WHY CAN POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER LEAD TO SUBSTANCE ADDICTION? 3 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WITHOUT RELYING ON DRUGS

Transcription

1 Take Charge of Substance Abuse Related to Your Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Prepared by:

2 Coping with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can be overwhelming at times and it is so easy to become dependent on the drugs that alleviate your anxiety. While overcoming a substance addiction related to your PTSD is challenging, you can do it! This guide will help you by explaining why PTSD can lead to substance addiction, how to avoid it, and how to overcome it if you are already addicted. WHY CAN POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER LEAD TO SUBSTANCE ADDICTION? PTSD affects individuals who have endured a traumatic experience which continues to haunt them and often leaves them feeling frightened, sad, anxious, and numb. Only those suffering from PTSD can truly understand the toll it takes on their body, mind, and spirit. To help individuals suffering from PTSD, experts generally prescribed medications in conjunction with psychotherapy to help treat an individuals PTSD. However, sometimes individuals may become overly dependent on their medications to help them feel less worried, stressed, or on edge. When this happens, these individuals often develop a substance addiction. 3 WAYS TO MANAGE YOUR POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER WITHOUT RELYING ON DRUGS By understanding why it is so easy for PTSD to lead to substance abuse, you are better able to recognize it as potential or existing problem. Here are three ways you can cope with your PTSD without relying on prescription drugs. 1. Develop Coping Skills Breathing One of the most effective coping skills for managing stress is deep breathing and meditation. Focusing on your body and your breathing is an excellent way to calm the mind and reduce stress. Deep breathing is an extremely easy technique that calms your mind and your body. It can be done virtually anywhere and it doesn t take a lot of effort. Try this deep breathing exercise for one minute: Put one hand on your stomach and the other on your chest. Now take a deep, slow breath in through your nose while counting to 4. The hand on your stomach should move, but the one on your chest should remain still. Next breathe out through your mouth slowly while counting to 8. Once again the hand on your stomach should move in towards you while the hand on your chest should remain still. Repeat this process for a solid minute, remembering to focus strictly on your breathing and nothing else. This technique will evoke peace and serenity, and will help you to recenter your emotions throughout the day. 2

3 2. Resolve to Stay Drug Free The human body is more powerful than people realize and your will can often combat the feelings of helplessness brought on by PTSD. Resolving to keep your body free of drugs will help you prove to yourself that you are stronger than your PTSD. Instead of giving your body drugs, try treating yourself to a walk around the neighborhood, a healthy meal, or youthful past-times like sports that will leave your body feeling rejuvenated. This will help clear your mind and body in the long term where drugs will simply mask the symptoms until the effect wares off. 3. Seek Professional Help Help for your PTSD or dependence on your prescription drugs will always be there for you. Substance abuse treatment and drug detoxes can help you rid your body of the dangerous and addictive drugs that you are dependent on, as well as help you confront your PTSD head on and understand the steps you can take to move past it. Having all the information is crucial so learn as much as you can with family and friends before starting a treatment program to find one that is perfect for you. THE TOP 4 SUBSTANCE ABUSE TREATMENT OPTIONS While PTSD can lead to substance abuse, there is hope in the form of treatment programs for those struggling with substance addictions stemming from PTSD. Making the decision to accept help for your substance abuse problem is the first step on the road to being substance free and getting your life back. However, the road to recovery may be different for each individual and finding the right treatment program for you is essential to your success. Below are descriptions of 4 types of substance abuse treatments to help you decide which is right for you. 1. Outpatient Detoxification Services Outpatient services are becoming more and more popular because they provide a way for you to get help with your detox and recovery while remaining in the comfort of your own home. The added support of being surrounded by those who know you best and love you most has proven to be exceptionally effective for those who are holding off on treatment for fear of being alone in a hospital room. Generally, when individuals use outpatient services, they have access to a medical facility during the day, but spend their evenings in their homes, allowing individuals to spend time relaxing with their families and friends. 2. Day Treatment and Partial Hospitalization The option of day treatment or partial hospitalization is perfect for those who seek additional structure and medical support in addition to the outpatient detoxification services. Day treatment can include therapy sessions such as behavior management, anger management, psycho education, addiction recovery, relapse prevention, and more. All these forms of therapy, in addition to the detox treatments that will be monitored during your day, will help you understand the root of your addiction. They will also help you think about specific past, current, and future personal issues that may target relapse or hinder your recovery. This preventative thinking can help you prevent a relapse and strengthen your road to recovery. 3. Group Therapy Even with all the help and support your family is providing you with during your treatment, there is still strength found in seeing others who understand what you are going through. Group therapy is a great way to meet others and to hear about and share in their successes and triumphs as you help each other on your individual paths to recovery. Friendships and bonds are made in group therapy that can give you the support you need to conquer your addictive behavior and prevent future relapse. 4. Addiction Education and Relapse Prevention Educating individuals and their families about addiction and relapse prevention is a great way for individuals to remain healthy and stay far away from future issues. Even after your recovery, continuing your education and learning about the reasons why others relapse, can help you avoid stumbling stones that could lead you to a relapse. While no one is perfect, you can resolve to be the perfect patient as you follow the steps given by professionals with the help and support of your family. The link between your PTSD and your substance abuse problem can be conquered through treatment. There is always hope for those who are wishing to overcome the pain and confusion that comes from PTSD and substance addiction. 3

4 THE BENEFITS OF STAYING HOME: WHY OUTPATIENT DRUG PROGRAMS BEAT RESIDENTIAL TREATMENT EVERY TIME All of the treatment programs listed above are effective methods for coping with your PTSD-related substance abuse. However, when most people think about rehab, they imagine themselves in isolation surrounded by tope colored walls for several weeks. If this is exactly what you imagine rehab to be like, then an outpatient treatment program might the best option for you. Here is some more detailed information about the benefits of staying home for outpatient treatment. Constant Loving Support Though many people think they need the support of an entire medical team to help them reclaim their lives, often times the best support will come from those who love you. Though medical supervision is crucial to success, this supervision can still take place while you are in your own home and working daily with your family who are just as invested in your future and success. Personalized Medication Management Program Taking advantage of outpatient treatment doesn t mean that you won t have the same support, guidance, and accountability that inpatients have when it comes to their treatment. Professionals will help you taper off your dependence on the deadly substances by prescribing Psychotropic medications such as Suboxone or Subutex to help you transition into your new lifestyle. Easier Adjustment to Normal Life With the help of Psychotropic drugs, the constant support of your family, and the guidance of medical professionals, the ease into your substance free life will come more naturally and will make for much better long term success. Patients are prescribed Vivitrol or Naltrexone after detoxification to continue to reduce and hopefully eliminate cravings all together so success continues long after the detoxification process. Staying in your own bed while you are making and achieving these goals will remind you that you can make these good decisions yourself at any time and keep these goals once your normal activities resume because you ve already made them from right where you are and kept them! 4

5 Now that you understand why PTSD can lead to substance abuse, how to avoid this it, and how to overcome it if you are already addicted, you are better able to take charge of your PTSD and its related substance addiction. You might have even realized that you need to seek professional help, but where should you look? Fresh Start Behavioral s outpatient treatment programs can make it more comfortable and more supportive than ever for you to tackle your PTSD, eliminate your addiction, and continue to make and keep milestone goals to full recovery. The steps to recovery are there for you anytime you wish to regain control of your mind, body, and soul. Contact Fresh Start Behavioral today! East Union Square, Sandy, UT