Connection as Prevention

“We have to connect and attach because otherwise we don’t survive” is a direct quote from Gabor Mate, a renowned expert on addiction, trauma, and childhood development. A lot of his work is centered around the relationship between trauma and substance use, as well as the role healing and connection play in someone’s recovery journey. 

As Gabor Mate describes in this video, humans have two core needs—attachment and authenticity. Attachment is our connection to another human being and authenticity is our connection to yourself, and both are as necessary as our physical needs. As humans, especially as children, we need closeness and proximity to others in order to survive. So what happens when people lack that connection to others? Mate suggests that we may start to lose our authenticity and in order to regain our authenticity and begin healing from our trauma, we must begin to reconnect. And if reconnection can lead to recovery, perhaps connection can lead to prevention. 

Helping to prevent and reduce trauma and the negative outcomes associated with it can seem daunting or even impossible. However, if we as a community strive to listen, empathize with others, and show compassion for one another, we can help our friends and family form those attachments and connections to themselves and others that are so important to our well-being. 

If you or someone you know is struggling with addiction or seeking recovery resources, there is help. To find opportunities for connection through local recovery meetings, click the link here. And if you know someone seeking information about recovery or harm reduction services, please visit https://nrvroadtowellness.com/rise-above.  You can also learn more about the impact of trauma and Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) and how to connect through a trauma-informed lens by attending a free training offered locally. Email Julie Fox jfox@nrvrc.org for more information.