Once trust is established there are phases of healing, like rungs on a ladder. The automatic pathways we have developed require a time without self-medication. The numbing effects of drugs, alcohol or sex interfere with the brain's natural healing process. Developing new pathways in communication, crisis and trigger response will take time.
The negative side of this, is associative memory that trigger the physiological responses to fear, shame, anger and hatred. Many times during incarceration or treatment, there is opportunity to process things that have happened without the danger of running or using to "medicate/numb" the pain of those associations.
Writing a life story, treatment, doing an inventory, support and prayer groups are beneficial when participating in a safe environment where moments of self-sabotage may be diverted.
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