Treatment Center for Complex PTSD and Substance Abuse
PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, can occur after experiencing a terrifying and/or a life-threatening event. Military combat, natural disasters, terrorist incidents, serious accidents, or sexual assault are common causes of PTSD. Trauma can also occur with smaller incidents.
Many times it is not the intensity of the situation but the perception of the event. Some people think of PTSD as a major life event, but some people may be displaying symptoms but have no memorable life event to connect it to. In these instances, it is important to work with a skilled professional to examine and discover underlying causes.
Continuous exposure to small events can move PTSD into complex trauma.
What Are the Symptoms of PTSD?
People suffering from PTSD may need to deal with symptoms that affect everyday life. Unfortunately, many people try to cope with PTSD by using drugs and/or alcohol, which can lead to addiction.
Common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Frequent flashbacks
- Frightening or disturbing dreams
- Trouble sleeping
- Outbursts of anger
- Intense distress if exposed to anything resembling the event
- Efforts to avoid any people or activities that may arouse recollection of the trauma
- Distorted beliefs
- Negative or detached emotions
- Loss of interest
Aside from these symptoms, those suffering from PTSD and drug addiction often experience a reduced quality of life, attention difficulties, and/or physical concerns.
Common Causes of PTSD
Post-traumatic stress disorder can manifest from different traumatic and often unexpected life events. These events can include experiences such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, physical, sexual, or emotional abuse, and even the sudden loss of a loved one, each triggering a distinct form of PTSD.
Understanding these various types is essential for tailored treatment approaches.
The most common causes of PTSD include:
Car Accidents
According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, over 39,000 fatal car accidents occurred in 2021 in the United States. Car accident-related PTSD is often the aftermath of these collisions.
This psychological condition develops in individuals who have experienced or witnessed traumatic vehicular collisions. This form of PTSD is characterized by distressing symptoms that persist long after the accident, impacting mental and emotional well-being.
Medical Trauma
Medical trauma can lead to the development of PTSD when patients endure distressing experiences during medical procedures, surgeries, or severe or chronic illnesses.
These traumatic medical events may result in symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, and avoidance behaviors as individuals grapple with the emotional aftermath of their medical encounters.
Sexual Assault
Sexual assault is a harrowing experience that often leads to complex PTSD in survivors. The trauma of sexual assault can manifest in intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, nightmares, and intense emotional distress, causing significant psychological suffering.
Recognizing the strong connection between sexual assault and PTSD is crucial for providing survivors with the necessary support and trauma-informed care they need.
Domestic Violence
Domestic violence is a deeply distressing and traumatic experience that frequently results in PTSD among survivors. The ongoing physical, emotional, and psychological abuse in domestic violence can lead to long-term symptoms like hypervigilance, flashbacks, and severe anxiety.
Understanding the connection between domestic violence and PTSD is crucial for providing survivors with the appropriate resources and support to help them break free from the cycle of abuse and begin their healing process.
Verbal and Emotional Abuse
Verbal and emotional abuse from unhealthy relationships can lead to a PTSD diagnosis as survivors endure ongoing psychological trauma. The constant belittling, threats, and manipulation in abusive relationships can result in symptoms like persistent anxiety, emotional detachment, and intrusive thoughts.
Recognizing the connection between verbal and emotional abuse and PTSD is essential for offering survivors therapeutic interventions to address their trauma and regain their emotional well-being.
Loss of a Loved One
The death of a loved one, especially in sudden or traumatic circumstances, can trigger PTSD in those left behind. Witnessing or experiencing the loss of a loved one in a traumatic event can lead to symptoms such as persistent grief, intrusive memories, and emotional numbness.
Understanding the connection between grief and PTSD is essential for providing bereaved individuals with the support and counseling they need to navigate their complex grief journey and find long-term peace and healing.
What to Expect at Our Colorado PTSD Treatment Center
At the Raleigh House, our residential treatment center treats both PTSD and the addiction you are suffering from. We provide a safe environment that helps you overcome drug addiction while healing from the emotional impact of PTSD. We put a strong focus on therapies and education to establish coping skills and healthier mood regulation.
Features of our residential PTSD treatment program include:
- Multiple levels of care – enables clients to heal at their own pace
- High staff-to-client ratio – clients receive greater care and attention
- Strong recovery community –frequent one-on-one therapy and group therapy within a strong cultural and social environment
- Structured Recreation – yoga, boxing, rock climbing, swimming and hiking
- Experiential work – expressive art therapy, trauma release therapy, and cooking lessons
- Work with medical and social detox centers – will transfer to and from if necessary
- Amino acid therapy – can regulate discomfort and cravings during and after the recovery process
FAQs About PTSD Treatment
Contact our Complex PTSD and Addiction Treatment Center
If you or a loved one are suffering and need residential treatment for complex PTSD and drug addiction, call The Raleigh House today at 720-891-4657 or contact us online to learn how we can help you or someone you love get better.
Take the next step by learning more about our program enrollment requirements and what to expect during the admissions process at The Raleigh House.
