Experiencing instances of trauma can lead to complex mental health conditions like PTSD or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. PTSD is most often characterized by flashbacks, intrusive thoughts, and panic attacks. These symptoms can be incredibly difficult to deal with, often resulting in individuals turning to drugs or alcohol for relief. Unfortunately, while these symptoms may be lessened for a time through the use of habit-forming substances like drugs or alcohol, in the end, they are often exacerbated by these substances. Once an addiction occurs, it can be hard to stop without help. Attending an addiction treatment program that specializes in dual-diagnosis is one of the best ways to ensure the underlying issues that are contributing to the addictive behavior are addressed. These programs can help get mental health conditions such as PTSD under control, eliminating some of the factors contributing to the need for addictive substances while also working on the addiction itself.
Traumatic stress can affect the areas of the brain that are typically associated with stress, like the amygdala, the hippocampus, and the prefrontal cortex. Increased levels of cortisol and norepinephrine are produced as a response to future stressors. PTSD is a life-long trauma for most people, often resulting in other issues like depression, anxiety, dissociation, and substance abuse. Antidepressants have been shown to counteract the effects of stress on the hippocampus.
Symptoms of PTSD include intrusive thoughts, avoidance of certain events or places, alteration of mood, such as mood swings, and distorted beliefs. Those who suffer from PTSD may find themselves feeling irritable or experiencing outbursts of emotion, behaving recklessly, and having flashbacks of the traumatic event. Problems with memory are also reported by individuals suffering from PTSD. These symptoms last for an extended time after the traumatic event occurs and impact the daily life of the individual.
First Steps Recovery specializes in dual-diagnosis treatment programs. Our team of trained therapists and medical professionals is here to help clients break free from their addiction while also receiving help for various mental health conditions, including PTSD. This form of treatment helps promote lasting sobriety by addressing some of the root causes of substance addiction, along with the addiction itself.
From our certified therapists and nurses to our emotional support animal "Cooper", our entire team is dedicated to the health and success of our clients throughout our program and beyond.
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ADHD, or ADD, is a common neurodevelopmental disorder with attention and impulse control difficulties that can lead to substance abuse. Treatment with therapy and medication is crucial.
Anxiety disorder is a mental health condition characterized by excessive and persistent feelings of fear, worry, and apprehension that can significantly impact a person's daily life.
Bipolar disorder is a mental health condition characterized by extreme mood swings, including episodes of mania (elevated mood and energy) and depression (low mood and loss of interest).
Depression is a mental health disorder characterized by persistent sadness, loss of interest, and other emotional and physical symptoms
An eating disorder is a mental health condition characterized by abnormal eating habits. Getting help is important to address physical and psychological health risks, improve quality of life, and promote recovery.
Personality disorder is a mental health condition characterized by unhealthy patterns of thinking, behaving, and relating to others. Getting help is crucial to improve relationships, coping skills, and overall well-being.
PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder)/Trauma disorder is a mental healtah condition resulting from experiencing or witnessing traumatic events. Getting help is important to process trauma, reduce symptoms, and improve overall quality of life.
Schizophrenia is a mental health disorder characterized by hallucinations, delusions, and disorganized thinking. Getting help is vital to manage symptoms, improve functioning, and enhance overall quality of life.
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