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PTSD and Addiction

two people sit on chairs talking possibly about ptsd and addiction

June is PTSD Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to shine a light on a common but often overlooked mental illness that affects millions of people. PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is primarily diagnosed in individuals who have suffered high levels of acute or chronic stress. Common causes include unexpected loss, a major tragedy, a natural disaster, military combat, abuse, or similar hardship. While many people exposed to traumatic events do not develop PTSD, others may develop severe symptoms.

Those with PTSD are more apt to become addicted to substances to alleviate their constant state of fear or anxiety. On the other hand, people who have problems with drugs or alcohol are more likely to develop PTSD. The good news is that there are treatments that work, and therapy can target both issues simultaneously.

A dual diagnosis treatment program at Northpoint Washington can be the way to identify the mental condition and address the root cause or causes of the addiction.

Common Co-Occurring Disorders

Experts sometimes refer to dual diagnoses as comorbid or co-occurring disorders. Individuals who struggle with substance use disorder or addiction may also have an increased risk for a co-occurring mental health disorder, including:

  • PTSD
  • Anxiety disorder
  • Bipolar disorder
  • Depression
  • Antisocial personality disorder
  • Obsessive-compulsive personality disorder

There are numerous options for therapies to treat both addiction and mental health symptoms of co-occurring disorders. Trauma-focused psychotherapies are the most highly-recommended type of treatment for PTSD, where the focus of the therapy is on the memory of the traumatic event or its meaning. Using different techniques, patients can safely process the trauma of their experience. This variety can be achieved through visualization, talking or thinking about the incident, and changing unhelpful beliefs about the trauma.

Treating PTSD and Addiction in a Residential Program

A significant part of PTSD treatment involves multiple therapeutic options, including cognitive-behavioral therapy and the social support of group therapy conducted in a safe space. Combined with coping skills and medication management, a residential treatment center offers comprehensive and multidisciplinary therapeutic services to help individuals overcome symptoms of this complex condition.

Led by a dedicated team of experienced professionals, Northpoint Washington is a recovery center specializing in treating adults suffering from PTSD, trauma, depression, addiction, and co-occurring disorders. Our goal is to provide lasting recovery by healing the mind, body, and spirit.

The experienced professionals on our team teach specific skills to help you successfully manage your symptoms. PTSD treatment can help get rid of your symptoms, or symptoms may become milder or less frequent. With treatment, you will learn skills to better cope with symptoms and find that your quality of life has improved. Treatment can help you:

  • Make sense of a traumatic event
  • Learn skills to handle negative thoughts and feelings better
  • Reconnect with people you care about
  • Set realistic goals for activities, like work or school

Connect with Northpoint Washington for Help

Recovery is possible. We’re here to help individuals manage the challenges of PTSD and addiction and address any additional underlying mental health concerns. When expert care is needed, Northpoint Recovery is committed to providing treatment for co-occurring disorders and safely detoxing patients within our inpatient treatment programs. Our detox program offers a secure environment to receive continuous medical support and get you safely on the road to recovery.

If you or someone you care about needs help, contact us to learn more about how our addiction treatment for those who suffer from post-traumatic stress can regain their well-being. Call our compassionate staff at Northpoint Washington today at 888.450.2153 for more information. We’re also available through our brief online message form. Don’t wait to take control of your mental health.