The circularity of trauma-addiction-trauma

Abstract

The rationale for the study was to investigate the symbiotic connection of trauma and addiction. The focus is on childhood trauma and the turn to addictive practices to quell the memories and experiences endured as children. Chapter One discusses the methodology regarding the approach of the study and includes an introductory literature review of the phenomena. Additional literature is included in the ensuing chapters. A personal account of the motivation behind the research is chronicled in Chapter Two. In this chapter, I share with the readers my personal experiences around trauma and addiction in my family of origin. The notion of the blending of trauma and addiction is the focus of Chapter Three. It includes the approach to treatment of trauma and addiction as well as addiction counsellor training in the South African context. The storied lives of the participants and their experiences of trauma and addiction are encapsulated in Chapter Four. Finally, Chapter Five rounds off the study with the analyses of the narratives of the unique individuals who contributed to this research undertaking.