One of our Doves recently shared her story and opened up about her traumatic childhood and how it has shaped her. According to The National Institute on Drug Abuse, as many as 80% of women seeking treatment for an addiction have a trauma history. At Dove House, nearly 90% of the women who have walked through our doors have experienced childhood sexual trauma and abuse as adults.
Substance use is a way to cope with trauma and it can turn into addiction when women learn that substances offer quick relief from their anxiety and emotions. Thankfully, this Dove knows what she needs to do to make the most of life and looks forward to her future. The letter she wrote stated,
“It all started when I was a child and experienced severe mental, physical and sexual abuse. I was abandoned by my mom at 13 and became a ward of the state. I then started experiencing severe PTSD, anger, depression and anxiety. That then led to aggression and self-harm, suicidal ideations. My mental health got worse as time went on. I remained a ward of the state until I was 21. I knew nothing about independence and had not worked through any of my trauma, so when I entered into life on my own, I fell quickly into drugs and sexual activities. I struggled with psych issues, leaving me in and out of psych stays and rehabs. I have struggled with all of this since I was 21. I am 31 now. I truly believe a lot of the abuse I went through and becoming institutionalized led to my downward spiral of addiction and being promiscuous. I now realized I have to open up in therapy and take my meds as prescribed and stay away from all substances in order to heal.
I truly believe my childhood trauma has affected my addiction which feeds off of my mental health. I am someone who cannot just stop taking my meds and I have to refrain from any substances. I now look forward to my future where I will open up in therapy and heal from these old wounds.
Mental illness is one of the hardest things to cope with but it can be maintained.
#iWillHeal”
Hope for a future is part of our mission and something we try to instill in every woman who walks through our doors. Despite this Dove’s challenging past, she has realized her fresh start can start now. She knows what doesn’t serve her and is committed to what will help her heal and thrive.
At Dove House, we understand how prevalent trauma is among the women who come to us, which is why we offer trauma therapy and mental health services. Dove House is a great place for a fresh start. If you or a loved one are in need of help in recovering from substance use disorder, Dove House is here for you.
