Nova Vida Recovery Centre | Algarve | Portugal | © 2006 - 2012 - All Rights Reserved
Call Us
(UK) [+44] (0) 208 133 0568
(PT & EU) [+351] 919 357186
(USA) 919 647 9481
(PT & EU) [+351] 919 357186
(USA) 919 647 9481
Our experience indicates that as many as one in four of the patients that we have treated here for their alcohol and drug dependencies are also survivors of trauma which; like the addiction that brought them into treatment does not go away without help. Trauma, if left unresolved, has a habit of appearing and disappearing over months and years often appearing at the most inconvenient times affecting our day-to-day relationships with family and friends. For some unresolved trauma is one of the underlying triggers that brought the patient into treatment and for others the abuse of alcohol and drugs has led to the traumatic event.
Trauma, whether experienced as children or adults, can have profound effects on individuals and their families. Individuals may be traumatised by a single event, such as a car accident or by experiences that take place over a period of time, such as repeated sexual, emotional or physical abuse.
Whatever the cause of the trauma it affects people's ways of thinking, their ability to concentrate and their memories. In addition, trauma survivors often blame themselves and have difficulty with trust and intimacy. Trauma can lead to many symptoms – including depression, anxiety, substance abuse – often leading to dependency, self-harm and disassociation. Our aim is to begin to help trauma survivors re-establish a sense of safety and predictability in the world and to provide them with the necessary tools to begin reconstructing their lives. We will work with each individual to help them sort out the reality of their past the best way possible. In the time patients spend with us, resolution of the trauma is not our aim and where necessary local referral or referral close to home can be arranged with specialist therapists to continue the journey in an outpatient setting.
Our Trauma specialist is experienced and professionally trained in the treatment of unresolved trauma with or without an accompanying addiction. Most of our patients with trauma issues are treated by us but occasionally we feel it may be more appropriate for the patient to transfer to another facility where specialised care amongst recovering patients with similar issues can offer the understanding and support that is a vital part of the recovery process. Any recommendation to be treated elsewhere is always a collaborative affair and we invariably choose centres in the USA where we have had previous experience and confidence in their ability to help.
Our goal is to help individuals begin to live their lives in the present, rather than continuing to
experience today as an extension of their past.
I thought I had hidden the childhood abuse well but by the time I had reached my mid twenties I knew I had done a poor job. I had tried drugs but they only gave me temporary relief. I immersed myself in work but as soon as the working day was over the memories returned. Alcohol became my crutch but eventually it took over my life. When the memories became too overwhelming it was only self harming that gave any measure of temporary relief. My employer would only take so many late mornings with hangovers before I got the sack.
I was advised to go to Nova Vida and with some reluctance I took the plunge and spoke to a therapist who seemed to instantly understand me. This was a first for me and changed my outlook on therapy and gave me some hope. Eventually I got there and within minutes of arrival I was immediately put at ease by one of the wonderful nurses and Sally. I knew I would be ok here. I felt safe.
It was difficult talking about all the issues that I had struggled with all my life but I always felt I was understood, supported and more importantly I could see a way out. I learnt so much I knew I could now face the world. I learnt that I could be a trauma survivor. The memories will sadly always be there but I know I was not at fault and I know the pain, when it comes, is now manageable. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
Jenny, Lisbon 2009
Whatever the cause of the trauma it affects people's ways of thinking, their ability to concentrate and their memories. In addition, trauma survivors often blame themselves and have difficulty with trust and intimacy. Trauma can lead to many symptoms – including depression, anxiety, substance abuse – often leading to dependency, self-
Our Trauma specialist is experienced and professionally trained in the treatment of unresolved trauma with or without an accompanying addiction. Most of our patients with trauma issues are treated by us but occasionally we feel it may be more appropriate for the patient to transfer to another facility where specialised care amongst recovering patients with similar issues can offer the understanding and support that is a vital part of the recovery process. Any recommendation to be treated elsewhere is always a collaborative affair and we invariably choose centres in the USA where we have had previous experience and confidence in their ability to help.
Our goal is to help individuals begin to live their lives in the present, rather than continuing to
experience today as an extension of their past.
I thought I had hidden the childhood abuse well but by the time I had reached my mid twenties I knew I had done a poor job. I had tried drugs but they only gave me temporary relief. I immersed myself in work but as soon as the working day was over the memories returned. Alcohol became my crutch but eventually it took over my life. When the memories became too overwhelming it was only self harming that gave any measure of temporary relief. My employer would only take so many late mornings with hangovers before I got the sack.
I was advised to go to Nova Vida and with some reluctance I took the plunge and spoke to a therapist who seemed to instantly understand me. This was a first for me and changed my outlook on therapy and gave me some hope. Eventually I got there and within minutes of arrival I was immediately put at ease by one of the wonderful nurses and Sally. I knew I would be ok here. I felt safe.
It was difficult talking about all the issues that I had struggled with all my life but I always felt I was understood, supported and more importantly I could see a way out. I learnt so much I knew I could now face the world. I learnt that I could be a trauma survivor. The memories will sadly always be there but I know I was not at fault and I know the pain, when it comes, is now manageable. Thank You. Thank You. Thank You.
Jenny, Lisbon 2009