Drug and alcohol addiction can begin in many ways. For some people, using drugs and alcohol recreationally is a way to relieve boredom, but for others, substance abuse is an escape from a painful past. Many individuals use drugs and alcohol to cope with the symptoms of PTSD, a condition that can be brought on by experiencing a traumatic event. However, using drugs or alcohol can actually make PTSD symptoms worse. Although seeking help from a PTSD treatment center would be a much better option, not everyone realizes that such treatment is available. At Soledad House’s addiction treatment programs for women, lasting, sustainable sobriety is possible with the help of our experienced team.
Learn more about our PTSD treatment program by reaching out to Soledad House today at 866.314.3222.
The Link Between PTSD and Addiction
When thinking about PTSD, many people think about veterans, but the truth is that anyone can develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. A traumatic event can be anything from a natural disaster like a hurricane or tornado to being in a car accident or being sexually assaulted.
PTSD can lead to a number of problems including drug and alcohol abuse. Many individuals use drugs and alcohol to cope with the symptoms of PTSD. However, using drugs or alcohol can actually make PTSD symptoms worse. This is because substances can lead to more flashbacks, nightmares, and intrusive thoughts about the traumatic event. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and addiction, it is important to get help. There are many treatment options available for both conditions.
The Need for Help at Our PTSD Treatment Center
Everyone processes bad events differently, whether it’s an armed robbery, sexual assault, or death of a loved one. Some people can move forward with their lives, although they’ll remember what happened. Others, however, need help from a PTSD treatment center because they’re unable to move on.
Maybe you’ve buried a painful memory, and you don’t even know what happened to you. Alternatively, perhaps you’re well aware, but you don’t talk about it.
An inability to express negative emotions often results in negative behaviors. People who are traumatized lash out in anger, withdraw into severe depression, or try and lose themselves in substance abuse.
All of that can change if they get help at a women’s PTSD treatment center. By uncovering deep-rooted issues and confronting their feelings, they can begin the process of healing. With various forms of therapy and activities, they’ll learn how to cope with the stress, anxiety, and depression that stem from trauma. Their mental health will improve as they face those difficult feelings instead of ignoring them.
How a Women’s PTSD Treatment Center Can Help
Men and women often have different reasons for abusing drugs and alcohol. While men deal with more anger management issues, women are more often survivors of sexual assault. They also are more likely to be in codependent relationships.
Professionals at a women’s PTSD treatment center understand what leads some women to make unhealthy choices, such as turning to drugs and alcohol. They can address women’s unique challenges and struggles as they relate to trauma and substance abuse. By getting help from a PTSD treatment center, particularly one with gender-specific, specialized programs, women who have grappled with addiction can find support and guidance among their peers and experts.
Women-Focused Addiction Treatment at Soledad House
Soledad House is a women’s-only addiction treatment facility in San Diego, California. In our safe and nurturing environment, you or a loved one can get individualized care that promotes healing and recovery. Our rehab center provides a range of treatment options, including residential, outpatient, and intensive outpatient programs.
The services we offer include:
- Psychotherapy treatment – Talking with a therapist can help you understand your thoughts and feelings about the trauma. This can be done in individual or group therapy sessions.
- Group therapy – In group therapy, you will share your experiences with others who have been through similar traumas. This can be a helpful way to feel less alone and to learn from others.
- Family therapy – Family therapy can help heal the relationship between you and your loved ones. It can also help your family understand what you are going through.
- Dual diagnosis treatment – If you have PTSD and a substance abuse problem, you will need treatment for both conditions. We offer dual diagnosis treatment to help you get the care you need.
If you can’t let go of past trauma and are now struggling with addiction, let the caring team at Soledad House help you. Our PTSD treatment center, sober living program, and spiritual activities can give you a new lease on a sober life. Call us today at 866.314.3222 to learn more.
To learn more about PTSD and other trauma-related topics, check out these blogs: