Most reports about Scott Disick’s rehab stints focus on substance use disorders. While addiction is often a private struggle, Disick’s challenges with drugs and alcohol have been widely publicized.
In November 2020, Disick clarified that his decision to enter rehab was to address trauma, not a relapse into substance use. Like many Americans facing addiction, he sought professional help to manage his issues proactively.
Here, we explore Disick’s recovery journey to better understand effective approaches to treatment.
Who is Scott Disick?
Scott Disick, the ex-boyfriend of Kourtney Kardashian and father of their three children, has struggled with alcohol and drug abuse over the years, a history well-documented by the media.
His behavior earned him a controversial reputation as the “villain” on the reality show Keeping Up with the Kardashians. Living in the public eye, with the immense scrutiny that comes with it, adds another layer of difficulty for someone dealing with addiction.
Addiction is a family disease, as seen in the Kardashian family dynamic. In 2014, Kourtney’s mother, Kris Jenner, staged an intervention for Disick. He subsequently entered rehab in Connecticut in November 2014.
In March 2015, he briefly attended an ibogaine treatment center in Costa Rica, leaving after a week. Over the years, he has sought help at luxury rehab facilities in Florida, Malibu, and Edwards, Colorado.
Depression and Anxiety
During a phone call with Kourtney Kardashian, Scott Disick opened up about his growing depression and anxiety. Opting to enter rehab at this time was a prudent decision, as these challenging emotions could have led him to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol.
Depression and anxiety are often intertwined with addiction, as individuals may turn to substances for the temporary dopamine boost they provide. This chemical surge can create fleeting relief from emotional distress.
Many people grappling with anxiety or depression also carry unresolved trauma from childhood, adolescence, or adulthood, sometimes without even being aware of it.
Trauma and Addiction
The link between trauma and addiction is well established. Effective addiction treatment typically includes therapies aimed at addressing past traumas that contribute to distressing thoughts and feelings. For Disick, rehab likely needed to focus on processing the grief of losing his parents and addressing any adverse childhood experiences.
Therapies such as trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), and somatic experiencing can help individuals confront and heal from trauma. Addressing these underlying issues reduces the likelihood of turning to substances or alcohol as a coping mechanism.
Treatment for Trauma and Addiction
Therapies that help individuals confront painful memories and challenge negative thought patterns can be essential in recovery. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is a highly effective, evidence-based treatment that encourages critical examination of automatic thoughts.
Often, we may not be aware of the distorted views we have about ourselves, and CBT can help identify and replace these negative patterns with healthier ones.
Other trauma treatments may include:
- Coping skill development
- Exposure and desensitization therapies
- Grief counseling
- Group therapy
- Individual therapy
Celebrities, due to their lack of privacy, often face unique challenges when seeking help. As such, treatment centers must offer the confidentiality and security necessary to protect their patients’ privacy.
Under the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA), all treatment centers are legally required to safeguard the privacy of their patients. In 2020, Disick left a rehab facility after he believed someone had leaked photos of him checking in to the media. Though he later dropped the legal action, the reasons for this decision remain unclear.
What Comes Next
If you’re pursuing treatment for a substance use disorder, it’s important to also consider addressing any past traumas that may be contributing to your struggles.
We offer a variety of therapies designed to treat the emotional challenges underlying addiction. We’re committed to supporting you throughout your recovery journey.
To learn more about the best treatment options for your needs, contact us today at +1 (877) 978 – 6747.
