Dual Diagnosis PTSD and Substance Abuse
Valley Vista offers dual diagnosis PTSD and substance abuse treatment.
Dual Diagnosis PTSD and Substance Abuse
Traumatic events can have a profound impact on the ways we interact with the world. When individuals are faced with violence, neglect, abuse, or any number of harmful experiences, the trauma can continue to impact their lives for years to come. Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a psychiatric condition that disrupts someone’s usual thoughts and behaviors with persistent feelings of anxiety, discomfort, anger, or dread. Because of this, it’s not uncommon for those with PTSD to find themselves struggling with addiction. Valley Vista offers dual diagnosis PTSD and substance abuse treatment, where patients can find comprehensive support for their mental well-being as they navigate recovery.
Our team is here to help you build a brighter future. Contact us today or call (802) 222-5201.
What is Dual Diagnosis PTSD and Substance Abuse Treatment?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a distressing, disruptive condition that can make you feel disconnected from yourself, and from the world around you. It affects people in many different ways and can often coincide with other mental health disorders. People diagnosed with PTSD may experience co-occurring conditions such as anxiety, depression, and substance use disorders (SUDs). In these cases, it can be challenging to navigate the web of entangled symptoms, behaviors, and emotions.
Dual-diagnosis therapy is the clinical approach for treating PTSD and SUDs simultaneously. Rather than focussing on the treatment of a single condition, this method looks at how co-occurring disorders are connected, how they affect each other, and how they can be managed to improve a patient’s overall well-being.
Using dual diagnosis for PTSD and substance abuse treatment is more effective than treating only part of the problem. When someone is looking for relief from addiction, addressing their PTSD symptoms can provide deeper insights and options for care.
Possible Causes of PTSD
Anyone can develop PTSD during any stage of their life. When someone experiences a dangerous, shocking, or terrifying event, the physical and emotional intensity can have a lasting effect on their mental and physical health. The brain’s response to traumatic stress causes changes in normal thought patterns, emotional regulation, and behavior.
Any number of distressing events can cause PTSD. Natural disasters, combat experiences, physical or sexual assault, and car accidents are all examples of situations that can have a profound impact on someone’s mental well-being. A person doesn’t always directly experience the trauma that causes their PTSD. Witnessing an upsetting event, hearing about something that happened to a loved one, or exposure to graphic details of a traumatic incident can all cause symptoms of PTSD.
Trauma can be the result of an isolated incident or happen over a long period of time. Because trauma can happen in so many different ways, PTSD is a deeply personal mental health condition. No one person’s trauma is any less valid than another’s.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
The effects of PTSD include a wide range of physical, emotional, and psychological symptoms. The severity and frequency of these are different for everyone. The following are some of the most common:
- Trouble sleeping
- Nightmares
- Loss of interest in normal activities
- Feelings of guilt or shame
- Feelings of anxiety, worry, and fear
- Irritability and angry outbursts
- Being easily startled
- Feeling constantly on edge (hypervigilance)
- Concentration and memory problems
- Persistent feelings of loneliness or isolation
- Flashbacks and memories that you can’t control
- Avoiding people, places, and things that bring up memories of the event(s)
Only a mental health professional can diagnose PTSD after an evaluation, but if any of these symptoms sound familiar, seeking qualified help is the first step to feeling better.
The Link Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
The symptoms of PTSD can be incredibly stressful, debilitating, and disruptive. For some people, they may subside over time, but in other cases, professional treatment is necessary to address the lasting impacts of trauma. Left untreated, PTSD can cause individuals to engage in risky behaviors and seek temporary relief using drugs and alcohol. The changes that happen in the brain as a result of trauma can also increase the likelihood that they’ll develop an addiction.
According to analysis of multiple studies, almost half of those diagnosed with PTSD also meet the criteria for alcohol use disorder (AUD) and other substance use disorders (SUDs). Vermont residents consume alcohol more often than the average American, and the rate of binge drinking for state residents is among the highest in the nation (source).
When someone is experiencing symptoms of PTSD, excessive alcohol use can lead to serious mental and physical health concerns. If you find yourself struggling, or you’re worried about someone you know, it’s important to remember that there are available options for recovery and care.
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How Treatment Can Help
After a traumatic event, months can pass before symptoms of PTSD become noticeable. They can be incredibly upsetting, getting in the way of your daily responsibilities and routines. Depending on a person’s needs, treatment can include talk therapy sessions, medication, and ongoing behavioral support to encourage long-term success.
Although your experience with PTSD is unique, you don’t need to deal with it alone. Our treatment programs at Valley Vista incorporate evidence-based, trauma-informed therapy practices to help you navigate your personal road to recovery.
At Valley Vista, dual diagnosis PTSD and substance abuse treatment is our way of helping clients address the challenges of addiction while developing the emotional tools they need to live healthier, happier lives. Through a mix of individual and group therapy sessions, you can reconnect with yourself and learn valuable skills for managing stress, coping with triggers, and building positive habits that serve your overall well-being. Some of our supportive treatment options include:
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
- Medication-assisted therapy (MAT)
When PTSD and substance abuse occur together, it can be hard to find the attentive, comprehensive care you need. To see lasting results, it’s important that treatment programs address all sides of the issue. Treating only part of the problem can increase the odds of relapse and perpetuate harmful cycles. Our dedicated team of professionals ensures that patients receive the compassionate, detail-oriented support they need to see lasting change.
Call Valley Vista for Dual Diagnosis PTSD and Substance Abuse Treatment
Separately, PTSD and substance abuse are serious concerns that make it hard to live a healthy, fulfilling life. When they occur together, it can feel impossible to find a way out. PTSD affects the body and brain in various ways. Alcohol and drugs can provide temporary relief, but quickly turn into an addiction that worsens symptoms and perpetuates harmful cycles.
At Valley Vista, our dedicated staff includes licensed mental health professionals specializing in trauma-informed, dual-diagnosis treatment. Find a knowledgeable, compassionate community that’s ready to help you feel like yourself again.
Get in touch online or call (802) 222-5201 to speak to a member of our team today.