“We can all help prevent suicide. The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline provides 24/7, free and confidential support for people in distress, prevention and crisis resources for you or your loved ones, and best practices for professionals. Call 1-800-273-8255.”
Emotional and verbal abuse annihilates a person’s spirit. It breaks down self-confidence, self-esteem, and self-worth. Constant threats, rejection, and name-calling are dehumanizing and make the victim feel lonely and isolated. He or she avoids any type of confrontation or argument in fear of the abuser.
Emotional and verbal abuse can lead to substance abuse or addiction. The victim may turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with fear, shame, anger, and trauma. He or she might experience post-traumatic stress due to emotional and abuse. Drugs or alcohol can provide a false sense of security and make the victim feel safe, but these feelings are only temporary. Drug or alcohol use can lead to substance abuse and addiction.
Abuse and trauma
Emotional abuse and trauma is often the root of addiction and substance use disorders. Bullying is a form of emotional and verbal abuse and can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder. Batya Swift Yasgur, MA, LSW wrote an article on childhood emotional abuse and addiction for Medscape (2017) which states, “Emotional abuse during childhood may lead to opioid addiction and substance-related problems (SRP) in adults who suffer from impulsivity and posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), new research shows.” When a person feels hurt and powerless on an emotional level, they are at high risk to use.
Verbal abuse does not always come in the form of hurtful words, name-calling, and degrading. The abuser can also use silence as a way to emotionally hurt their victim. Verbal abuse is a way of attacking or another person using words or silence as a weapon. It can take a variety of forms ranging from loud rants to passive-aggressive remarks. (Berit Brogaard D.M.Sci., Ph.D., Psychology Today, 2016).
Getting help for trauma and addiction
Mental health disorders, trauma, substance use disorders, and addiction are treatable. If you or a loved one suffers from a substance use disorder and mental health condition, get help today. Addiction is complicated but treatment is available and there is hope in recovery. Do not be afraid to reach out for help.
Cypress Lake Recovery specializes in addiction treatment and is located in a serene, remote, lush-green, oxygen enriched environment. The program encompasses holistic addiction therapy and offers yoga and meditation for the mind, body, and soul. The focus is on physical, mental, and emotional well-being by generating the balance of life-enriching treatment, wellness, and healthy, sober, sustainable relationships. Call us to get started: 409-331-2204
