After a traumatic event, some people develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Symptoms are mild for some, but for others, the condition can be debilitating. Many people who struggle with PTSD turn to drugs or alcohol to self-medicate and alleviate their symptoms. If you or a loved one has been through or witnessed a traumatic event, you must be on the lookout for signs of PTSD.
Warning Signs of PTSD
Not everyone who experiences or witnesses a traumatic event will develop PTSD. Most people who develop the disorder do so within a month of the aggravating trauma. Not everyone experiences PTSD in the same way. Some people may show many signs of PTSD, while others only show a few symptoms. If you or a loved one has experienced trauma, be on the looking for warning signs of PTSD, including:
- Avoiding talking about the traumatic event
- Sleep disturbances, including nightmares that may or may not include aspects of the traumatic event
- Panic or anxiety, especially after seeing or hearing something related to the trauma
- Always feeling on edge or on guard; feeling like the “fight or flight” mode is constantly activated
- Increased use of alcohol and/ or drugs
Treating the Signs of PTSD
For most people, the signs of PTSD do not go away on their own. Hard work with a trauma-informed therapist is necessary to work through the trauma. The mind and body need help to come down from a state of heightened awareness. When a person has PTSD, their brain and body are always on guard, as if danger is lurking around the corner. A qualified therapist can help a person with PTSD realize that this is not the case. Recovery from PTSD is possible, but it takes hard work.
PTSD and Addiction
Many people who suffer from PTSD use alcohol or drugs to self-medicate. The symptoms of PTSD can be constant, and drugs and alcohol can provide the mind with a welcome respite from the noise of the disorder. When the high or buzz from substance use fades, the symptoms of PTSD often come back stronger than before. This leads to increased cravings for more of the substances. It’s easy to see how substance use and PTSD can lead to a downward spiral of addiction.
Serenity House Detox & Recovery Treatment
People who suffer from PTSD and addiction need special treatment to help them get on the road to recovery. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we offer medically managed detox to help you take the first step toward a healthy, happier life. Our trauma-informed staff understands the unique challenges faced by our clients with PTSD, and we’re here to help. We offer medically managed detox from several different substances, including:
Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery For Help With Addiction and PTSD
If you’re struggling with the signs of PTSD and are also dealing with addiction to drugs or alcohol, you don’t have to get through this alone. At Serenity House Detox & Recovery, we follow a trauma-informed model of care. We understand the signs of PTSD and can help you get through the detox process while respecting your trauma. While PTSD does create some unique challenges for people in recovery, getting clean is possible.
If you’re ready to turn your life around, it’s time to start the detox process. Call Serenity House Detox & Recovery at 866.294.5306 to talk with a member of our admissions staff to learn more about how we can help you work toward the clean and sober lifestyle you and your family deserve.
