Clinically Reviewed by Dr. Kate Smith
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress can immediately impact a person after experiencing this terrifying event. It can also resurface years later and, in this case, can be hard to pinpoint initially. Some of the most common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive memories that are unwanted, distressing, and result in some type of emotional or physical reaction
- Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind of the traumatic event
- Relationship difficulties
- Being easily frightened or startled
- Engaging in self-destructive behavior
- Hurting people and regretting it
A person with post-traumatic stress disorder is more likely to develop an addiction if they cannot receive treatment for their condition. The key is to recognize that some signs of PTSD may not seem related to the events that happened at all. That is what makes pinpointing this condition so tricky, especially as a cause for alcoholism or drug addiction, and why it requires trauma-informed care.
Treating PTSD and Addiction Together Is Necessary
If a person with PTSD does not receive treatment for it and their addiction, their recovery will likely fail, and relapse will occur. That’s because the underlying, often complex mental health condition is one that does not improve without professional treatment. Until you go back and explore what happened, why it happened, and its impact, it’s not likely you’ll be able to simply step away from treatment.
When both conditions are treated at the same time, a person can regain their best outcome. They can also achieve a robust and healthy future for themselves. What’s most important with PTSD and addiction is working closely with a therapist to open up about what’s happened. That doesn’t mean you need to relive the experience, though.
How Can Our PTSD Treatment Program Help You?
You can overcome post-traumatic stress disorder, and our team can help you. With a range of therapy and treatment options available, you can get help for both PTSD and addiction at once. Some of our programs include:
- Intensive outpatient program
- Day Treatment Program
- Women’s treatment programs
- Men’s treatment programs
Reach Out to Greater Boston Addiction Centers for PTSD Therapy
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