Whether we are brand new to the idea of recovery or seasoned veterans of the recovery lifestyle, our attachment to the idea of risk-taking may still be influenced by a small bit of fear. Trauma can take many forms in our lives, some of which cause us to take risks which put our lives, our health, our wellness, our safety, and that of others, in danger. Our compulsive tendencies caused by the way trauma impacts the nervous system heighten our vulnerability toward risk-taking behaviors. In an effort to do everything differently in recovery, we might feel like risk-taking behaviors are out of the question. Much of the effort of trauma recovery is to create and sustain an environment, both internal and external, of safety. Risk-taking behaviors can threaten the sense of safety we work extremely hard in trauma treatment to create. Thus, we live life as safely as possible, so as not to create any new moments which upset our sense of safety the way that our traumas did in our past lives.
Risk-taking behaviors aren’t always problematic. For example, many of us see seeking trauma treatment, as well as treatment for any kind of manifestation of trauma like addiction, as a risk. We risk losing our tight hold on compulsive behaviors which serve us. We risk changing our lives, for the better. We risk having to say goodbye to old friends, toxic relationships, comfortable behaviors, and much more. We even risk having to heal, even though that is exactly what we want.
Life is full of fascinating, positive, successful risks. Our recovery from trauma and various manifestations of trauma isn’t about staying away from all risks. Instead, our recovery from trauma helps us develop necessary skills which help us decide which risks to take and help us cope with whatever the outcome of those risks are, without relapsing into problematic behaviors. Recovery is never about building a defense wall against life. Recovery is always about learning how to let life in and live with it peacefully.
Trauma is most often the root cause of many emotional, behavioral, and mood disorders. Until you can heal your trauma, you will find great difficulty finding the healing you need to live a life of recovery, health, and wellness. At Khiron House, we provide effective residential treatment and cutting edge therapies which seek to transform mind, body, and spirit from the effects of trauma. Call us today for information. UK: 020 3811 2575 (24 hours) USA: (866) 801 6184 (24 hours).