PTSD (Post-traumatic stress disorder) is a condition that can affect anyone who has experienced a traumatic event. The symptoms of PTSD can vary greatly and may include flashbacks, nightmares, depression, anxiety, avoidance of certain situations or activities, substance use disorders, and more.
Fortunately, treatments are available to help those with PTSD manage their symptoms. If you are seeking PTSD treatment in San Francisco, CA, turn to Foundations. Call 415.854.6735 or reach out to us online for information about our mental health treatment programs.
When Is It Time to Get Help?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can manifest in several ways, including flashbacks, nightmares, difficulty sleeping and concentrating, feeling angry or numb emotionally, avoiding people or places that remind you of the event, or becoming easily startled. PTSD can occur immediately after a traumatic event or may start weeks or months later. PTSD can also lead to substance use disorder (SUD) as a means of self-medicating unaddressed and untreated trauma.
It can be difficult to know when is the right time to seek help for PTSD and substance abuse. However, there are some signs that it may be time to seek professional help:
- If you have been drinking or using drugs more frequently than usual, especially as a reaction to uncomfortable memories and emotions associated with PTSD
- If you find yourself having difficulty controlling your use of substances despite wanting to stop
- If you experience feelings of guilt, shame, or depression after using substances due to PTSD symptoms
- If you have difficulty managing daily activities because of thoughts about substance use and PTSD related flashbacks, and intrusive thoughts
- When physical health or relationships suffer as a result of using substances in an effort to cope with PTSD
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it may be time to seek professional help for your PTSD and substance abuse issues. A qualified healthcare provider can work with you to create an appropriate treatment plan that addresses both conditions. With the right help and support, it is possible to manage both PTSD and substance abuse in a healthy way.
What Happens in a PTSD Treatment Program?
When co-occurring disorders like PTSD and substance abuse are present, it is essential to treat both conditions simultaneously to ensure a successful recovery. A comprehensive treatment program that addresses both issues at once can help individuals learn to manage their stress and cope with difficult emotions without resorting to drugs or alcohol.
A typical program might include individual therapy, group therapy, family therapy, and medications if necessary. In individual sessions, a therapist works with the patient on developing ways to address triggers for drug or alcohol cravings and PTSD symptoms. This could involve learning new coping strategies such as mindfulness or relaxation techniques, revisiting traumatic memories in order to process them in a comfortable, supportive environment, and gradually exposing the patient to situations they have previously avoided.
Group therapy provides a supportive atmosphere for individuals to share their experiences with others encountering similar issues. This can be an effective way of reducing feelings of isolation, and clients often find that hearing about how other people cope with their struggles is helpful. Family therapy is also beneficial in helping the individual establish healthier relationships with loved ones, as well as providing support systems vital to long-term recovery. Medications can play an essential role in treatment if clinically warranted, and anti-depressants or mood stabilizers may be prescribed by a psychiatrist or physician.
The Benefits of Getting Treatment for PTSD and SUD
People living with PTSD and SUDs can benefit significantly from treatment. With the right help, they can find relief from their symptoms, learn to manage their conditions, and develop healthier ways of coping. Below are some of the potential benefits of getting treatment for both PTSD and SUDs:
- Improved emotional regulation – Treatment can help people better understand their emotions and how to respond appropriately in difficult situations. This can lead to improved emotional regulation that reduces distress and improves overall well-being.
- Increased self-confidence – By learning skills to cope with stressors associated with PTSD or substance use disorders, people may gain increased confidence in their ability to handle difficult life events without turning to substances as a primary source of comfort or support.
- Reduced symptoms – With professional help, people can reduce the severity of their PTSD and SUDs symptoms, improving their quality of life.
- Improved relationships – Treatment for PTSD or SUDs can also help individuals become more aware of how their behaviors and coping strategies may impact their relationships with others. This increased awareness can lead to healthier communication between individuals and those around them.
In conclusion, treatment for PTSD and SUDs is an invaluable resource for those living with these disorders and offers many potential benefits. With treatment, individuals can learn to cope with their symptoms in healthy ways and improve the quality of their lives.
Find Compassionate PTSD Treatment in San Francisco, CA, at Foundations
It is important to remember that recovery from co-occurring disorders like PTSD and substance abuse can be a long process. However, with the right treatment program, individuals can learn to manage both conditions and lead healthier lives. With patience, dedication, and support from family and friends, it is possible to experience a full recovery from these issues. Contact Foundations San Francisco today at 415.854.6735 or online to learn more about how we can help.