Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, more commonly known as PTSD, affects more than 8 million adults in any given year, according to the US Department of Veterans Affairs. PTSD can be the long-term effect from a traumatic event or experience that occurs at any point in an individual’s life. Without proper mental health treatment, PTSD can deteriorate the quality of life and cause worsened symptoms of the disorder or encourage substance abuse.
Causes of PTSD
While many are correct to associate PTSD with some military veterans who have been in combat, this disorder can actually affect anyone who has been through a traumatic experience. Really, events can be considered traumatic if they left a lasting impression on the victim that emotionally or psychologically affects them. If this trauma came on unexpectedly, the victim felt powerless during the event, or the experience happened repeatedly, PTSD would not be an unlikely outcome.
Causes of PTSD
While many are correct to associate PTSD with some military veterans who have been in combat, this disorder can actually affect anyone who has been through a traumatic experience. Really, events can be considered traumatic if they left a lasting impression on the victim that emotionally or psychologically affects them. If this trauma came on unexpectedly, the victim felt powerless during the event, or the experience happened repeatedly, PTSD would not be an unlikely outcome.
Symptoms of PTSD
Like many mental health disorders, the symptoms of PTSD can range far and wide both physically and psychologically. For instance, PTSD patients can suffer from irritability, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. Physically, they can feel tired, suffer from aches and pains and have insomnia or nightmares. Overtime, these symptoms can wear an individual down, leading them to get proper mental health treatment or, more unfortunately, to turn to unhealthy habits like drug or alcohol abuse.
Like many mental health disorders, the symptoms of PTSD can range far and wide both physically and psychologically. For instance, PTSD patients can suffer from irritability, anxiety and feelings of hopelessness. Physically, they can feel tired, suffer from aches and pains and have insomnia or nightmares. Overtime, these symptoms can wear an individual down, leading them to get proper mental health treatment or, more unfortunately, to turn to unhealthy habits like drug or alcohol abuse.
PTSD and Substance Abuse
When someone who suffers from PTSD also has a substance abuse problem, they might be considered co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis patients. Dual diagnosis is when the individual drinks or uses drugs in the hopes that it will rid them of their PTSD-driven symptoms and memories. However, drugs and alcohol can actually worsen symptoms, making PTSD that much more difficult to handle.
A co-occurring disorder is more difficult to treat as the mental health disorder and the substance addiction are established independently of one another. It is possible, when this happens, that there is not a single cause to which the disorder and the addiction can be attributed to. Either way, those suffering from PTSD and substance abuse should seek the proper treatment they need in order to live a healthy lifestyle once again.
Mental Health Treatment for PTSD
One of the only ways to effectively overcome the symptoms of PTSD is to seek the help of a professional therapist. This is especially the case if the individual also struggles with substance abuse. Trying to juggle the symptoms of PTSD, in addition to going through detox without the assistance of a professional, can be dangerous and unsuccessful.
A co-occurring disorder is more difficult to treat as the mental health disorder and the substance addiction are established independently of one another. It is possible, when this happens, that there is not a single cause to which the disorder and the addiction can be attributed to. Either way, those suffering from PTSD and substance abuse should seek the proper treatment they need in order to live a healthy lifestyle once again.
Mental Health Treatment for PTSD
One of the only ways to effectively overcome the symptoms of PTSD is to seek the help of a professional therapist. This is especially the case if the individual also struggles with substance abuse. Trying to juggle the symptoms of PTSD, in addition to going through detox without the assistance of a professional, can be dangerous and unsuccessful.
Treatment can help them learn to deal with their mental health disorder as well as how to cope with their alcohol or drug abuse. In doing so, the patient will be able to deal with their traumatic memories in a healthy, more effective fashion.
Are you struggling with the long-term effects of a traumatic event? Our professional staff here at South Coast Counseling can help you overcome substance addiction and learn how to handle your PTSD. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment programs for individuals just like yourself.
Are you struggling with the long-term effects of a traumatic event? Our professional staff here at South Coast Counseling can help you overcome substance addiction and learn how to handle your PTSD. Reach out to us today to learn more about our treatment programs for individuals just like yourself.
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