Healing from PTSD: Effective Treatment Awaits
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by a terrifying event that is either experienced directly or witnessed. It involves intrusive thoughts about a traumatic incident, flashbacks, nightmares, and severe anxiety. These symptoms can significantly impact social interactions, work, relationships, and daily tasks. According to the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH), approximately 3.6% of adults in the United States experience PTSD in the past year, while 6.8% face it in their lifetime.
PTSD Symptoms
PTSD can manifest with symptoms that may start within a month of a traumatic event or appear years later. These symptoms include:
- Intrusive memories which can involve distressing recollections, flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional reactions related to the trauma.
- Avoidance of thoughts, places, or people associated with the event.
- Negative changes in thoughts and moods, such as feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, detachment, and lack of interest.
- Physical and emotional reactions, which may include being easily startled, having trouble sleeping, increased irritability, and feelings of guilt.
PTSD and Substance Abuse
Research indicates that over a third of individuals suffering from PTSD also battle addiction to alcohol or drugs as a means of coping with their emotional distress and psychological symptoms. Key reasons include:
- The brain produces fewer endorphins after a traumatic event. Alcohol or drugs can temporarily increase endorphin levels, providing relief from feelings of depression, anxiety, and irritability associated with PTSD.
- Alcohol and drugs offer a numbing effect that can initially dull the impact of trauma and help manage associated distress.
- A strong desire to escape distressing memories that constantly torment you.
PTSD Treatment at Pacific Breeze Recovery
Many individuals with PTSD feel as though they must carry the burden of painful memories, believing that reliving or confronting these memories is impossible. This often leads to a feeling of being trapped in an unending cycle of distress. The good news is that PTSD and addiction are treatable with proper support.
At Pacific Breeze Recovery, our empathetic and caring staff provides trauma-informed therapies that emphasize a sensitive approach to avoid re-traumatization. We understand that individuals want to move past their trauma and distressing memories. Our facility offers a nurturing environment where individuals can feel safe and begin their healing journey. Our trauma-based programs consist of crucial steps:
- Reflecting on personal traits and viewpoints before the trauma occurred.
- Processing the trauma and understanding what happened through specialized trauma therapy.
- Evaluating how the trauma has changed one’s life and adjusting moving forward.
- Taking active steps to cope with trauma symptoms and initiate positive changes.
- Adapting to a new post-trauma life while refining coping skills.
PTSD significantly impacts an individual’s well-being, especially during recovery.
At Pacific Breeze Recovery, our dual diagnosis treatment incorporates comprehensive programs allowing residents to focus on healing and recovery from the outset. We progress at a pace that is appropriate and manageable for each person, immersing them in a tranquil environment conducive to healing and personal growth, free from external stressors.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD and addiction, please call us today. At Pacific Breeze Recovery, we transform lives with our exceptional programs. We meet you where you are and develop a vision for the life you deserve, offering the trust and care necessary to achieve it. Reach out to us today and start your healing and recovery journey—together, one day at a time.
