Decades of research have revealed a compelling connection between traumatic experiences and substance use. This growing body of evidence highlights that addiction is often less about the substances themselves and more about the unresolved pain they temporarily soothe.

When Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) and the 12-step program were founded in 1935, our understanding of trauma and its profound impact on the brain was limited. At that time, addiction was primarily framed as a moral failing or character flaw rather than a coping mechanism rooted in deep emotional wounds. Fortunately, we now know better. Advances in neuroscience and psychology have illuminated how trauma reshapes the brain, leaving individuals more vulnerable to seeking relief through substances.

This insight underscores the importance of approaching addiction recovery—and even the 12-step process itself—in a trauma-informed way. Recovery isn’t just about abstaining from substances; it’s about addressing the underlying pain that drives the addiction in the first place. As Dr. Gabor Maté wisely observes, “The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain?”

A trauma-informed approach shifts the focus from judgment to compassion, creating space for understanding the “why” behind someone’s substance use. It acknowledges that addiction often stems from a desire to numb feelings of shame, grief, or unworthiness—feelings rooted in past wounds that have gone unhealed.

By integrating trauma awareness into recovery, we can help individuals not just survive but truly heal. We create opportunities for them to reclaim their stories, mend broken connections, and build a life where pain no longer calls the shots. This compassionate lens doesn’t just transform the recovery process; it has the power to transform lives.