a therapist at a ptsd treatment center takes notes on a patients ptsd treatment program in arizonaTrauma-focused psychological programs can allow people struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) to process and subsequently heal from trauma. Traumatic events include sexual assault, military combat, violence, injury, natural disasters, and other forms of trauma take a major psychological toll.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse are so much more widespread than many people realize. Considering six out of every ten men and five out of every ten women experience a traumatic event at least once in their lives, it’s hardly surprising that eight out of every 100 trauma cases will develop into PTSD, according to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. This translates to eight million people suffering from post-traumatic stress each year. Many of these people could benefit from a PTSD treatment program.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD isn’t just something war veterans experience. Although it’s common among our veterans, anyone who has ever experienced any kind of trauma can develop PTSD. Those who have survived the horrors of sexual abuse, assault, a car crash, a natural disaster, a terrorist attack, or even an unexpected death are at risk of developing the disorder. Women tend to develop the condition more often than men, and some people are even genetically predisposed to it.

It is difficult to enumerate every PTSD symptom, as each person suffering from the disorder displays different behaviors and experiences their own set of side effects. However, the most commonly reported symptoms include:

  • Flashbacks of the traumatic event
  • A looming sense of fear
  • Intense and ongoing anxiety
  • Mistrust of others
  • Nightmares
  • Insomnia
  • Emotional detachment

Why Should I Attend a PTSD Treatment Program?

Due to the stressful symptoms of PTSD, people suffering from the disorder are at a high risk of developing an addiction to drugs or alcohol as they look for ways to dampen the intense physical and emotional side effects. Our specialists at Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center understand how difficult it can be to break the cycle of traumatic episodes and substance abuse—and we’re here to help you manage the symptoms of PTSD to help you live a better life.

PTSD and Addiction

These symptoms are challenging to live with. PTSD keeps the afflicted individual in fight, flight, or freeze mode at all times, making it hard to relax, and that’s why so many sufferers find solace in the numbing effects of drugs or alcohol. Unfortunately, while this might seem to work for a person temporarily, it actually heightens the problem in the long term.

Alcohol Research & Health breaks it down scientifically, explaining that traumatic episodes trigger a release of endorphins in the brain. When the episode is over, the endorphins subside, and the body experiences endorphin withdrawal symptoms that closely mimic the side effects of drug or alcohol withdrawal. So, to maintain the numbness and continue avoiding the nightmares and flashbacks, a person looks to drugs and/or alcohol to replace the endorphins, which eventually leads to chemical dependency.

Over time, the body needs increased amounts of addictive substances in order to get the same sedative effect, which is when a dependency spirals into an addiction. Before a person even realizes it, they’re using the drug or alcohol compulsively and becoming tolerant to its effects. At this point, they may get treatment at a PTSD treatment program that specializes in dual diagnosis treatment.

Specialized Dual Diagnosis Treatment

It isn’t easy to recover from a dual diagnosis, and it cannot be done alone. However, it is possible with the right help from a dual diagnosis treatment center. Many traditional rehab centers lack the expertise to treat both the addiction problem and the PTSD simultaneously. Fortunately, Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center is different. Dual diagnoses are our specialty, and we offer an effective treatment program for those with a dual diagnosis.

Aspects of a PTSD Treatment Program in Arizona

We know that PTSD and addiction problems require a custom and fully integrated approach. When you enter our PTSD treatment center, you will undergo a comprehensive assessment. Then, you will receive a personalized care plan that may consist of any combination of the following treatments:

  • Behavioral therapy: Behavioral therapy is one of the best ways to overcome the addictive habits that accompany PTSD. It teaches clients to handle triggers and manage stress in a healthy way and to think differently about themselves and their disorder.
  • Holistic therapy: At Viewpoint Dual Recovery, we utilize a holistic therapy approach to ground clients in the safety of the present by dissolving the association of frightening memories with present danger. This, in turn, helps clients overcome the constant anxiety they feel and reduces the number of hyperarousal flare-ups that happen each day.
  • Medication: Prescription medications can be a huge help to the treatment process. We often use them as a supplement to the aforementioned therapies in order to reduce anxiety, depression, insomnia, and the painful withdrawal symptoms associated with PTSD and substance abuse.
  • Counseling: Our team ensures the active involvement of your family members and other clients during your recovery journey. This interaction will help you build a network of support and feel empowered to heal. That’s why we utilize one-on-one, group, and family counseling as part of our approach to treatment.

Why Choose Viewpoint Dual Recovery Center?

Finding a treatment center that provides therapy for PTSD can help you turn the corner in your wellness journey. Viewpoint Dual Recovery is known for its holistic approach to dual diagnosis treatment. We employ accredited, compassionate individuals who care deeply for clients and have a commitment to their success. If you are interested in learning more about our program, contact us by calling 855.746.3633.