PTSD

Healing from Addiction and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a prevalent psychiatric disorder that affects over 7 million Americans and is often associated with combat veterans. It can manifest as intense, vivid flashbacks, avoidance behaviors, and intrusive thoughts. Many individuals with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol as a means of escape. Understanding this disorder is crucial for supporting addiction recovery.

PTSD is triggered by past traumatic events, and it can be categorized into four main areas:

1. Intrusive thoughts: Experiencing intense fixation on past trauma, accompanied by vivid flashbacks.
2. Negative changes in mood and thoughts: Undergoing a significant shift in personality with an overwhelmingly negative perception of the world.
3. Avoidance: Actively avoiding any acknowledgment of the aftermath or denying the occurrence of the triggering event.
4. Changes in emotional and physical reactions: Constant feelings of anxiety, inability to relax, and heightened emotional responses.

Due to the individual nature of PTSD, personalized treatment approaches yield the best results. Support groups, individual counseling, and group therapy are effective options for treatment. South Coast Counseling increases access to impactful and quality substance abuse and mental health recovery treatment services for individuals and families facing life-threatening consequences. Our addiction treatment programs include therapy, education, and wellness initiatives in order to set you up for long-term success.