To Escape Trauma Memories
Understanding substance use as an attempt to get distance from what happened
I wanted to include this resource because when we only look at the substance or addictive behaviour, we can miss the reason somebody reached for it in the first place.
For some people it is about emotional pain. For others it is stress, trauma, sleep, physical pain, social confidence, sensory overload, loneliness, boredom or simply wanting to belong. Understanding the reason is not the same as excusing behaviour that has caused harm. It gives us somewhere more useful to begin.
In this guide I explore trauma can affect sleep, arousal and safety, intrusive memories can make escape feel urgent, avoidance can temporarily reduce distress. I also include practical alternatives, reflection questions, books for further reading and UK support services.
If you recognise yourself or somebody you care about in these pages, you do not have to wait for the situation to become severe before reaching out. Support can begin with understanding what the behaviour is doing for you — and finding safer ways to meet that need.
Maggie
Space to Breathe Therapy
