By Michael Ortoll, Founder of the Christine Ortoll Charity
When my daughter passed away from a fentanyl overdose, I was forced to confront the heartbreaking truth that her struggles didn’t begin with addiction—they began with unresolved trauma. Her pain was present long before the drugs entered her life, and I’ve come to realize that if her trauma had been detected and addressed early, her path might have been different. This painful lesson inspired me to create a charity dedicated to helping others heal. Through our award-winning media, we inspire people to seek recovery and build a future free from the chains of addiction.
One of the key lessons I’ve learned in this journey is that early detection of trauma is critical. Trauma often begins in childhood, and if it’s not recognized and addressed, it can manifest into mental health issues, behavioral problems, and eventually, substance abuse as a way to cope. This is why it’s essential that we educate physicians and teachers—two groups on the frontlines of children’s well-being—on how to detect trauma early. By doing so, we can help children heal, prevent addiction, and give them a chance to thrive.
The Role of Trauma in Addiction
Addiction is often misunderstood as a failure of willpower or a moral shortcoming. But in reality, addiction is frequently a symptom of a deeper, unaddressed issue—trauma. For many, substances become a way to numb the emotional pain they’ve carried since childhood, whether it’s from abuse, neglect, or witnessing violence. When trauma is left unresolved, children and teens are left vulnerable to dangerous coping mechanisms, including drug use.
My daughter’s addiction was rooted in the emotional pain she never learned to confront. And her story is not unique—countless individuals battling addiction are grappling with unresolved trauma. This is why early intervention is so crucial. By identifying and addressing trauma early, we can prevent children from turning to substances to ease their pain.
Why Physicians and Teachers Are Essential in Detecting Trauma
Physicians and teachers are often the first adults, outside of the family, to interact with children on a regular basis. They are in a unique position to notice changes in behavior, emotional distress, or signs of trauma that may otherwise go undetected. However, many are not adequately trained to recognize the subtle signs of trauma, and as a result, opportunities to intervene early are missed.
How Physicians Can Detect Trauma Early
Physicians, especially pediatricians and family doctors, are often the first to notice when a child is struggling emotionally. Children may visit the doctor for physical symptoms like stomachaches, headaches, or trouble sleeping, but these complaints can often be linked to underlying emotional stress or trauma. Physicians can play a critical role in detecting trauma early by:
Asking the Right Questions
Physicians can be trained to ask questions about a child’s home life, relationships, and emotional well-being during routine check-ups. Simple, non-threatening questions about how the child feels at home or in school can open the door to understanding what might be going on beneath the surface.
Recognizing the Physical Signs of Trauma
Trauma often manifests physically. Chronic pain, frequent illnesses, sleep disturbances, and developmental delays can all be signs of emotional distress. Physicians need to be aware of these potential red flags and consider trauma as a possible underlying cause when treating these conditions.
Creating a Safe Environment for Disclosure
Children need to feel safe in order to open up about their experiences. Physicians can create an environment of trust by speaking with children privately, reassuring them that their feelings are valid, and emphasizing that their health and safety are the doctor’s top priority.
Referring to Mental Health Specialists
If trauma is suspected, physicians should have a clear path for referring children to mental health professionals. Early intervention through therapy or counseling can be life-changing for a child struggling with trauma. Physicians can be a bridge to these critical resources.
How Teachers Can Detect Trauma Early
Teachers spend hours each day with children, and they often notice changes in behavior before anyone else does. Children struggling with trauma may exhibit behavioral issues, withdrawal, difficulty concentrating, or outbursts of anger—all of which can easily be misinterpreted as disciplinary problems rather than signs of deeper emotional pain. Teachers can be trained to detect trauma early by:
Recognizing Behavioral Changes
A sudden drop in grades, lack of engagement, aggression, or withdrawing from friends can all be signs that a child is dealing with trauma. Instead of labeling these behaviors as “problematic,” teachers should be trained to consider the possibility that the child is struggling emotionally.
Building Trusting Relationships
Teachers have the unique ability to build trusting, supportive relationships with students. When children feel safe and supported in the classroom, they’re more likely to share their feelings and open up about what’s happening in their lives. Creating an emotionally safe environment in schools is key to early detection.
Communicating with Parents and Counselors
If a teacher suspects that a child is struggling with trauma, they should be able to work with school counselors, psychologists, and parents to ensure the child gets the support they need. Early intervention programs can be incredibly effective when teachers work together with other adults in the child’s life.
Providing Access to Resources
Schools should be equipped with the tools and resources necessary to support children dealing with trauma. Teachers, counselors, and administrators need access to mental health resources, trauma-informed training, and community programs that can help children heal before they turn to unhealthy coping mechanisms like substance abuse.
Why Early Detection Matters
The earlier we detect trauma; the more opportunities we have to intervene and provide the support children need to heal. Trauma left unaddressed can have a ripple effect, impacting a child’s mental health, academic performance, and social relationships. As the child grows, unresolved trauma can manifest in risky behaviors, including substance abuse. However, when we detect trauma early, we can guide children toward healthy coping mechanisms, build emotional resilience, and help them thrive.
Preventing addiction begins with addressing the root cause—trauma. Physicians and teachers are on the frontlines, and by equipping them with the tools and knowledge to detect trauma early, we can prevent countless children from turning to substances like drugs or alcohol to ease their pain.
How Our Charity is Making a Difference
At the Christine Ortoll Charity we’re committed to raising awareness about the connection between trauma and addiction through the production of award-winning media. We create content that educates families, schools, and communities about the importance of early trauma detection and provides resources for recovery. Our mission is to inspire people to seek healing before addiction takes hold.
By partnering with physicians, teachers, and mental health professionals, we’re working to ensure that children get the help they need before it’s too late. Our goal is to prevent the cycle of trauma from leading to addiction by addressing it head-on and giving children the tools they need to thrive in life.
Final Thoughts
Unresolved trauma can have devastating consequences, but by detecting it early, we can prevent addiction and give children the chance to live healthy, fulfilling lives. Physicians and teachers are in a unique position to spot the signs of trauma early, and with the right training and resources, they can help children heal before the pain turns into something more dangerous.
Let’s work together to educate the people on the frontlines of children’s lives—physicians and teachers—so that we can protect our children from the long-term effects of trauma and addiction. If you or someone you know is struggling with the effects of trauma or addiction, our charity is here to help.
Together, we can give children the chance to heal and thrive.
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