Understanding Addiction Through the Lens of Trauma
By Dr. Jamie Huysman, Founder and Executive Director of STAR Network
Addiction is more than a struggle with substances or behaviors – it is deeply intertwined with personal trauma.
Dr. Gabor Maté, a renowned expert on addiction, argues that the root of addiction lies not in genetics but in unresolved childhood trauma and emotional pain.
This lens sheds new light on addiction patterns among Baby Boomers and Generation X, revealing the unspoken emotional burdens these generations carry.
And that is exactly what I want to talk about in the following lines.
Ready? Here we go.
The Role of Trauma in Addiction
Dr. Maté asserts that addiction is not simply a choice or a biological destiny but a coping mechanism for dealing with trauma.
Whether it manifests as substance use, workaholism, or other compulsive behaviors, addiction is often a response to unmet emotional needs during early childhood.
“The question is not why the addiction, but why the pain?” Dr. Maté explains.
His perspective challenges society to view addiction through a compassionate lens, understanding it as a symptom of deeper wounds rather than moral failure.
Reflecting the high rates of addiction among Boomers and Gen X, I like to describe this crisis as a “Silver Tsunami”.
The mental health industry faces numerous challenges, including overworked primary care physicians, burnout among allied health professionals, rising pain management clinics, and poor coordination in patient care.
Insufficient reimbursement for addiction and behavioral health treatments, combined with Hollywood’s promotion of quick fixes and sensationalized media portrayals, further complicate the issue.
Trauma and Addiction Across Generations
Baby Boomers and Generation X, shaped by distinct cultural and historical forces, exhibit unique patterns of addiction that are often rooted in their collective and personal traumas.
Baby Boomers: A Generation Carrying Silent Wounds
Born between 1946 and 1964, Baby Boomers came of age during a period of social upheaval, war, and shifting family dynamics. Many in this cohort faced rigid societal norms that often discouraged open conversations about emotional struggles.
- Trauma in Later Life: As Boomers age, unresolved trauma from their earlier years can resurface, contributing to substance use as a form of self-soothing. Recent data highlights increases in alcohol and drug related deaths among those aged 65 and older, with many turning to substances to cope with loneliness or declining health.
- Substance Use as Emotional Escape: Marijuana use among Boomers has risen significantly, potentially reflecting a shift toward self-medication for chronic pain—both physical and emotional.
Generation X: The Struggle to Balance Trauma and Expectations
For Generation X (born 1965–1980), the pressures of being the “middle child” generation, sandwiched between Boomers and Millennials, often come with unique stressors.
For Generation X, growing up with Baby Boomer parents who struggled with their own addiction issues meant being exposed to environments where emotional needs were often unmet.
This lack of stability and nurturing during formative years, combined with economic uncertainty, societal transitions, and the legacy of growing up in an era of increasing divorce rates, left deep psychological scars.
These factors contributed to making Gen X more susceptible to addiction, as they sought ways to cope with the unprocessed emotional pain and instability they experienced.
- Unseen Emotional Burdens: Many Gen X-ers carry the scars of childhood neglect or emotional disconnect, which can manifest as substance use disorders (SUDs). In 2022, rates of SUDs among those aged 50–54 spiked significantly, suggesting a link between mid-life pressures and earlier unresolved pain.
- Coping Through Substances: Marijuana use among Gen Xers has grown, potentially as a tool to manage stress or escape unresolved trauma, while alcohol misuse continues to be a prevalent concern.
The Hidden Toll on Families
Addiction, as I like to say, is a family disease, affecting not only the individual but also their loved ones.
This ripple effect is evident in the rising number of caregivers – often women – who turn to substances to manage the anxiety and emotional toll of supporting addicted family members.
Women, as the emotional anchors of families, often self-medicate “under the radar,” in contrast to men, who may exhibit more visible patterns of addiction.
Healing must begin with breaking this cycle of pain. Families need support not just to address the addiction but also to understand and heal the underlying traumas that fuel it.
Beyond Substances
While the focus often falls on drugs and alcohol when mentioning addiction, there are other addictive behaviors that arise from the same roots of trauma and disconnection.
These include internet and pornography addictions, especially among men, as technology becomes a modern escape from emotional pain.
Some studies estimate that over 30% of men between the ages of 18 and 55 report using pornography several times a week, and a considerable number of them acknowledge feeling addicted to it.
Recovery and Transformation
The intergenerational impact of addiction and trauma becomes particularly evident when examining the relationship between Baby Boomers and Generation X.
Boomers, often grappling with their own unresolved trauma, shaped the emotional landscapes of their children in ways that left lasting scars.
Gen X, growing up in homes marked by parental addiction, emotional unavailability, or societal pressures, inherited these wounds, perpetuating cycles of pain and coping mechanisms.
Trauma-informed approach to addiction shifts the focus from blaming individuals to understanding their lived experiences.
Early adversity, such as neglect, abuse, or parental stress, disrupts healthy emotional development, leaving a void that substances or behaviors temporarily fill.
This perspective challenges the traditional punitive response to addiction, advocating instead for empathy and support:
- Recognizing Trauma: Acknowledging the pain behind addiction allows for more effective interventions.
- Healing the Wounds: Addressing the emotional scars of trauma through therapy, connection, and community fosters genuine recovery.
- Breaking Generational Cycles: Understanding the intergenerational transmission of trauma can prevent addiction patterns in future generations.
Rather than stigmatizing those who struggle, we must foster environments where individuals can confront their pain and develop healthier ways of coping.
This involves reshaping healthcare, strengthening community bonds, and educating future generations about the impact of trauma.
By adopting a trauma-informed approach, organizations like the STAR Network™ play a crucial role in fostering healing and recovery.
STAR Network, a 501(c)(3) foundation (founded by me) committed to raising global awareness and providing treatment for individuals whose emotional realities have been distorted by narcissistic abuse, toxic relationships, and trauma.
By focusing on the root causes of trauma and offering TAR Anon free support group meetings, STAR Network helps individuals break free from the cycles of pain and addiction, creating pathways for true recovery and transformation.
Our mission highlights the importance of creating safe spaces for healing, where individuals can confront and overcome their past experiences, ultimately leading to healthier futures for both individuals and their communities.
By understanding addiction through the lens of trauma, we can move beyond treating symptoms and toward genuine healing – for individuals, families, and society as a whole.
