Trauma and Addiction Treatment

There are many ways to experience a traumatic event. Trauma may be experienced by you directly, or you may witness a traumatic event happening to someone else. It may be an event that left you feeling powerless, or it may have been something that happened without warning. Trauma can be a one-time event, such as a home invasion, or it can occur over a period of time, as in childhood abuse or neglect. Whether one-time or recurring, any traumatic experience can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder, called PTSD.

Many people suffering from trauma and PTSD turn to addictive substances to help cope with their emotional challenges. We take a multi-pronged treatment approach to help people understand and manage their trauma while, at the same time, addressing their substance abuse issues.

What is PTSD? How can it lead to addiction?

Exposure to an extreme emotional, physical and/or psychological event can cause strong responses that interfere with the ability to function in your daily life. If you find yourself experiencing disturbing thoughts and feelings, withdrawing from social activities or experiencing problems in your home or work life a month or more after the traumatic event, you may have PTSD. Sometimes symptoms resulting from trauma do not appear until months after the event.

The body responds to PTSD both physically and emotionally. Physical expressions may include insomnia, racing heart, high blood pressure, unexplained pain or an exaggerated startle response. Emotional expressions of rage, mood swings, agitation, and an inability to concentrate are common. PTSD can also result in flashbacks or nightmares related to the traumatic event.

PTSD can deeply affect personal relationships and often leads to depression or substance abuse in its wake. If you’re turning to drugs or alcohol to cope with your PTSD or traumatic stress, we can help.

How are PTSD and addiction treated together?

Because co-occurring disorders such as depression, anger, grief, and anxiety are often diagnosed along with PTSD and addiction, an integrated approach to treatment is beneficial. Group and individual therapy, 12-step programs, and stress reduction techniques are often components of a successful trauma and addiction recovery program.

In addition to traditional therapeutic approaches, treatment of PTSD may also include:

• Cognitive therapy which combines theory and techniques of cognitive and behavioral therapies to change negative beliefs and thought patterns
• Exposure therapy which exposes the patient to the source of their fear, in a safe environment, to desensitize and reduce avoidance
• EMDR which uses guided eye movement to desensitize and reprocess experiences

Midwest Recovery Centers uses a multi-phasal approach

At Midwest Recovery Centers, we begin the comprehensive assessment process at pre-admission. Our holistic approach to treating trauma and drug addiction is geared to each unique individual, diagnosing the primary condition and any co-occurring conditions that are adversely affecting his or her life.

Using a multi-phasal approach, the Midwest Recovery Centers’ program includes cognitive therapy, individual and group therapy, 12-step programs, and staff-supervised outings and community events. Additionally, clients participate in an innovative wellness program, which includes a focus on health and physical fitness, and features both naturopathic and traditional Western medicine.

The staff at Midwest Recovery Centers offers decades of experience and specialized training in the field of recovery. Many of the staff have personally walked the path of substance abuse and recovery, giving them empathy and a unique perspective.

Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction seeks to equip patients with the coping skills needed to feel in control of their lives. Through cognitive therapy, group and individual therapy, support groups, medication, and specialized approaches such as exposure therapy and EMDR, those suffering from PTSD and addiction can learn to cope with the emotional and physical symptoms caused by severe trauma. There is no cure for PTSD but sufferers can learn to manage their symptoms to live a normal, positive, fulfilling life, without turning to drugs or alcohol.