For many people, drugs and alcohol are used to help cope with the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder PTSD, often referred to as “self-medicating.” The problem with self-medicating is that it can exacerbate and intensify underlying PTSD symptoms. Camelback Recovery understands the 3 c’s of addiction and that treating both PTSD and addiction is critical to helping you create a life that is worth living. Mental health disorders and substance abuse can significantly impact your overall quality of life. Treating both types of disorders simultaneously can help you live a life free from addiction and minimize your symptoms of PTSD and other mental illnesses. Camelback Recovery’s PTSD and addiction treatment in Phoenix, AZ, offers a variety of options, each with a personalized treatment plan tailored to meet your specific needs.

PTSD is a prevalent mental health disorder in the United States, with about 6% of the nation’s population likely to encounter PTSD in their lifetime. The severity of PTSD symptoms can vary and, without proper treatment, can significantly impair daily functioning, the ability to maintain healthy relationships, job performance, and cause other mental health problems. Thankfully, PTSD and addiction treatments are available in Arizona, offering a lifeline to those grappling with these issues.

There is an undeniable correlation between PTSD and addiction to drugs and alcohol. It may be surprising to learn that 46.4% of individuals with PTSD also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. If you experience both a mental health and substance abuse disorder, it is considered a dual diagnosis. At Camelback Recovery, we understand the importance of addressing both mental health and substance use disorders and can incorporate both into your PTSD treatment in Arizona.

 

Soldier in distress symbolizing the need for PTSD and addiction treatment in Phoenix AZ

 

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PTSD

Distressed military person touching the head, signifying posttraumatic stress disorder
Certain risk factors can make you more likely to develop PTSD. These risk factors include:

  • Being a veteran
  • People who have experienced a natural disaster
  • Victims or witnesses of sexual and physical assault
  • Physical, sexual, and emotional abuse victims
  • Being in a car accident or other accident where your safety is in jeopardy
  • Witnessing someone being in an accident

Symptoms of PTSD range in severity and can impact each person differently. Symptoms usually begin within three months after the traumatic event; however, they can develop after that time. Common symptoms of PTSD include:

  • Flashbacks of The Traumatic Event
  • Physical Signs of Stress
  • Memory Problems
  • Easily Startled and Irritable
  • Feelings of Hopelessness
  • Risky Behavior and Poor Judgment
  • Avoidance of Places, People, and Things that Remind You of The Traumatic Event
  • Re-Experiencing the Event
  • Intrusive or Distress Thoughts
  • Difficulty Falling and Staying Asleep
  • Increase in Anger Outbursts
  • Social Isolation
  • Avoiding Thoughts and Feelings About the Event

Addiction Treatment

Group therapy session addressing mental health concerns with engaging discussion
Symptoms of addiction also range in severity and can cause significant problems in your life. Common symptoms include:

  • Decline in physical appearance (bloodshot eyes, weight loss or gain, odor, poor hygiene)
  • Mood swings
  • Change in appetite and sleep patterns
  • Conflict (fights at school, accidents, legal problems)
  • Problems in vital relationships
  • Slurred speech
  • Financial problems
  • Problems performing work tasks and difficulties at work
  • Continuing to use substances even though it is causing problems
  • Feelings of fear, anxiety, and paranoia
  • Low motivation
  • Changes in personality

Therapy Options Used in PTSD Treatments

Both PTSD and addiction can be effectively treated at our sober living Scottdale home. Developing a treatment plan that addresses your unique needs is crucial to helping you overcome mental illness and addiction challenges. Because each individual has their own experiences, treatment plans are customized to you and incorporate factors such as your symptoms of PTSD, history of addiction (including types of drugs used, the amount used, and length of use), as well as your current support system and future recovery goals.

Patient discussing traumatic events during a therapy session with a counselorEvidence-based treatment options include a combination of therapy and approved medications and other ancillary services such as case management services and support groups. Common therapies used to treat PTSD include:

  • Dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT)
  • Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Contingency management
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) Therapy
  • Exposure therapy
  • Group therapy

Medication management plays a role in stabilizing withdrawal symptoms and managing PTSD and other mental health conditions. Commonly used medications for addiction treatment include naltrexone, methadone, buprenorphine, and disulfiram, while medications for PTSD may involve Zoloft, Paxil, Effexor, and Prozac.

PTSD Treatment in Arizona

Camelback Recovery offers mental health treatment in our intensive outpatient programs (IOP) and partial hospital programs (PHP). We believe that a high quality of life is possible.

Call 602-466-9880 to speak with an admissions representative today or complete our online form. At Camelback Recovery centers, we understand that PTSD can’t wait and offer comprehensive treatment services, addressing your mental health and addiction needs.

Sources

  1. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp
  2. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp
  3. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
  4. https://www.mentalhealth.gov/what-to-look-for/mental-health-substance-use-disorders
  5. https://nida.nih.gov/publications/research-reports/common-comorbidities-substance-use-disorders/what-are-treatments-comorbid-substance-use-disorder-mental-health-conditions