PTSD and Addiction Treatment

The best way to treat co-occurring mental disorders is by treating the underlying problem first, then tackling the other. Treating both simultaneously could be both tedious and ineffective, and it's important to focus on preventing future damage to a person's body and mind. Fortunately, addiction and PTSD treatment are not mutually exclusive. In fact, treatment centers often agree that treating co-occurring mental issues together helps improve the person's recovery time.

 

Those with PTSD often experience recurring nightmares, erratic behavior, and intense shame. These feelings are often so severe that a person may avoid close relationships and public places. The symptoms of PTSD often include substance abuse. Getting treatment for both conditions is crucial to overcoming the dual consequences of mental illness and addiction. Once diagnosed, treatment is a crucial step to avoid relapse. In fact, ptsd treament is essential to preventing serious relapse.

 

While PTSD is a disorder unto itself, addiction is an underlying condition that can interfere with a person's ability to focus and function. People with PTSD may find it difficult to control their urges to abuse drugs or alcohol because they feel too overwhelmed to deal with their emotions. They may turn to substances that affect the brain's production of dopamine, or abuse substances that are designed to affect these chemicals. When PTSD and addiction go hand in hand, people can develop emotional attachments to substances that will further complicate their condition.

 

There are many options for PTSD and addiction treatment. Some rehabs specialize in treating both conditions. Others are more suited for individuals with addiction-related co-occurring issues. The best rehabs for co-occurring disorders will offer an intensive treatment plan that will address all aspects of the disorder. A structured, well-supervised recovery program is essential to maintain a positive mental state. There are many different types of PTSD treatment and some rehabs have more experience treating this condition.

 

When addressing PTSD and addiction together, individuals may benefit from individual, group, or family therapy. Individual therapy can provide an introspective environment for individuals struggling with both conditions. Therapy can also help people identify triggers and develop coping mechanisms. The combination of these therapies can improve an individual's life. They are an invaluable part of PTSD treatment and recovery. If PTSD is causing the patient to engage in addictive behaviors, dual diagnosis treatment is an excellent solution. Check out here to know more about the most suitable veteran inpatient rehab to pick.

 

In addition to specialized therapy for individuals struggling with PTSD, there are also many outpatient programs. These programs can be tailored to individual needs and schedules. Typically, the patient lives on-site for the duration of treatment, but may need to go back home after completion. Outpatient therapy offers the same benefits, but allows a patient to maintain their daily routines while receiving treatment. A doctor may prescribe medications based on their diagnosis.

 

Cognitive-behavioral therapy addresses the relationship between the thoughts and feelings experienced during a traumatic event. It involves reworking the brain's memory and learning new ways to deal with negative feelings. Using cognitive-behavioral therapy, individuals can learn positive coping skills that replace addiction. Likewise, a healthy lifestyle and supportive relationships are protective factors against PTSD and addiction. They can also help reduce the likelihood of relapse. For a general overview of this topic, click here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Post-traumatic_stress_disorder.