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.

Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms of Alcohol Addiction

The impact of alcohol addiction can vary greatly depending on the individual’s drinking patterns and the type of alcohol consumed. Identifying alcoholism in a loved one can be challenging due to these variations. Some individuals may engage in constant heavy drinking, while others may binge drink intermittently and remain sober for periods of time.

However, the presence of an alcohol addiction is typically characterized by an inability to maintain sobriety and a reliance on alcohol over an extended period.

Alcohol addiction, also known as alcoholism, has detrimental effects on both the physical and psychological well-being of individuals.

Alcoholism is associated with severe and potentially fatal diseases such as heart disease and liver disease. It also contributes to various health complications, including ulcers, complications related to diabetes, sexual problems, birth defects, bone loss, vision problems, an increased risk of cancer, and weakened immune function.

Furthermore, alcohol consumption alters behavior and impairs judgment. Individuals with alcohol addiction who engage in risky behaviors while under the influence pose a threat not only to themselves but also to others. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), drunk driving alone claims the lives of 28 people every day in the United States. Alcohol use is also associated with a higher incidence of suicide and homicide.