Understanding the Relationship between Trauma, Shame, and Substance Abuse
By Julie Choi Trepkau (she), AMFT 147728 Julie is an Associate Marriage and Family Therapist (AMFT) who holds a Master's in Counseling from National University, and is dedicated to supporting individuals from diverse populations as they navigate life’s challenges, including anxiety, depression, trauma, life transitions, and relationship concerns. Julie’s background is in yoga and education, having taught yoga internationally for over two decades as well as elementary school in Encinitas. Understanding the bidirectional relationship between trauma, shame, and substance use helps explain why substances are often used as a way to cope. Shame can be described as an intense, deeply negative feeling about oneself, often tied to beliefs of worthlessness or inadequacy. It is closely linked to a range of unhealthy coping strategies, including substance use. Research has shown a strong connection between trauma—particularly experiences rooted in Adverse Childhood Ex...