December 8, 2023
Recognize the main triggers of post-traumatic stress disorder and get advice on what kind of treatment is the best for you.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychological disorder that affects those who suffered from or witnessed a traumatic event, as defined by the American Psychiatric Association.
It is common and healthy for people to feel frightened during and following a stressful event. The body uses emotional and physical defenses to protect itself in potentially dangerous circumstances.
However, for some people, that might not go away entirely after the incident. They might still have recurrent symptoms that could be classified as either chronic or short-term PTSD.
Individuals with PTSD may be at a higher risk of developing substance use disorders. Addiction and PTSD exhibit an intricate association, and several variables lead to their co-occurrence.
Learn more about PTSD symptoms and how to make healthy lifestyle adjustments to help manage PTSD.
About 3.5 percent of adult Americans have PTSD each year. Meanwhile, teenagers between the ages of 13 and 18 have an 8% lifetime frequency of PTSD.
The National Center for PTSD also states that women are more likely than men to experience PTSD. Approximately 8 out of 100 women are going to develop PTSD at some time in their lives. This is mainly because women are more vulnerable than men to be subjected to certain traumatic situations, such as sexual assault.
Several signs may appear in post-traumatic stress disorder. Four clusters are often employed to group PTSD symptoms:
These symptoms must be evident for longer than a month, disrupts daily activities, or both in order to be classified as PTSD. In most cases, the symptoms appear soon after the traumatic event, but occasionally they take months or even years to manifest.
Individuals with PTSD often experience recurrent, distressing memories of the traumatic event. These intrusive thoughts can be persistent and involuntary and may be triggered by reminders of the trauma.
As with other mental health conditions, PTSD can strain relationships, as individuals may have difficulty trusting others, communicating effectively, or experiencing intimacy. Loved ones may also be affected by the emotional and behavioral changes associated with PTSD.
While not everyone with PTSD develops an addiction, there is a recognized correlation between trauma and substance use disorders. The primary contributors to the link between addiction and PTSD are trying to flee from emotional suffering, lack of resilience, and environmental influences.
Trauma survivors often experience intense emotional pain and may turn to substances as a means of escape. Drugs or alcohol can provide a numbing effect, helping individuals temporarily avoid the overwhelming emotions linked to their traumatic experiences.
Finally, having convenient access to drugs and alcohol or living in an atmosphere where substance abuse is common may foster the onset of addiction, particularly in those who are already experiencing PTSD.
As an outlet for the agonizing effects of their trauma, people with PTSD may use alcohol, prescription drugs, stimulants, opioids, tobacco, and other illegal narcotics.
The co-occurrence of addiction and PTSD may complicate the clinical picture, although specific behaviors and indications may point to the presence of a drug use problem. Observe the following warning signs:
Substance abuse does not offer a permanent remedy for PTSD. At first, it might seem promising, but it will inevitably damage your life over time. The best and only suitable action is treatment.
Integrated treatment approaches that target both traumatic stress and substance use are essential for adequate recovery. The coordination of mental health and addiction services can significantly improve outcomes and help individuals achieve sustainable recovery.
Addiction and PTSD are both treatable with different types of psychotherapy. Individuals can process traumatic events with the aid of trauma-focused therapies like Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT).
Participate in support groups that focus on both PTSD and addiction. In a secure and uplifting setting, people with comparable experiences can talk to and learn from one another in group therapy. It relieves feelings of alienation, provides encouragement, and promotes a sense of community.
Lastly, holistic approaches, such as art therapy, equine therapy, and outdoor activities, can complement traditional treatments and provide additional avenues for healing.
Treating both illnesses concurrently during recovery and implementing practices that enhance overall happiness is crucial. The following are some essential rehabilitation and management techniques:
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that can develop in some people who have experienced or witnessed a traumatic or life-threatening event. PTSD can affect individuals of all ages, and the severity of symptoms can vary.
It's crucial to recognize the co-occurrence of PTSD and addiction because treating one without addressing the other may be less effective. Better results are typically obtained with comprehensive therapy strategies that address both concerns simultaneously.
If you or someone you know is struggling with both PTSD and addiction, seeking professional help from mental health and addiction specialists is essential. This may include trauma-focused therapy, substance use treatment programs, support groups, and, in some cases, medication.
You need not go through this alone. When you work with us at Another Chance, you can witness everything in your life—love, care, happiness, and healing—fall perfectly into place.
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