Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition affecting millions of people in the United States each year. The symptoms and side effects of PTSD may significantly reduce quality of life. Professional mental health treatment helps clients learn to manage the symptoms and side effects of PTSD successfully. Early treatment also reduces the risk of maladaptive coping techniques, including substance abuse. Driftwood Recovery treats substance use disorder (SUD) and co-occurring PTSD using a personalized, trauma-informed approach.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health disorder caused by chronic or acute stress and traumatic events. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), PTSD “is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or dangerous event.” PTSD can also be caused by witnessing or hearing about a traumatic event. For example, hearing how a loved one was harmed in a natural disaster may cause a person to develop PTSD symptoms. Driftwood Recovery uses evidence-based modalities and complementary therapies to treat PTSD and co-occurring substance abuse.
Understanding Psychological Trauma and Its Impact on Recovery
Psychological trauma affects emotion regulation, behavior, and thought patterns. In some cases, the impact of severe or prolonged trauma may affect the physical structure of the brain. Children and young adults who live through or witness traumatic events may experience changes in cognitive and emotional development. How the brain functions directly impacts psychological health. Learning about the symptoms and side effects of PTSD can help people better understand the psychological changes they experience after a trauma. We provide psychoeducation to ensure clients fully understand their condition and how it influences their thoughts or behaviors.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
A few of the most common signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Difficulty focusing
- Memory issues
- Sleep disturbances, including insomnia and nightmares related to the traumatic event
- Avoidance of people, locations, or things related to the traumatic event
- Panic attacks and increased anxiety
- An inability to remember important aspects of the trauma
- Physical symptoms include tension within the body, muscle aches, headaches, and nausea
Everyone reacts to trauma and chronic stress differently, depending on their circumstances. A clinical assessment is the only way to accurately diagnose PTSD and co-occurring conditions.
Impact of PTSD on Mental Health and Behavior
PTSD can lead to the development of additional mental health disorders, including major depressive disorder (MDD), generalized anxiety disorder (GAD), and other conditions. The symptoms of PTSD may also affect behavior. For example, being constantly alert and easily startled may cause some individuals to avoid social situations. Social isolation may lead to loneliness, self-harming behaviors, or suicidal ideation in individuals with multiple co-occurring mental health issues. Our treatment programs provide clients with the tools and skills to manage their condition during everyday social interactions, reducing the risk of turning to substance abuse or other maladaptive coping mechanisms to manage symptoms of PTSD.
Addressing PTSD and How It Relates to Substance Abuse
PTSD can cause people to rely on alcohol, prescription medications, or illicit drugs to manage their symptoms. However, substance abuse often significantly worsens the effects of PTSD and may lead to the development of additional mental health disorders. We address PTSD and SUD by providing clients with the tools and resources to manage their condition, replacing maladaptive behaviors with positive alternatives.
Effective Therapy Options for PTSD at Driftwood Recovery
Driftwood Recovery uses psychotherapy, peer support, prescription medications, tailored care plans, and comprehensive support services to help clients heal from the effects of PTSD and SUD.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
Clients benefit from participating in evidence-based therapies. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) is one form of talk therapy used to address a wide range of behavior and mental health issues. CBT helps clients recognize and change distorted thought patterns or beliefs related to trauma, allowing them to manage avoidance behaviors and emotional distress related to the root causes of PTSD.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is an effective therapy for providing clients with quick-acting relief from the symptoms and side effects of PTSD. EMDR uses innovative techniques to address trauma. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “In EMDR, you will pay attention to a back-and-forth movement or sound while you call to mind the upsetting memory until shifts occur in the way that you experience that memory and more information from the past is processed.” People often report relief from symptoms within the first several EMDR sessions. Driftwood Recovery uses comprehensive assessments to determine if a client with PTSD may benefit from EMDR.
Psychotherapy
Counseling and psychotherapy encompass multiple therapeutic modalities, including CBT and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT). Generally, a psychiatrist or therapist uses psychotherapy to guide clients through the following:
- Developing essential coping skills
- Creating healthier thought patterns
- Processing past trauma
- Developing healthier patterns of behavior
- Practicing self-forgiveness and self-acceptance
Clients benefit from having psychiatric support during treatment for SUD and PTSD.
Role of Medication in PTSD Treatment
Some clients benefit from using prescription medications, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), to manage PTSD. Prescription medications can reduce anxiety, depression, and other symptoms of PTSD or co-occurring SUD. We use prescribed medications only when necessary to ensure the safety and comfort of clients in recovery.
Coping Strategies and Support for PTSD
We offer relapse prevention and crisis management strategies to ensure clients have steps to follow if they feel in danger of relapsing or experiencing severe symptoms of PTSD. Our clinicians provide clients with coping strategies and comprehensive support services to ensure a smooth transition between treatment and aftercare.
Community Support and Involvement of Health Professionals
Driftwood Recovery connects clients with patterned healthcare professionals, community-based support services, and private healthcare providers to ensure they can access the treatment they need to address their condition. We offer referrals to clients during treatment and aftercare planning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Many people with PTSD and co-occurring SUD have questions about how to navigate mental health treatment and addiction recovery. Below are a few frequently asked questions.
Will my health insurance cover PTSD treatment?
Every insurance provider has different policies regarding the coverage of PTSD and treatment for substance abuse. Potential clients should consult their insurance provider to determine their current coverage and which treatment programs accept their insurance. We encourage people to contact our office if they have questions about the insurance plans we accept.
Can Driftwood Recovery help me access resources and support for effective care?
Driftwood Recovery ensures every client can access essential resources to support effective care. Our dedicated team goes the extra mile to ensure clients feel confident and comfortable maintaining sobriety and positive mental health. We provide referrals as necessary to community-based and private support resources.
Does Driftwood Recovery stay up-to-date on the latest research and advances in PTSD treatment?
Our dedicated team of professionals stays current on the latest research and advancements in PTSD treatment. Clients are educated on the various evidence-based and holistic treatment options to ensure they make informed decisions about their care. Driftwood Recovery also partners with multiple outside healthcare professionals, including therapists and psychiatrists specializing in trauma treatment.
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a common co-occurring condition for individuals with substance use disorder. To learn more about how Driftwood Recovery treats PTSD and dual diagnosis, call our office today at (512) 759-8330.
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