Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that is caused by experiencing a traumatic event. The effects of PTSD can be debilitating, between the mood swings, flashbacks, nightmares, and anxiety associated with the condition. Unfortunately, untreated PTSD often causes people to self-medicate with alcohol, leading to the development of alcoholism.
According to the U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs, women with PTSD are 2.5 times more likely to develop alcoholism than people without the condition. Additionally, men with PTSD are 2 times more likely to suffer from alcoholism.[1]
Because alcoholism and PTSD often co-occur, treatment centers need to provide programs that include recovery services for both conditions. Thankfully, if you suffer from these co-occurring conditions, there are dual-diagnosis treatment programs that can address both your PTSD and alcoholism.
What Should Treatment for PTSD and Alcoholism Include?
Treatment for post-traumatic stress disorder and alcoholism must include a combination of services for both conditions. If you struggle with both conditions you should always seek help from a dual diagnosis program, as these rehab centers integrate substance abuse and mental health treatment tactics.
For alcoholism, treatment services should include:
- Medical detox services to help you overcome the symptoms of withdrawal
- Addiction education groups that teach you about the disease of addiction, how it affects you, and how to overcome it
- Individual therapy and group counseling that addresses the psychological and emotional factors that played a role in the development of your alcoholism
- Relapse prevention skills that teach you how to identify your triggers for alcohol abuse and provide you with coping mechanisms to overcome unavoidable triggers
- Services that allow you to develop important life skills, such as vocational training, self-care tips, and how to foster healthy relationships with others
For post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment tactics should include:
- Individual therapy methods that help you safely process your trauma without the risk of re-traumatization
- Counseling groups that allow you to realize you are not alone and display how others are finding healing from their PTSD
- Evidence-based therapies like cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) teach you how to process your emotions in a healthy manner[2]
- Options for medications that help treat the symptoms of PTSD on a short or long-term basis depending on your needs
Both the treatment services for PTSD and alcoholism should be combined in a comprehensive dual-diagnosis program to ensure that you recover from both conditions simultaneously.
If you only treat your drinking problem, unresolved trauma can result in alcohol relapse. Dual diagnosis programs provide healing for PTSD and alcoholism at the same time, ensuring that you are ready to integrate back into everyday life.
How to Find a Treatment Program for PTSD and Alcoholism
Choosing the right drug and alcohol rehab in Massachusetts is crucial for overcoming alcoholism. Equally important is finding the right dual diagnosis programs in Massachusetts. Finding a facility that meets all of your treatment and financial needs can be difficult. However, there are ways to make the process easier.
Work With an Addiction Counselor
Alcohol abuse specialists specialize in helping people recover from substance use disorders. They can provide an array of services, all of which allow them to provide you with a support network throughout your recovery process.
When you first connect with an addiction counselor, they will get to know you and your history to get a clear picture of what you need and what your goals are for recovery. An addiction specialist can refer you to a PTSD and alcoholism treatment center that suits all of your individual needs.
Ask Your Doctor or Therapist for Recommendations
If you have a primary care physician or a therapist whom you trust, you can ask them if they have any recommendations for inpatient or outpatient treatment programs.
Speak to People in Your Local Recovery Community
If you already attend self-help groups or know people who are active in the recovery community, they probably have experience in attending professional treatment. You could ask your friends and peers if they have any recommendations on reputable treatment programs for PTSD and alcoholism. Sometimes, the best way to find a professional treatment program is through word-of-mouth, because this way you will know someone personally who has gone through the program and found success.
Get The Care You Need and Deserve
Woburn Addiction Treatment is a leader in the addiction treatment field, with proven success in facilitating long-term recovery. Our team of top clinical & medical experts specializes in treating addiction coupled with mental illness, ensuring that each person receives individualized care. Call us – we’re available 24/day, 7 days/week.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Provider
Another great way to find a PTSD and alcoholism treatment program is to contact your insurance provider. They can provide a list of local treatment centers that accept your insurance. Using this method will ensure that the addiction or mental health program you choose will be paid for by your insurance, saving you money and connecting you with a professional and reputable facility.
Find Treatment for PTSD and Alcoholism Today
If you or a loved one suffer from trauma and alcoholism, you know how difficult it is to live with these conditions without support. Both PTSD and alcohol use disorder can be debilitating, making it hard for you to function in your daily life. Attending a trauma-informed alcohol rehab program can provide you with the support you need to heal and the tools you need to maintain long-term recovery. Effective alcohol rehab is available to men and women of all ages in Woburn, MA and all surrounding areas. If you or someone you love has been suffering at the hands of an alcohol use disorder of any severity, reach out to Woburn Addiction Treatment today.
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