is Seeking Safety?

Seeking Safety is an evidence-based approach that is frequently used to treat PTSD symptoms and the treatment of trauma and substance abuse. Harvard Medical School’s Lisa Najavits, PhD, developed this widely used model in 1992. It is well-suited for both individual and group therapy. To avoid retraumatizing the client, Seeking Safety focuses on the present time and does not require the client to describe or relive traumatic memories. Studies support the use of Seeking Safety for PTSD and co-occurring substance abuse. This has prompted several professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association and the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies, to list Seeking Safety as having strong research support.

What to Expect From a Seeking Safety PTSD Therapy Program

The primary goal of Seeking Safety is helping clients feel safe in their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors as well as their relationships. The model directly addresses substance abuse and trauma at the same time with a focus on reclaiming the client’s ideals that were lost as a result of trauma and drug or alcohol abuse. Clients participating in Seeking Safety explore up to 25 topics. We design these topics to help them develop critical coping skills. These can include the following:

• Asking for help
• Setting boundaries in relationships
• Taking back your power
• Self-nurturing
• Coping with triggers

Depending on their needs and time in treatment, clients may explore all or some of these topics at Promises.

Help At Promises Treatment Centers

At Promises Treatment Centers, we understand how trauma can affect clients long after the event occurs. Through options like our seeking safety PTSD therapy program, clients can begin to work through, and eventually past, their trauma to live healthier, more fulfilling lives. The skills they learn in these programs helps them function properly outside of treatment. They will no longer need to rely on harmful substances to get by. To learn more about our available addiction therapy programs, reach out to our team today. Contact Promises Treatment Centers now by calling 1.713.528.3709.