PTSD Treatment That Helps You Move Beyond the Past

The DSM-5 divides PTSD symptoms into four clusters:

Intrusion symptoms:

• Flashbacks, involuntary, vivid re-experiencing of the event that may feel as if it is currently happening
• Recurring and distressing memories of the traumatic event
• Nightmares related to the traumatic event
• Intense psychological and physiological reactions when exposed to triggers that are a reminder of the trauma

Avoidance symptoms:

• Avoiding internal reminders, such as thoughts, feelings, or memories associated with the trauma
• Avoiding external cues such as people, locations, activities, circumstances, or objects related to the traumatic event

Negative alterations in cognition and mood:

• Inability to remember significant aspects of the traumatic event
• Persistent negative beliefs regarding oneself, others, or the world 
• Distorted self-blame or blame of others for the trauma
• Continuous negative emotional states — fear, horror, anger, guilt, or shame
• Loss of interest and participation in activities previously found enjoyable or satisfying
• Detachment and estrangement from others
• Inability to experience positive emotions

Alterations in arousal and reactivity:

• Hypervigilance — being constantly in a state of heightened alertness for potential threats
• Exaggerated startle response
• Sleep disturbances
• Irritability or angry outbursts
• Difficulty concentrating
• Engaging in destructive or reckless behavior

The link between PTSD and substance abuse is one of the most common co-occurring diagnoses in mental health. Trauma and addiction statistics indicate that people with PTSD have higher rates of substance use than the general population, with research suggesting approximately 30% to 60% of those entering substance abuse treatment programs will be diagnosed with PTSD.[5] Studies also demonstrate that individuals with PTSD may be at greater risk of developing a substance use disorder, between two and four times more likely.[6]

There are several underlying factors related to this high correlation. The first is that substances provide immediate relief for the distressing symptoms of PTSD, including flashbacks, heightened arousal, emotional numbing, and a constant feeling of danger. Many people turn to alcohol and other drugs because these substances are the only means of coping with these unaddressed symptoms.

Unfortunately, while substances can provide temporary relief, long-term use ultimately worsens the symptoms of PTSD.[7] Alcohol in particular causes disruptions in sleep cycles required for healing from trauma, increases anxiety and emotional response, and instead of decreasing intrusive symptoms, can actually trigger them.[8] Withdrawal from substances also results in extreme states of arousal that resemble PTSD symptoms, making it extremely challenging to identify and treat each condition independently.[9]

Treating PTSD and a substance use disorder at the same time through integrated dual-diagnosis treatment yields significantly better results than treating them separately or even in parallel.[10] At Agape, co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders are treated together within a single, coordinated treatment plan.

PTSD treatment works when intervention happens earlier rather than later. Seeking assistance from a clinician should happen when you notice any of the following:

• Your intrusive thoughts, flashbacks, or nightmares are interfering with your ability to live your life normally
• You find yourself avoiding things that remind you of your traumatic event, which limits your ability to participate in activities, build or maintain relationships, or take advantage of new opportunities
• Hypervigilance or persistent fear is making it difficult to feel safe, even in everyday activities
• You find yourself turning to alcohol or substances to help manage your symptoms
• Your relationships with friends, family, or loved ones are being negatively impacted by your symptoms
• You are a first responder or veteran and are noticing (or your loved ones have pointed out) behavioral or emotional changes
• Depression, anxiety disorders, or substance use disorders have developed along with PTSD

Once treatment is sought, individuals will take part in a treatment plan that incorporates a variety of evidence-based and holistic behavioral therapies. Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) is one of the most researched and clinically supported trauma-focused therapies, identified by the Department of Veterans Affairs and World Health Organization as a first-line treatment option for PTSD.[11] EMDR uses bilateral stimulation to facilitate the reprocessing of traumatic memories, decrease their emotional impact, and enable the nervous system to process them as past events rather than current threats.