Much is made of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) in returning combat veterans, a group made up mostly of men. But women also suffer from PTSD and not only those who served in the military. Trauma does not discriminate based on gender, and women are the ones who have experienced the most trauma. For women seeking PTSD treatment, there are a number of options available. These traumas, in both men and women, can lead to substance abuse. There are many corollaries between PTSD and addiction. Finding a drug addiction treatment center that has a dual diagnosis program to treat the underlying mental health root causes of addiction is imperative.
At Sunstone Recovery in Bend, Oregon, we have a proven track record of helping those recovering from substance abuse to make smart and healthy choices in redirecting their lives in a positive direction. Getting sober is not the only goal. This can be done over a several-month period. It is staying sober that takes the rest of your life and knowing when and where those addiction cravings are prone to rise up and how to combat them is the key to living your best life.
Mental Health and Addiction
PTSD, which impacts individuals emotionally and mentally, causes unwanted memories, extreme anxiety, and vivid nightmares, impairing day-to-day functioning. Most individuals with this kind of stress disorder will at some point seek relief from these painful experiences through the use of drugs and alcohol. Addiction and mind disorders are usually experienced together when there is a history of chronic substance abuse. It can be recovered from the diagnosis of substance abuse accompanied by an exploration of causes.
PTSD is a psychological condition that occurs after exposure to a traumatic event, including one during which a person experiences or witnesses the trauma. In the aftermath of a physical or psychological trauma that left the individual feeling powerless or out of control, the individual can develop stress disorder.
8 Causes of PTSD
- Sexual or physical assault
- Childhood sexual or physical abuse
- Serious accidents
- Violent or accidental death of a loved
- Combat or other military experiences
- Natural disasters
- Witnessing a violent event
- Terrorist attacks
PTSD Symptoms
- Avoiding situations that may remind you of the cause of your PTSD
- Feeling jittery, tense, or nervous
- Flashbacks or nightmares about the event that caused the PTSD
- Experiencing negative feelings and thoughts that interrupt your life
PTSD and Addiction
Using substances to alleviate symptoms of PTSD is called self-medicating. People who self-medicate may believe that they are reducing their PTSD symptoms. But they are likely creating more issues. For example, some of the symptoms of drug withdrawal may be similar to symptoms of PTSD, including sleep disturbances, difficulty concentrating, feelings of detachment, and irritability. The person may use drugs again to alleviate these symptoms and begin a reinforcing cycle that can lead to addiction. Consider the following programs if you are struggling with PTSD and addiction:
- Intensive outpatient
- Telehealth PHP
- Outpatient counseling
Reach Out to Sunstone Recovery Today
PTSD is a misunderstood and frequently undiagnosed problem. Most people think only combat veterans have it, but all kinds of trauma fall under the PTSD umbrella. Trauma hides in the dark, but we at Sunstone Recovery believe in bringing it out into the light. We will fight this battle together, side by side. Located in Bend, Oregon, we are confident that your trauma can be identified and treated compassionately and successfully. Currently, all of our services are being offered online via telemedicine due to covid-19 restrictions, but this makes us available to residents throughout the state. We can be reached online or at 855.833.9199 for you to take the first step on your journey to recovery.
