Treating PTSD and Substance Abuse

Studies indicate that people who get treatment for PTSD are up to 14 times more likely to have an addiction. This means the correlation between PTSD and substance abuse is very high in many cases. This may be because people try to self-medicate with drugs and alcohol in order to control or mask their PTSD symptoms. Thankfully, there is treatment available through dual diagnosis services. 

Relationship Between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Addiction

The risk of post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction is significantly higher in people that are:

• Military personnel
• Veterans
• Emergency responders
• Police officers
• Firefighters 
• Members of the LGBTQ+ community

Any individual who deals with emotional stress or physically demanding work and is exposed to trauma on a regular basis through combat, war, or medical emergencies is more likely to struggle with PTSD and substance abuse.

Causes of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder can be caused by several events. These incidents can be experienced by the individual themselves, witnessed by the individual, or even experienced by an individual’s loved one.

Examples can include:

• War
• Abuse
• Violence
• Death
• Disease
• Car accidents
• Bullying 

Within a few minutes of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event, your brain releases a significantly higher level of endorphins than normal, and that level of endorphins is there to help you numb physical or emotional pain in order to survive the event.

Once the event is over, those endorphin levels decrease immediately, and this can cause a withdrawal that results in depression, anxiety, or other emotional distress. 

Some people report that they use alcohol to get rid of the symptoms left behind by that endorphin withdrawal. Alcohol can offer temporary relief by compensating for the reduced endorphin activity, but this means that people are more likely to continue their reliance on alcohol in order to diminish those feelings. Forty percent of people with PTSD also have a substance abuse disorder. 

People with PTSD struggle with symptoms like:

• Vivid memories and flashbacks
• Negative thinking
• Mood changes
• Avoidance symptoms
• Hyperarousal/hypervigilance 

This means they might seek medication for related issues such as sleeping problems, and that medication often includes benzodiazepines or similarly addictive compounds that can exacerbate substance abuse problems.

Treatment for PTSD and Substance Abuse

Ritual Recovery is a trusted drug rehab in North Carolina offering dual-diagnosis treatment in Asheville. Our treatment focuses not just on overcoming PTSD but also on tackling the physical and psychological elements of addiction at the same time. Our dual diagnosis program incorporates individual and group therapy into your treatment, helping you identify unresolved trauma so that you can begin to process it and feel prepared to handle triggers.

Some of the most common therapies incorporated into this type of program are cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavioral therapy, both of which can help you recognize the impact of your automatic thoughts on your feelings and behavior. This can help you put distance between reactivity and impulsivity, reducing your risk of relapse, and can also build your resilience for long-term success.

Individual Therapy

Our programs help treat PTSD with weekly therapy sessions that foster trusting relationships with our professionals. These sessions give clients a chance to explore and address unresolved trauma and discuss personal coping skills.

Group Therapy

Group therapy is a collective space where people can develop communication skills and get peer support. Our group therapy is the biggest part of our holistic approach. The majority of your treatment hours will be focused on this modality, which fosters support, open dialogue, and a strong sense of community.

Adventure Therapy

At Ritual Recovery, we encourage a natural connection as part of your recovery from PTSD and addiction. Our clients find inspiration and a renewed sense of purpose with our hiking trails and the adventure therapy sessions we provide each week. This type of therapy can enhance strength and resilience with a blend of outdoor adventures and therapeutic interventions.

Weekly Activities

Each week, we offer exciting activities designed to help you appreciate the beauty and benefits of sober living while also engaging in bonding experiences with other individuals in similar situations.For those who seek treatment for both PTSD and substance abuse, Ritual Recovery can help. Reach out to our team to learn more about our PTSD and addiction treatment in Asheville.