Something traumatic happened to you that created lasting repercussions. Since that time, you have not been the same. The way you think, process information, or just get through the day is different now. You may talk about that pain often, or you may never bring it up to anyone. Without treatment, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can occur, and over time, it can worsen to the point where it takes control over many of your thoughts.
Many people with untreated PTSD turn to substances like alcohol and drugs to stop the frightening or painful thoughts and feelings. Substances may be able to control some of those emotions for a short amount of time, giving you relief. Yet, this leads to the onset of another serious problem: addiction and dependency. What can you do?
PTSD Is Common But Treatable
Most people will go through some type of traumatic experience during their lifetime. PTSD is not an automatic result of experiencing trauma. Instead, it tends to develop when people are not able to process the trauma in a positive way. Data from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs shows that 5 out of every 100 adults will suffer from PTSD at some point in any year. It is also estimated that, in 2020, 13 million Americans had PTSD. Common causes include:
- Watching a loved one die
- Experiencing life-threatening events, such as being in a war zone
- Physical, emotional, sexual, or other forms of abuse
- Intense weather events
- Childhood experiences
Traumatic events have a long-term impact on many people, as they bring out a person’s survival instincts, changing the way their brain functions. They create a type of adrenaline overload that changes the way the brain perceives similar experiences. While understanding why you have PTSD is important, it is also essential to realize you can overcome it. Professional treatment can create a profound level of support for those dealing with trauma.
Know that if you are struggling with addiction and PTSD, you can reach out to Iron Bridge Recovery Center right now for immediate help. Do not wait to get help.
How Addiction Contributes to PTSD
PTSD can co-occur with substance use disorder. That means that a person is struggling with two very different types of mental health challenges, both of which need to be treated equally and at the same time. When a person with PTSD is faced with triggers or negative thoughts, they may turn to a substance to help them forget or to create a distraction for the brain. Self-medicating like this can lead to long-term health struggles, and in some cases, it can also lead to overdose and death.
If you are using medications, illicit drugs, or alcohol as a way to deal with your PTSD symptoms, that could be putting you at risk for health complications, including addiction, tolerance, and dependence. Over time, that small amount of relief you are feeling will fade, and the trauma will remain.
How Are Trauma and Addiction Treated?
When you have co-occurring disorders, it’s critical to address both concerns at one time. A holistic approach to recovery is essential.
- You may benefit from detox as a first step. This breaks the cravings and physical dependence on the substance. A medical detox helps you to navigate this difficult process safely.
- Treatment for your mental health condition should first be focused on reaching a point of stability. Your doctor may recommend medications to help you manage the PTSD symptoms you have.
- Therapy is a crucial treatment for both addiction and PTSD. Your therapist will help you learn how to get relief from the trauma by processing it in a positive way and developing healthy coping mechanisms.
There are many other components of treatment for PTSD, and our drug and alcohol treatment center in Chester, VA, will give you all of the support you need throughout this process.
Without treatment, PTSD can become overwhelming, and addiction can cost you your life. Let us create an individualized treatment process to provide you with the support and recovery you need. With medical detox and residential treatment available, we can comprehensively create a plan of relief, healing, and full recovery.
Get the Care You Need Now to Start a Healthy Future
With PTSD and addiction treatment, you can find the best way forward. Contact Iron Bridge Recovery Center to learn more about the strategies we provide our clients that create lasting results. Our team understands how hard PTSD is and how limited you may feel. Let us create an individualized treatment process to address your needs.
