Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop in any person who has witnessed or experienced a distressing event. It’s a response to trauma that goes beyond everyday stress, and it can deeply affect a person’s life. The intersection of PTSD and addiction presents unique challenges, as one often fuels the other. It’s not uncommon for a person grappling with the intense experiences of PTSD to turn to substances as a form of self-medication. In fact, studies show that up to 59% of people with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can develop in any person who has witnessed or experienced a distressing event. It’s a response to trauma that goes beyond everyday stress, and it can deeply affect a person’s life. The intersection of PTSD and addiction presents unique challenges, as one often fuels the other. It’s not uncommon for a person grappling with the intense experiences of PTSD to turn to substances as a form of self-medication. In fact, studies show that up to 59% of people with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.
Recent statistics highlight the urgency of addressing this dual diagnosis. In Fresno, CA, in which Clovis is located, more than 9% of residents engage in drug abuse, while upwards of 18% struggle with issues related to substance misuse. Annually, drug-related fatalities claim the lives of over 40,000 people, with opioids such as oxycodone and fentanyl accounting for almost half of these deaths. This underscores the critical need for accessible and effective treatment options.
At First Steps Recovery in Clovis, CA, we provide comprehensive services that cater to the specific needs of each individual. We recognize that the path to recovery is unique for each person and cannot be standardized. Our approach is holistic, focusing on healing the whole individual rather than just treating symptoms. By integrating evidence-based therapies with compassionate care, we help you build resilience and embark on a sustainable path to wellness.
This includes recurrent, unwanted memories of the traumatic event, distressing dreams, or flashbacks where a person feels like they are reliving the event.
People may avoid places, activities, or people that remind them of the traumatic experience, and may resist talking about what happened or how they feel.
Feelings of hopelessness, memory problems, and negative thoughts about oneself or others are common. There may be a detachment from family and friends, and a loss of interest in activities that were once enjoyable.
Experiencing heightened levels of nervousness, tension, or frustration without a clear cause.
Struggling with relentless and distressing thoughts related to the traumatic event.
Finding it challenging to remain focused and attentive, affecting performance in daily tasks.
Experiencing trouble falling asleep, frequent awakenings, or nightmares that disrupt rest and lead to daytime fatigue.
Encountering specific sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, or situations that can evoke memories of the trauma and cause intense psychological distress. These triggers can be internal, such as emotions or physical sensations, or external, like an anniversary or a particular location.
Encountering specific sights, sounds, smells, thoughts, or situations that can evoke memories of the trauma and cause intense psychological distress. These triggers can be internal, such as emotions or physical sensations, or external, like an anniversary or a particular location.
Addiction is a complex condition characterized by compulsive substance use despite harmful consequences. It’s a chronic dysfunction of the brain system that affects reward, motivation, and memory. It affects people from all walks of life and can have devastating effects on their health, relationships, and overall well-being. In the United States, nearly 1 in 10 Americans struggle with both drug and alcohol addiction, highlighting the need for comprehensive treatment and support systems.
It’s not just about using substances; it’s how the body and mind relentlessly crave a behavior or substance, leading to a cycle of addiction that can disrupt all aspects of life. Here are some key signs and symptoms of addiction:
Dual diagnosis is a term used when a person is contending with both a mental health disorder, such as PTSD, and a substance use disorder simultaneously. It’s a complex condition because the symptoms of PTSD and addiction often intertwine, making it challenging to discern where one ends and the other begins.
The process of treating PTSD dual diagnosis is comprehensive and occurs simultaneously for both conditions. It typically includes a combination of behavioral therapy, medication, support groups, and sometimes in-patient care, depending on the individual’s needs. The goal is to provide integrated care that addresses the whole person, not just the symptoms of one disorder or the other.
Understanding that each person’s experience is unique, treatment is tailored to fit their specific situation. It’s a journey that requires patience, understanding, and a compassionate approach from both healthcare professionals and loved ones. If you or someone you know is facing this challenge, reaching out for professional support is a brave and important step towards recovery.
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.
At First Steps Recovery, we’re dedicated to guiding you through the complexities of dual diagnosis with our expert-led treatment programs. Our compassionate team is ready to support you or your loved one in overcoming addiction and managing mental health conditions like PTSD. We believe in treating the whole person, not just the addiction, to foster enduring recovery. Take the first step today: Connect with us and start the journey to a healthier, more fulfilling life. Recovery is within reach, and we’re here every step of the way.
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.
During individual and group therapy sessions, clients will interact with licensed and trained counselors to work through underlying issues that may be contributing to their drug or alcohol addiction.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (also known as CBT) has been clinically proven to help clients with a wide range of problems, including substance abuse.
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (or DBT) is another common form of talk therapy that is found in many substance abuse treatment programs.
During trauma-informed therapy sessions, clients are able to talk with a specialist who accounts for their past trauma and the way it may have affected their thinking, behavior, and ability to interact with treatment.
Brainspotting is a type of alternative therapy that utilizes spots in a person's field of vision in order to help them process trauma.
Neuro Feedback is a type of noninvasive therapy that helps clients to alter the way their brain responds to certain types of stimuli.
Family counseling is one of the best ways to reconnect with family members who are affected by addiction and mend the relationship between a client and their family.
EMDR, or Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing, is a therapeutic treatment designed to help clients process trauma.
Dayatra L.
Melissa B.
Bruce G.
Have questions about how our alumni program works? Let's talk.
© 2024 First Steps Recovery | Privacy Policy | All Rights Reserved.
Have questions about First Steps Recovery? We're here to help.
© Copyright 2023 • First Steps Recovery • All Rights Reserved