Roughly 15 million American adults develop post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD in a typical year. This illness produces a range of symptoms that can seriously impair your ability to function. Unfortunately, PTSD often overlaps with drug or alcohol addiction. This combination is an example of co-occurring disorders, also known as dual diagnosis. Co-occurring disorder treatment is complex. Still, a program targeted to fit your needs will support recovery from both PTSD and addiction. You can find such a PTSD treatment program in Loveland, CO, when you reach out to Northpoint Colorado today at 888.231.1281.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Basics
Post-traumatic stress disorder occurs in the aftermath of a traumatic event. Events of this type can place a heavy strain on your normal coping mechanisms. They include things such as:
- Serious accidents
- Exposure to violence
- Sexual assault and rape
- Tornados and other natural disasters
- Health conditions that threaten your life
- Child abuse
- Childhood neglect
Most people naturally rebound from trauma as time passes. However, a small percentage of exposed men and women will develop PTSD.Â
By definition, the disorder affects you in four distinct ways. First, it triggers unwanted, intrusive memories of your trauma. It also triggers avoidance behaviors that you use to try and escape from any trauma reminders. The third major effect of PTSD is the onset of notably negative changes in your everyday mood and thinking.Â
Finally, people with the disorder experience unusual levels of emotional and physical arousal. Examples of these symptoms include intense shame or guilt, sleeping difficulties, and self-destructive behavior. You may also feel extremely jittery and always on alert. In addition, you may experience angry outbursts or act in aggressive ways.
How a PTSD Treatment Program Can Help
A PTSD treatment program can help you recover from these kinds of symptoms. As a rule, psychotherapy plays a main role in effective recovery plans. The most common choice for people with PTSD is cognitive-behavioral therapy or CBT. This therapy offers multiple benefits, including:
- Helping you understand how trauma affects you
- Teaching you how to spot trauma reactions as they occur
- Giving you ways to process those reactions and lessen their impact
- Showing you how to cope with things that could trigger your symptoms
Exposure therapy, a subtype of CBT, is often helpful. This therapy lets you safely confront the sources of your trauma. When you do this, you weaken trauma’s power over you. As a result, you may find it easier to overcome your PTSD symptoms. Medication is also common in PTSD treatment.Â
Treating Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Addiction
If you’re also affected by addiction, a PTSD treatment program is not enough. In addition, you need targeted addiction treatment. Without this extra help, your PTSD symptoms may not improve. The reverse is also true. In other words, untreated PTSD can make it harder to recover from addiction.
Co-occurring disorder treatment addresses both of your illnesses. The specific additional help you need depends on the nature of your addiction. Most addiction plans include CBT or some other form of therapy. In some cases, they may also include medication. Combined treatment programs support a full return to wellness.
Seek Help from Northpoint Colorado Today
Need a PTSD treatment program in Loveland, CO? Turn to the experts at Northpoint Colorado. We specialize in PTSD treatment for people also affected by addiction. The care we provide is customized and comprehensive. Our goal is to help you achieve lasting PTSD and addiction recovery.
No matter the severity of your condition, Northpoint has options that support your needs. That includes inpatient care, as well as two advanced outpatient programs. Call us today at 888.231.1281 to learn more about our services. You can also reach us through our online message form.