Understanding the Complexity of Addiction
Addiction is more than trauma. While popular, the idea that all addiction stems from trauma, popularized by figures like Dr. Gabor Maté and echoed by others in the helping professions—offers a compelling narrative, which is not true. It brings comfort to many who finally feel seen and validated. But in my work, both as a layman and a Catholic psychotherapist, I’ve learned this is a gross oversimplification.
Addiction is complex. While trauma certainly plays a role in some cases, it is not the sole or even always the primary driver of addictive behavior.
The Role of Trauma in Addiction
Childhood trauma, neglect, abuse, and other adverse experiences can shape emotional development and increase vulnerability to addiction. But not everyone who struggles with substance use has a trauma narrative. And not everyone who has experienced trauma develops an addiction. As Herbert Fingarette discusses in Heavy Drinking: The Myth of Alcoholism as a Disease, alcoholism is not a single disease.
A 2021 study published in BMC Psychiatry found that family alcohol use was a more significant predictor of alcohol use disorder in men than childhood trauma. In short, trauma is important—but it’s one part of a larger puzzle.
“These findings suggest that, although childhood trauma and stress may be significant, they are not sufficient nor universal explanations for addiction.” — BMC Psychiatry (2021)
Other Contributing Factors to Addiction
Genetic Predisposition
Addiction can run in families, and research confirms there’s a biological component. According to the National Institutes of Health, addiction is a polygenic disorder, meaning it arises from multiple genes working together to influence the brain’s reward system.
“Genetic factors account for about 40% to 60% of a person’s vulnerability to addiction.” — NIH
Environmental and Social Influences
The environment in which a person is raised — including peer influence, access to substances, and socioeconomic status — plays a major role. Stress, availability of substances, and lack of community support can all push someone toward dependence, even without trauma.
Co-Occurring Mental Health Disorders
Anxiety, depression, bipolar disorder, and PTSD are often seen alongside addiction. While some of these may stem from trauma, others do not. Many individuals use substances as a form of self-medication for emotional or mental health symptoms.
Why a Singular Narrative Can Be Harmful
Reducing all addiction to trauma can:
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Overshadow important genetic and behavioral factors
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Dismiss the experiences of those who struggle without having endured major trauma
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Lead to cookie-cutter treatment approaches that miss the real causes of dependency
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Shame those who feel like their addiction is “less justified” or “unexplainable”
While the trauma narrative is meaningful, it should never eclipse the diverse and deeply personal paths that lead people to substance use.
How I Can Help: A Personal and Multifaceted Approach
As a Catholic psychotherapist and someone who has walked with many through the pain of addiction, I offer something different: an integrated, holistic approach. 
At www.bill-moran.com, I take time to listen, to understand, and to walk beside you as we unpack not just trauma, but the full spectrum of your lived experience—biological, emotional, spiritual, and relational.
Together, we can address the root causes of your struggle, without reducing your story to a single narrative. My work is grounded in clinical evidence, Catholic anthropology, and the belief that true healing addresses both the mind and soul.
If you’re looking for someone to help you make sense of what you’re going through—and build a treatment path tailored to you—please visit to schedule a free consultation.
References
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Hazelden Betty Ford Foundation. “Trauma as the Cause of Addiction.”
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BMC Psychiatry. Family alcohol use vs. trauma in male alcohol addiction.
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NIH/NIDA. Genetics and Epigenetics of Addiction.
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Northbound Treatment. Addressing the Root Causes of Addiction.
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Lewis, Marc. “Addiction and the Brain: Development, Not Disease.”
