Healing the Core of Addiction PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is one of the most common mental health disorders. Many people with substance use disorder (SUD) or other mental health issues have co-occurring PTSD. Treatment for PTSD must address all active and underlying issues to ensure the best possible outcome. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “Most people with PTSD—about 80%—have one or more additional mental health diagnoses.” Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses a whole-person approach to treatment, addressing the root cause of PTSD and treating all co-occurring conditions. The clinical team is certified to provide primary and secondary mental health and addiction recovery services.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is caused by witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event. According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), “These stressful or traumatic events usually involve a situation where someone’s life has been threatened or severe injury has occurred.” Children and adults who experience life-threatening or emotionally distressing events may develop PTSD and other trauma-related disorders. 

The disorder can take several forms. In some cases, symptoms of PTSD do not develop until years or even decades after the fact. To be diagnosed with delayed-onset PTSD, individuals must not experience symptoms until at least six months after the event. Complex PTSD is another form of the disorder characterized by more severe symptoms. Single events may cause PTSD. However, complex PTSD is caused by prolonged trauma, most commonly childhood sexual abuse or neglect.

The Damage Caused By Untreated Trauma

According to the Trauma and Violence page on the SAMHSA website, “Although many people who experience a traumatic event will go on with their lives without lasting negative effects, others will have difficulties and experience traumatic stress reactions.” Untreated trauma contributes to the development of PTSD and other common co-occurring disorders, including substance use disorder (SUD). Treatment programs at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab take into account core-level issues, including untreated trauma, affecting a client’s mental health. The care team uses trauma-informed care and evidence-based methods to help individuals identify and reprocess trauma.

Untreated trauma has the potential to do the following:

• Cause tension and conflict within relationships
• Make it more difficult for people to trust others, including their care team
• Cause more severe mental health symptoms

Individuals and families can reduce the damaging effects of trauma by getting help from certified mental health experts at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab. The clinical team guides clients through developing healthy coping mechanisms and essential life skills to help them manage their condition.

How Does PTSD Affect Physical and Mental Health?

According to the previously mentioned article Trauma and Violence by SAMHSA, “Research has shown that traumatic experiences are associated with both behavioral health and chronic physical health conditions, especially those traumatic events that occur during childhood.” Some of the most profound health issues accompanying PTSD are caused by social isolation and loneliness. Humans are social creatures. Physical and mental health often degrades without regular positive social interaction. However, the symptoms of PTSD may cause some people to avoid social interactions.

Social isolation and loneliness increase people’s risk of experiencing the following:

• Heart disease, heart failure, or stroke
• Anxiety
• Depression
• Suicide
• Cognitive decline in older adults
• Death

PTSD makes it more difficult for people to feel comfortable engaging in social activities. In addition, many people with PTSD have co-occurring anxiety and depressive disorders, affecting their ability to establish and maintain healthy relationships. The social isolation caused by these symptoms often leads to maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse or self-harming behaviors.

Symptoms and Side Effects of PTSD

The symptoms of PTSD range from mild to severe and cause many side effects. Treating the symptoms early provides people with the skills they need to reduce or eliminate the side effects of PTSD. The clinical team at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab uses multiple therapeutic methods to help clients identify and process the root trauma, reducing the severity of symptoms.

Some of the most common symptoms and side effects include:

• Anxiety
• Panic attacks
• Dissociative events
• Depression
• Difficulty concentrating
• Feeling constantly on edge or alert
• Being easily startled or frightened
• Sleep disturbances, including insomnia, night terrors, or difficulty falling asleep
• Unusual aggression, anger, or irritability
• Feeling overwhelming guilt or shame
• Risk-taking behaviors, including substance abuse or unsafe sex

The symptoms of PTSD can interfere with a person’s ability to work, complete their education, or form and maintain healthy relationships. Professional mental health treatment provides clients with the skill development and support they need to overcome challenges during recovery from PTSD and manage symptoms.

Treatment Options at Exclusive Hawaii Rehab

Exclusive Hawaii Rehabe provides clients with a welcoming community of peers and clinicians. The programs are structured around each client’s specific needs and take into consideration any personal, spiritual, or cultural preferences.

Exclusive Hawaii Rehab provides high-quality treatment services, including:

• Case management
• Naturopathic medicine
• Nutritional therapy
• Nature immersion
• Skill development
• Psychotherapy
• Experiential therapies
• Individual and group therapy
• Support groups
• Medication management
• Aftercare planning
• Alumni services

Clinicians use evidence-based and natural therapies to help clients build a solid foundation for a healthier future. Clients are encouraged to play an active role in designing their own treatment and aftercare plans. The care team uses trauma-informed care to reduce the risk of re-traumatization, providing clients with a safe and comfortable environment for healing.