~ Traumatic Addictions ~
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What are traumatic addictions? Often mischaracterized as process addictions and more often then not referred to as behavioral addictions, these are otherwise well-known disorders that function exactly like drug and alcohol addictions in the way they interact with the brain, as well as how the individual who has them, functions, with one important exception; all of these are trauma-based. The images above represent sex addiction, self-harming which includes 'cutting', gambling, and anorexia, almost universally referred to as an 'eating disorder'. But what these disorders have in common that they do not necessarily have in common with an alcohol and drug addiction, is that these four disorders are a direct result of childhood trauma.

It is fair to say that these disorders neurologically operate the same way as an addiction (which is also why those that suffer from them cannot stop on their own), but that they are acquired as a result of early childhood trauma and the behaviors that represent these disorders are utilized specifically to make the sufferer's emotional pain go away. It is also fair to say that the individual that carries one or more of these disorders is also someone that has been exposed to significant trauma during their early childhood formative years, either sexually, physically, verbally, through emotional and/or physical neglect and abandonment, or physical or verbal violence, even when the violence was not directed specifically at them.

So how is it that an addiction can be the result of early childhood experiences? The answer unfortunately, is "easy". Click this link to watch the five, 2-3 minute video clips in the Video Cafe to learn why. The video clips referenced here are the ones labeled 1-5. You will understand fully.

If you would like more information on any of these disorders please contact Dr Ullman.

Please be mindful when using the information presented on this website when used to diagnose self or other by clicking HERE to read the important caveat.