Adolescents and Trauma
By Craig Rogers
The immediate and long-term impact of exposure to traumatic events produces devastating outcomes for adolescents. The term complex trauma describes the problem of children's exposure to multiple or prolonged traumatic events and the effect of this exposure on their development. Typically it involves the simultaneous or sequential occurrence of maltreatment including psychological abuse, neglect, physical and sexual abuse and domestic violence. Exposure to these initial traumatic experiences—and the resulting emotional dysregulation and the loss of safety, direction, and the ability to detect or respond to danger cues—often sets off a chain of events leading to subsequent or repeated trauma exposure in adolescence and adulthood.
Adolescents who have suffered trauma often develop attachment disorders which make it difficult to empathize and relate to others. Their world is viewed as unpredictable, so they are constantly uncertain and may become emotionally isolated. They have problems developing trust in relationships because they are suspicious. Traumatization can also effect a person's biology in a way that will give them unexplained illnesses, problems with movement and abnormal sensations like insensitivity to pain and hypersensitivity to touch. Feelings of detachment and disorientation aid the mental process of disassociation, a coping mechanism that helps the traumatized adolescent separate their emotions from hurtful memories, which ultimately can be damaging to the psyche. The most socially impairing results of trauma are self-destructive behavior and poor impulse control, which leads to an inability to complete tasks and stay focused. When they don't know how to heal, troubled teens who have suffered trauma turn to drinking alcohol in excess, abusing prescription and street drugs, and engaging in high-risk sex.
This is where C.A.R.E. Schools come in. There are therapeutic programs developed especially for teens in crisis including: residential treatment centers, group homes, boarding schools, military schools, summer camps, wilderness/adventure therapy and many other options for teen rehabilitation. Monitored 24/7 by licensed clinicians and caring staff members, these out-of state centers will take your son or daughter away from negative influences and problematic situations and place them in a constructive environment built to emphasize personal growth as well as physical, mental and emotional health while addressing any issues with an air of acceptance and positivity.
C.A.R.E. Schools will turn adversity into opportunity.
