Post-traumatic stress disorder is a complex type of anxiety disorder that affects millions of individuals who experience a single or recurring traumatic event. In many cases, those with PTSD will turn to drugs and alcohol instead of talking with a therapist and working through their issues. A PTSD treatment program provides effective treatments for individuals who are unable to control their thoughts and emotions and need help managing their symptoms.
At BRC Healthcare in Austin, TX, we work with people from all backgrounds who are struggling with PTSD, panic disorders, social anxiety, and other disorders. Our dual-diagnosis treatment programs work on understanding and treating the underlying disorder that is fueling the addiction while simultaneously treating all addictive symptoms. Clients can participate in group and private therapy sessions in a single-gender environment that promotes a healthy lifestyle and long-lasting recovery. To learn more about our Texas mental health treatment programs, pick up the phone and call 888.559.2036 today to schedule a tour and meet our compassionate team.
Understanding PTSD and Addiction Treatment
A post-traumatic stress disorder or PTSD treatment program helps individuals process troubling emotions and memories caused by a traumatic event that happened sometime in their lives. A traumatic event can be anything from a serious car accident, natural disaster, the sudden loss of a loved one, and experiencing combat.
Those with PTSD can experience flashbacks triggered by visual or auditory events, frequent nightmares, and severe anxiety. Their feelings can be so intense that they are unable to control them and will often turn to drugs or alcohol to feel better. If they continue to repress their feelings with substance abuse, it can cause a serious co-occurring condition of addiction and PTSD.
If you are concerned that a friend or loved one is struggling with PTSD, here are some of the common symptoms to look for:
- Recurring memories of the traumatic event that are distressing and uncontrollable
- Experiencing frequent flashbacks
- Experiencing panic attacks or severe emotional distress
- Pulling away from friends and family
- Losing interest in favorite activities
- Using drugs and alcohol to cope with their feelings
Join BRC Healthcare’s PTSD treatment program in Austin, TX, to begin working on healing and stopping the addiction before causing serious harm. Our dual diagnosis treatment program is very effective in treating both disorders simultaneously in our safe and innovative treatment facility.
Therapies and Treatment Used in a PTSD Treatment Program
Enrolling in a PTSD treatment program is the smart choice to make for those who are experiencing worsening symptoms caused by their drug and alcohol abuse. The best types of therapy for PTSD and addiction treatment include:
Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT is one of the more popular forms of psychotherapy to treat PTSD, addiction, and other mental health disorders. It helps clients identify the reason behind their distressing emotions and teaches them how to recognize their specific triggers. Once they know how to identify what triggers their negative emotions, they are more likely to prevent them from spiraling out of control.
Exposure Therapy
This is a well-established form of therapy where therapists help clients recall the traumatic event in a safe environment. They directly focus on a specific incident and help them work through the emotions it causes until it no longer triggers any negative behaviors or cravings for drugs and alcohol.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
EMDR therapy is a type of exposure therapy that includes distraction techniques while thinking about the traumatic event. Clients sit in a safe environment and use different visual or auditory distractions while they process the event. This type of therapy goes a long way in breaking the negative behaviors that are associated with the trauma.
Medication-Assisted Treatment
In most cases, medical support is necessary to reduce addiction withdrawals and cravings, along with any depressive or anxiety symptoms. Medical staff will administer medications in specific dosages throughout the program. As their symptoms diminish, they will begin reducing the medication slowly until no longer necessary.
A PTSD treatment program is essential for individuals who are abusing drugs and alcohol as a result of recent or past traumas. This program teaches them new ways to process their emotions and feelings without needing more drugs or alcohol to hide from their pain.
Find a Texas Dual Diagnosis Treatment Program at BRC Healthcare
At BRC Healthcare, we welcome individuals who are struggling with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and addiction at our inclusive addiction treatment facility. Our programs include a full array of treatment programs that include cognitive-behavioral therapy, holistic therapies, and medication-assisted treatments. This combination creates a whole-person recovery experience that greatly reduces relapse rates after finishing the program and well into the future.
If you or a loved one is struggling with PTSD, contact us at 888.559.2036 today to speak with one of our team members about our dual-diagnosis treatment programs.