Your whole world can change in an instant.
It could be a car accident, a heart attack, or even a natural disaster. It could be a tragic end to a pregnancy or the discovery of abuse.
The point is that post-traumatic stress disorder isn’t just something experienced from war. PTSD is defined as a mental health condition that’s triggered by a terrifying event from either experiencing or witnessing it. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and uncontrollable thoughts about the event.
PTSD can affect one person or even an entire family.
The condition is bad enough on its own, but even more troubling is what it can lead to. People who suffer from PTSD are two to four times more likely to also battle addiction, according to the journal Clinical Psychology.
That’s why it’s so important to treat PTSD.
PTSD and Family Support
The first and most important step is to recognize PTSD for what it is and isn’t. It isn’t something someone can just get over. It isn’t all in their head. It isn’t even just a matter of time.
Rather, PTSD is an actual disorder that can improve tremendously with treatment. Encourage your loved one to get treatment for the condition and understand that no fix occurs overnight.
In the meantime, show your support by standing by your loved one. PTSD can be extremely isolating. Be there to listen, watch a movie, or share a meal. Your dedication to your loved one will help them know you love and care for them.
Healing at The Raleigh House
If PTSD has led to a substance abuse problem, recognize that the most effective treatment will be at a rehab that offers dual-diagnosis treatment. Dual Diagnosis means the rehab will treat both addiction and PTSD at the same time.
At The Raleigh House, we’ll first make your loved one feel safe and comfortable. He or she will then be assigned their own master’s level trained therapist to guide them on their journey to recovery. Fill out our form or contact us today to learn more about our 90-day drug and alcohol addiction treatment programs.
