Addiction after Surviving Sexual Abuse

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Rape affects people of all backgrounds, ages and genders. Rape is a traumatic experience and many rape survivors suffer long-term consequences.

Sometimes, substance use can become a way to self-medicate painful feelings, or compulsive behaviors may serve as a way to gain a sense of control over life. If you have been raped and currently struggle with an addiction, there are specialized programs that can help you regain control of your life.

How Rape Affects Survivors

Due to how traumatic rape is, long-term consequences can devastate survivors. Some of the side effects of rape include the following symptoms:

  • Depression and anxiety
  • Fear or phobias that may even seem unrelated to the rape
  • Physical illness such as headaches, digestive issues or frequent colds or infections
  • Trouble with relationships
  • An inability to trust others
  • A tendency to numb your feelings through dissociation or sometimes through drugs and alcohol

Symptoms of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder following Assault, Abuse or Rape

It is important to be aware of the symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) following a traumatic experience. People with PTSD often experience the following problems:

  • Feelings of guilt and shame related to the incident, even if those feelings don’t make sense
  • Depression and anger with possible mood swings
  • Intrusive memories, nightmares or flashbacks related to the event
  • Drug and alcohol use

EMDR as Treatment for PTSD, Trauma and Addiction

Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is a new type of treatment designed to help people who have suffered from traumatic experiences. EMDR is a safe and easy counseling method that allows you to talk about your situation in a calm and relaxed way.

EMDR is different from other therapies because it usually works faster, is less traumatic and shows proven results in as little as a few weeks.

EMDR is a wonderful option if you are struggling to discuss your experience, because it helps each person work at a comfortable pace to heal the emotional wounds that caused addiction. EMDR allows you to be in control of your counseling experience while helping you let go of trauma and past experiences in comfort.

Addiction Help for Rape Survivors

Would you like to learn more about addiction counseling for rape survivors? Please call us today at our 24 hour, toll-free helpline, 844-496-9429 to find out how we can help you.

Ask how your treatment can be covered under insurance, and remember all of our calls are free to you and are completely confidential. Find out how one of our experienced counselors can help you today.

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