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Addiction is a complex condition. Addiction researchers believe that many factors can contribute to substance abuse and addiction. Many believe that psychological factors, including trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), can play a role in addiction.
This article will explore the connection between PTSD and addiction and what to expect during treatment in California. You will learn:
- What trauma and PTSD are
- The symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder
- The connection between PTSD and addiction
- How PTSD and addiction are treated
- Where to find comprehensive trauma and addiction treatment
If you or someone you love lives with trauma, PTSD, or addiction, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Healthier Choice Recovery to learn about our programs. You can also contact us to schedule an appointment, verify your insurance coverage, or ask questions.
What is Trauma?
Trauma is an emotional response to a highly stressful or frightening event. Some examples of a traumatic event include:
- Being the victim of a physical or sexual assault
- Living in a war zone
- Surviving a natural disaster
- Experiencing childhood abuse or neglect
- The death of a family member or other loved one
- A significant medical diagnosis
Experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event can have long-term effects. Trauma can impact a person’s physical, mental, and emotional health for a long time after the event occurs.
People who have a traumatic experience may develop a mental health condition called posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD).
What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder. It can occur in people who have experienced a traumatic event. Not all people who have a traumatic experience will develop PTSD. However, about 6% of the United States population will develop this condition at some point in their lives.
Stress is one of the most significant symptoms of PTSD. This stress can cause other symptoms, including:
- Flashbacks (mentally re-living the traumatic event)
- Changes in sleep and eating patterns
- Chronic anxiety
- Severe depression
- Insomnia
- Aggressive or angry outbursts
- Poor self-esteem
- Feeling “on guard” or overly alert most of the time
Some people develop PTSD symptoms immediately after living through the traumatic event. Sometimes, symptoms don’t develop for weeks, months, or even years after the event occurs. Symptoms may come and go or change over time. Symptoms may be very disruptive at times and unnoticeable at others.
Treating PTSD can help people manage the side effects and symptoms of this condition. PTSD treatment typically includes talk therapy, lifestyle changes, and medications.
How are PTSD and Addiction Connected?
About half of all people seeking addiction treatment also have symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. Many mental health experts believe that the symptoms of PTSD can increase a person’s risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). But what is behind this connection?
The symptoms of PTSD can disrupt a person’s daily functioning and impact their emotional well-being. People with PTSD often experience chronic stress and other uncomfortable symptoms. Without having effective coping skills to manage their symptoms, some people turn to drugs or alcohol for relief.
Using addictive substances to cope with emotional pain and trauma can change how your brain and body function. These changes can lead to physical dependence and addiction, making it very difficult to quit using drugs and alcohol.
People who have symptoms of PTSD and addiction require specialized treatment options to manage both conditions.
Treatment for Trauma and PTSD
People with trauma, PTSD, and addiction require trauma-informed treatment programs to address these conditions. Integrated treatment (also known as dual-diagnosis treatment) includes therapies that address PTSD and SUD at the same time.
Treatment for trauma and PTSD typically includes therapies that address the root of trauma. These include:
- Cognitive processing therapy
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Prolonged exposure therapy
These therapies use special techniques to help people identify and process their trauma. They may also help people develop the skills to reduce stress and manage challenges in a healthy way.
Treatment for PTSD and addiction also uses evidence-based SUD therapies, including:
- Assessments and screenings
- Medically-supported detox programs
- Medications to manage withdrawal and mental health symptoms, including selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs)
- Individual, group, and family therapy
- Relapse prevention education and coping skills
- Behavioral therapies
- Holistic therapies like mindfulness, exercise, nutrition support, and more
- Aftercare planning and support programs
Many treatment centers offer several types of treatment or levels of care. This ensures people can access the therapies they need at every stage of their recovery journey.
Recovering from addiction and PTSD is possible when people get the specific help they need. People living with trauma and addiction must seek specialized treatment and ongoing support as soon as they recognize these conditions.
Find Trauma and PTSD Treatment in California
If you or someone you love lives with PTSD, trauma, or addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Healthier Choice Recovery specialists to learn about our comprehensive treatment and support programs. Start your recovery journey by reaching out to our intake team today.
References:
- American Psychological Association (APA): Trauma
- National Institute of Health (NIH): Concurrent Treatment of Substance Use and PTSD
