3 Trauma Therapies Used in Addiction Treatment

Trauma Therapies That Treat PTSD and Addiction

For those who struggle with trauma as a result of PTSD and a drug or alcohol addiction, there are a number of trauma-based therapy models that can help. One of the most common factors of addiction is undetermined, unidentified, and unresolved trauma which can ultimately be the root cause of the addiction. When past or current trauma is addressed, it can be better managed, and this is achieved through uniquely crafted trauma therapy programs, counseling, and the use of medication-assisted treatment (MAT).

A program that takes a whole-patient approach is explicitly designed for you and your struggles and will be created once an in-depth patient assessment has been completed. This will help craft an individualized dual diagnosis program that will help treat and stabilize the patient.

Underlying disorders are one of the leading causes of addiction, and when trauma or mental health disorders are not uncovered and treated, their side effects become exacerbated. It is a vicious cycle that requires intervention to manage appropriately.

Without prompt help and continued neglect in accepting that there is a problem, the disorder and addiction continue to worsen. This is how addiction came to be classified as a chronic disease, as it will only worsen the more extended the individual waits to seek help.

If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, call WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab today at 877.969.1993 to learn how we can help.

What Is PTSD?

Individuals who have witnessed or endured trauma or a traumatic experience may struggle with a psychiatric disorder called PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder).

Individuals who struggle with PTSD often turn to abuse substances to cope with the unfavorable symptoms they are experiencing. Unfortunately, substance abuse eventually turns into an addiction, and this is when treatment and trauma therapy is essential.

Symptoms of PTSD

Some of the symptoms and ramifications of PTSD are:

• Flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Sweating
• Nausea
• Tremors
• Unwelcome thoughts

The symptoms of PTSD can take a devastating toll on the individual struggling and can impact every facet of their life. Unfortunately, these symptoms don’t always dissipate with time and which is why many individuals who struggle with PTSD seek counseling and therapy to learn how to manage these symptoms better.

How Does PTSD Affect Addiction?

PTSD can directly affect addiction, as each disorder feeds off one another, exacerbating and worsening them. In addition, those who struggle with PTSD are more likely to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol, putting them at an increased risk of developing a dependency and then an addiction.

Those who do not seek help for their PTSD, which is often the driving force behind the addiction, will continue to seek methods that will help mitigate the symptoms of the mental health condition. Unfortunately, self-medicating is never the answer and will only work to worsen an already bad situation. The best help is getting into therapy and treatment.

Trauma Therapies Used to Treat Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Abuse

Several trauma therapies are used for those who struggle with co-occurring disorders as well as substance use disorder (SUD). Three trauma therapies models that are often used to treat those who are struggling with trauma-based addiction are:

• Dialectical Behavioral Therapy
• Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
• Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

The proper treatment for your co-occurring disorder will be determined once an in-depth patient assessment has been completed.

Treatment for Co-Occurring Disorders at WhiteSands

WhiteSands Alcohol and Drug Rehab offers therapy and counseling for those who are struggling with co-occurring disorders. Through dual diagnosis treatment, patients will learn how to properly manage their PTSD to lead a life that is not controlled by the side effects of this disorder. Patients will also go through drug or alcohol treatment as they work toward physical and mental stability. When patients are provided with a trauma-focused approach, the outcomes of success become greater.

We are dedicated to your recovery and will guide you through the entire process of trauma therapy. Contact us or visit one of our Florida locations to learn more today.

If you or a loved one needs help with abuse and/or treatment, please call the WhiteSands Treatment at (877) 855-3470. Our addiction specialists can assess your recovery needs and help you get the addiction treatment that provides the best chance for your long-term recovery.