Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, or PTSD, doesn’t only affect military members who’ve experienced combat. PTSD can impact anyone who’s survived a traumatic event whether it’s sexual assault, domestic violence, the death of a loved one or combat. The link between PTSD and addiction shows how important it is to get effective treatment for both. It’s simply not enough to address one and ignore the other.
The Ties Between PTSD and Addiction
A traumatic event isn’t defined by the event itself. It’s a person’s inability to move past it that makes it a trauma. When someone is so overwhelmed by the emotions he feels connected to the event, he often has trouble that spills over into other areas of his life.
Some people try to escape their negative feelings, such as anger, fear, anxiety, and shame. They may turn to drug and alcohol abuse as a way to cope or bury their pain. The more they use, the higher the chances they’ll become dependent.
People with any type of mental health disorder are at higher risk of drug and alcohol addiction than the general population. Instead of getting the therapy they need to move on with their lives, PTSD and addiction sufferers often self-medicate. Many people simply don’t know they have options for treatment. They also don’t have healthier coping skills to fall back on.
But help is available. Residential or outpatient treatment can give you your life back.
The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment
With such a strong link between PTSD and addiction, how do professionals in the addiction field treat substance use disorder when a mental health disorder is also present? Specialists know that it’s not effective to only treat one issue. They must address both to give clients the best chance at recovery.
Certain behavioral therapy types are effective when treating clients who have co-occurring disorders. Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, for example, produces better results than treatment that only focuses on substance abuse. That’s why it’s so important for anyone with mental health issues — PTSD or other — to seek rehab facilities that provide dual diagnosis treatment. With a comprehensive approach, recovery is very possible, giving you or a loved one the chance for a healthier, more stable future.
Flexible Addiction Programs at Providence Treatment
In Media, Pennsylvania, right outside of Philadelphia, our outpatient rehab facility provides evidence-based care for professional men and women with substance use disorder. Providence Treatment is one of a handful of treatment centers in the country that targets licensed and healthcare professionals. From DC to Maine, we’re the only approved outpatient program focusing on this clientele.
Our services include:
- Trauma therapy
- Intensive family therapy
- Comprehensive evaluation
- Mindfulness training
- Psychological testing
- Spiritual counseling
You don’t have to continue down the dark road of addiction. Flexible and effective treatment is available when you take the brave step to get help. Call us today at [DirectNumber] to learn more.
