PTSD: Long-Term Effects of Traumatic Experiences

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.

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.

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.

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.

The Dangers of Fentanyl Addiction | South Coast Counseling

Fentanyl addiction is extremely serious as it is a highly potent and addictive substance. Here’s everything you need to know about the drug.

According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, there has been a surge in the number of deaths due to fentanyl overdose within the last two years. In fact, a rise in the drug’s popularity has concerned Baltimore health care officials to the point where they are launching a campaign for the sole purpose of raising the awareness for fentanyl’s dangers. Fentanyl addiction is extremely serious as it is a highly potent and addictive substance. Here’s everything you need to know about the drug.

What is Fentanyl?

Most often used to treat moderate or severe pain, fentanyl is classified as a Schedule II drug, meaning it has a higher potential for abuse. It is considered to be an analgesic and opioid, placing itself into the same category as morphine. Though they are in the same category, fentanyl is more potent than morphine, actually 30 to 50 times more so.

Unfortunately, many of these overdoses have occurred within the last two years because fentanyl has often been mixed with heroin. So while some users believe they are using pure heroin, they are actually using a stronger, more deadly combination, which can lead to an overdose. But because the drug is fast-acting and resembles a more potent version of heroin or morphine, it continues to be abused by those who are searching for a higher high.

How Does a Fentanyl Addiction Affect You?

Fentanyl has a highly addictive nature, so it does not take much for the user to become psychologically and physically dependent on the drug.With most forms of substance abuse, the user can become psychologically hooked on the drug and go into withdrawals if it has been a certain period of time since their last use. These effects go hand-in-hand with the physical aspect of the addiction, as withdrawals can bring about headaches, nausea, and even troubles associated with increased heart rate. 

Even without withdrawal, the side effects of using fentanyl can include dizziness, confusion, and drowsiness. The indirect effects of fentanyl addiction can also be life threatening, as you are likely to run with a rougher crowd when using a substance of this caliber. Additionally, any addiction can cause your relationships to crumble as you spiral into a world of self-destructive behavior.

What Should I Do if a Loved One is Addicted?

Like any other Drug abuse Huntington Beach or alcohol addiction, you should seek professional help immediately, especially with a drug such as fentanyl. Drug addiction treatment could potentially save the life of someone with a fentanyl addiction, as the number of overdoses continue to climb. With treatment, your loved one would be able to overcome their addiction and regain control over their life.

If you struggle with what steps to take next, when you or a loved one has a fentanyl addiction, contact us at South Coast Counseling today. Our professional counselors will be able to guide you through different types of therapy we offer, our addiction treatment plans, and how you can begin to rebuild your life.

How to Make the Most Out of Substance Abuse Rehab | South Coast Counseling

There will be counselors to help you through treatment, but you will have to put forth effort, too, in order to make the most out of substance abuse rehab.

One of the hardest things you will have to endure on your road to recovery is admitting that you need help. After you have achieved this step, first congratulate yourself, and then begin to prepare for rehab. There will be counselors to help you through treatment, but you will have to put forth effort, too, in order to make the most out of substance abuse rehab.

Stay Positive

Once you have reached substance abuse rehab, it is possible that you are feeling down, especially if you suffer from a co-occurring disorder like depression or anxiety. One of the most important things you can remember to do through the course of treatment is to remain positive.

Trust in the professionals at your rehab center and trust in yourself that you will make it through this. Continue to celebrate the fact that you have made it this far. A positive attitude will keep you going and help you make the most out of a trying situation.

Be Open and Willing

It can be easy to shut yourself off from others in times like these, but you should try to stay open. By listening to others’ struggles and sharing your own, you will be able to bond and connect with those to whom you can relate. These new relationships can steer away feelings of loneliness so that you will feel more engaged.

If you aren't willing during substance abuse rehab, you could miss out on activities or lessons that would help you in your recovery. This willingness can also apply to trying alternative methods of therapy, so that you find what works best for you and get the most out of your treatment.

Involve Yourself

Like being open and willing, involving yourself goes beyond doing the minimum. Chances are, your substance abuse rehab center offers a variety of activities, lessons, lectures and group sessions in which you can partake.

Involving yourself in as many different situations as possible can teach you something you may have not learned in your mandatory sessions. Additionally, if you involve yourself in something willingly, you know that you are doing everything you can to get healthy.

Follow the Plan

Lastly, but importantly, stick to the plan that is made for you. Professional counselors understand your struggles and know how to help you recover. Trust them and their knowledge to make a plan for you that will work.                                    

If you got outside of the parameters that have been set before you, there is a chance you won’t make it through Substance abuse rehab California properly. You might set goals for yourself that are too high or too low, and you could lose the motivation to try. If you feel as if your plan is not working for you, have an open discussion with your counselor about it. They will be glad you came to them about it, and they will try to rectify the issues you may be having.

Following these steps could help you make the most out of your substance abuse rehab experience and the opportunity to better your life. Contact South Coast Counseling if you feel like you or a loved one is in need of substance abuse rehab.

5 Things You Should Know About Dual Diagnosis | South Coast Counseling

Here are five things you should know about dual diagnosis so that you can better understand the disorder and help those who may be suffering.

When someone has been determined to have a dual diagnosis, this means that they have a substance abuse problem in addition to a mental health disorder. The world of dual diagnosis is complicated because it can come in so many different forms. Here are five things you should know about dual diagnosis so that you can better understand the disorder and help those who may be suffering.

1. Dual Diagnosis is Common

Some studies have shown that as many as half of those with a substance abuse problem also suffer from a dual diagnosis, due to a form of mental illness. Alternatively, four million of those who have a diagnosed mental health disorder also struggle with substance abuse.

According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), of these millions of people, only a little more than seven percent attend dual diagnosis rehab for both of their disorders. Some receive treatment for one of their struggles, but most do not receive any treatment at all.

2. It Can Come in Many Forms

Basically any combination of a mental disorder and a form of substance abuse can be considered a dual diagnosis. Because of this, treatment can prove to be difficult. Until recently, patients were treated for their disorders and substance abuse problems separately, which proved to be ineffective more often than not.

3. There are Common Forms

Despite the seemingly endless combinations of dual diagnosis, certain patterns have been detected, resulting in common forms of this disorder. Along with substance abuse, the most common mental disorders associated with dual diagnosis are: depression, anxiety, bipolar disorder, personality disorders and schizophrenia.

While the substance paired with these mental health issues can vary, alcohol is most commonly associated with depression, personality and bipolar disorders and anxiety. It is mistakenly believed that alcohol takes the “edge” off the symptoms of these illnesses, which unfortunately can lead to substance abuse.

4. Patients can be Considered “High-Risk”

Because mental health disorders can take a toll on someone’s brain and body, adding substance abuse to the mix can only worsen the situation. While the sufferer may think that drinking or using drugs will make them feel better, it can maximize the symptoms that are associated with their mental health disorders. This is why some are led to believe that high-suicide rates can be associated with dual diagnosis.

5. It can be Difficult to Treat

Considering the fact that there are so many types of this disorder and that the patients can be at high-risk, dual diagnosis can be difficult to treat. Few rehab centers in the country are equipped with the tools and the staff to be able to treat someone with a dual diagnosis rehab. Medical advances have been made in order to more effectively treat these kinds of patients, but unfortunately, it is not easily accessible for every rehab center at this current point in time.

South Coast Counseling is one of those few centers that is able to treat patients in dual diagnosis rehab. If you feel that you or a loved one is suffering from dual diagnosis, please, do not hesitate to contact us for more information about therapy options.