There is a strong correlation between trauma and substance use disorder (SUD). Substance use disorders and addiction are frequently driven and exacerbated by unresolved trauma—especially childhood trauma.
Treating Adolescent Trauma Exposure
In-Network With Most Commercial Insurers
Clinically reviewed by
Dr. Ian Wolds Psy.D.
Last reviewed on July 16, 2026
Trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences
Research has repeatedly identified the importance of early life experiences to people’s health throughout their life. Individuals who have adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) during childhood or adolescence tend to have more physical and mental health problems as adults than do those who do not experience childhood trauma.
Adverse childhood experiences are stressful or traumatic; they include abuse, neglect and a range of family system dysfunctions such as witnessing domestic violence or growing up with substance abuse, mental illness, parental discord, or crime in the home. ACEs are strongly related to the development and prevalence of a wide range of health problems, including substance use disorder.
The original 1995 ACE study was conducted by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), in collaboration with the health maintenance organization Kaiser Permanente. It revealed the prevalence of ACEs. For example, 28 percent of Kaiser participants reported physical abuse and 21 percent reported sexual abuse. Substance misuse and mental illness of a parent and divorce or separation were also common events.
Unprocessed trauma can make it harder to relate to others, may perpetuate negative self-perception, and can result in attempts to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol. Effectively treating trauma is crucial to clearing the path for the treatment of other mental health conditions and substance use disorders to establish a foothold in recovery.
Muir Wood Treats Adolescent Trauma
Muir Wood diagnoses and treats unaddressed trauma that may be affecting adolescents and teens. The ability to develop a strong therapeutic alliance between teens and their care providers is essential to creating the openness needed to disclose traumatic experiences so that they can be processed. We also understand that trauma can result from seemingly insignificant events. Every person experiences their world uniquely. What may seem like an insignificant event to one teen may be deeply troubling to another. Understand the context in which young people perceive their environment is fundamental to our ability to successfully partner with our clients and accurately assess their conditions and experiences so that appropriate care can be provided.
Muir Wood Treatment Center Reviews
Read about Muir Wood experiences from a parent who has been through it. Read these and other reviews from real parents of Muir Wood alumni. If you would like to speak to an alumni parent, contact us and we’ll arrange it.
-
Staff and program were a really good impact for our daughter’s health
ON
Jul 2026
-
our sons therapist Lisa was excellent! She was able to help coordinate Jonahs placement with Mountain Valley, the facility that he transferred to. the staff was amazing! Your teacher Mr. E was very helpful in keeping our son caught up with his school work online.
JM
Jul 2026
-
I highly recommend this treatment center for adolescent boys. My son did ask to go away for drug and mental health treatment at 17, which was an easier experience than if he hadn't wanted to go.
TB
Jul 2026
-
The entire process has focused on helping us all understand how to manage our child's OCD. It's been incredibly grounding, and supportive, for all of us.
Learning to manage our teen’s OCD together
Jul 2026
-
My child made wonderful progress and had so much support
LE
Jul 2026
-
It's no easy decision to admit your child into a residential treatment program but the Muir Wood team and staff were an excellent choice for my son and his care.
SK
Jul 2026
-
All if the staff was amazing. However Ms. Lauresha was the cherry on top! She was amazing. She treated our son like her own! She got him to open up about so many things. He felt safe with her and he trusted her which allowed him to trust us.
KE
Jul 2026
-
Highly recommended this place for your lover, especially when they need the BEST help, support and care for their loved ones and they’re always looking for the perfect treatment and support not just for their issues but also they help with school work and always have a great therapist (Alex)…
RW
Jul 2026








