Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Addiction
One of the most emotionally debilitating mental disorders, Post Traumatic Street Disorder creates feeling of loss of control in the individual. Because of this, many with PTSD will turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of numbing the pain of the stress, or in an attempt to gain some measure of control in their lives.
This creates a complicated dual diagnosis, and one that requires additional information.
What is Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
PTSD refers to the condition in which an individual experiences tremendous stress or anxiety after witnessing or being engaged in a traumatic event. These events can include: military combat, violent assault, natural disaster, sexual assault, molestation, etc. Symptoms of PTSD include: nightmares, flashbacks, avoidance of things related to the event, severe anxiety and angry outbursts. These symptoms can strike the individual at any time, most commonly when he or she is reminded of the events in question.
PTSD and Addiction
The symptoms or PTSD are obviously quite distressing. Because they much such a great amount of stress on the individual, many with PTSD will be unable to cope and will turn to drugs or alcohol as a means of escape. This "self medication" has led to very high percentages of PTSD suffers with alcohol dependence (over 50 percent) and drug dependence (over 30 percent).
A chemical condition
When an individual experiences a traumatic event, his brain creates a large amount of endorphins as a way of coping with stress of the moment. When the event is over, the body goes through a kind of "endorphin withdrawal", which carries many of the same symptoms as withdrawal from drugs or alcohol. Many of those with PTSD will turn to alcohol as a means of replacing the feelings brought on y endorphin withdrawal.
Needs to be treated with expert care
Those with a dual diagnosis such as PTSD and addiction need to work with professional who understand their special needs. This is the only real well to get the proper help, because traditional rehab facilities are likely to be ill-equipped to deal with the intense psychological problems brought on by the PTSD. Conversely, a psychiatric facility might not have the counseling and detox programs the individual needs in order to properly treat the addiction. What the dual diagnosis patient needs is integrated care, where everything needed for treatment is under one roof, and the professional onsite have dealt extensively with dual diagnoses in the past.
The professional at the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers understand the fragility of those individuals who suffer from both PTSD and addiction. If you are going living with this difficult combination of conditions, there's no place better to turn that our three main facilities: LaPaloma Treatment Center (Tennessee), The Canyon (California) and Michael's House (California). All three are staffed by people who really know dual diagnosis, and have helped thousands of people who suffer from it. Contact the Dual Diagnosis Treatment Centers today and get help from the people who know your condition best.
