PTSD Treatment

Any event that is physically or psychologically traumatic can cause PTSD. Natural disasters, military combat, grief, abuse in childhood, violence, sexual assault, road accidents, and terrorist attacks are among the examples of events that can leave a person with psychological trauma and in a constant state of hypervigilance.

It is unclear why some people develop PTSD after a traumatic experience while others do not, but it is certainly not a reflection of one’s character, intelligence, or strength. PTSD is a complex and multifaceted disorder that can be influenced by pre-existing mental health conditions, family history, and even biological factors. 

In addition, PTSD can develop immediately after a life-altering experience or may lie dormant for several weeks, months, or longer. A war veteran, for example, may exhibit symptoms of PTSD either soon after returning from combat or years later as unresolved emotions resurface.

As a highly personal condition, PTSD displays many signs and symptoms that may vary from person to person and can pop up at any time. Possible symptoms include:

• Anxiety disorder
• Nightmares
• Flashbacks or a sense of reliving the initial event
• Insomnia or change in sleep patterns
• Aggression
• Irritability and mood disorder
• Avoiding experiences that may remind one of the traumatic event

It is also common for patients with PTSD to develop a substance use disorder, such as an addiction to alcohol or drugs, to avoid memories or emotions related to the event. When mental health issues are combined with substance abuse, the person has a dual diagnosis, which makes specialized PTSD treatment even more important.

Complex PTSD refers to the ongoing anxiety disorder that results from traumatic events that happened at an early age, were caused by a parent or caregiver, or were ongoing or frequently repeated. Childhood trauma, domestic violence, sexual abuse, and active war combat are examples.

Beyond the traditional signs and symptoms, sufferers of complex PTSD can be adults or children who display:

• Feelings of guilt or shame
• Difficulty concentrating or controlling one’s emotions
• Self-isolation
• Headaches, chest pains, stomach aches, dizziness
• Substance abuse
• Suicidal ideation

Although substance abuse may follow after PTSD, mental health professionals see more successful recoveries when both are treated simultaneously. Both conditions are complex and intertwined, often feeding off each other in a vicious cycle.

Dual diagnosis provides licensed therapists with an opportunity to assess, recognize, and treat PTSD and substance abuse (or a behavioral disorder) at the same time. Treatment requires a comprehensive assessment and developing a treatment plan that considers both long-term recovery and the patient’s well-being.

A variety of therapies have proven beneficial for addicts suffering from PTSD. For example, cognitive behavioral therapy and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing are two types of talking therapies that can help treat both PTSD and addiction. A well-rounded treatment plan may also include experiential, holistic, and group therapies.

There are hundreds of facilities around the country that offer services. The way to determine which facility to go to depends on a few different factors, such as:

• Do you have insurance?
• Do you want to go to treatment near home or further away?
• Do you also have a dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorder)?
• Can you commit to a full-time treatment program?

If you have insurance, you want to start by calling your insurance provider. They can give you a list of facilities that fall within your network to ensure you don’t have to pay out-of-pocket prices. If you don’t have insurance or aren’t concerned about paying out-of-pocket, though, you have more options available.

The best treatment near you is a facility that specializes in working with individuals who have post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Here at Hawaii Island Recovery, we work with many health insurance companies. To learn more about your coverage, call us at (888) 713-6745 or fill out this form. 

Hawaii Island Recovery offers men and women an opportunity to recover from PTSD and substance abuse or behavioral disorders simultaneously while living on the beautiful island of Hawaii. Our multidisciplinary, integrative treatment approach allows for assessment, dual diagnosis, evidence-based therapies, and experiential and holistic therapies. All treatment plans are designed and administered by licensed therapists. Our holistic approach guides residents toward the healing of the body, mind, and spirit.