What is Caregiver Trauma Reaction?

     The term Caregiver Trauma Reaction or (CTR) to denote the trauma experienced and manifested in the mind and body when addiction is present within family sytems or supportive relationships. The traum that families experience while loving someone in addiction is frequently painful emotionally and physically draining, which is why those who live with addiction may become traumatized to varying degrees by the experience. Over time, symptoms such as depression and anxiety can develop. Family members can often describe feelings of hyper-vigilance, low self- worth and physical disturbances (head and body aches, chronic tension, and so forth). If untreated, their symptoms look diagnostically similar to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).
     CTR is a transformation in the self that results from empathic engagement with an addicted family member. Over time, CTR can lead to significant depletion of one's mental and spiritual wellbeing. Caregivers often describe pervasive and constant intrusive thoughts and expounded worry for their loved one, along with psychological and physical reactivity when talking about or to an addicted family member. Many caregivers detach from their families and friends, feeling numb, empty, and guilt-ridden. They may think about death and even contemplate suicide. The range of emotional reactions while loving someone with chemical dependency can be crippling for a family system, and caregivers deserve more.

    This blog will explain the effects of trauma on the reader’s life, focusing specifically around CTR. The purpose ofthis blog over the year of 2020 is to learn more about codependency and attachment models of caring for a loved one with chemical dependency.
Next week:  Is this Positive Attachment or Codependency?​