Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, affects more than just veterans. According to the Sidran Institute, 13 million Americans have PTSD at any given time. As such, knowing the common PTSD symptoms is important for anyone to know. Below is some information you may find useful. If you are struggling with PTSD, Crestview Recovery offers primary mental health treatment along with treatment for substance use disorder. Feel free to contact us if you are interested in seeking PTSD treatment for yourself or a loved one by calling 866.262.0531.
What Is PTSD?
The American Psychiatric Association (APA) describes PTSD as a psychiatric disorder that occurs in people who have experienced a traumatic event. While often associated with the military, PTSD can actually affect victims of violent acts or natural disasters as well. An increased awareness of the disorder has led to more people than ever receiving a diagnosis. Subsequently, we’ve also seen an increase in treatment for PTSD in recent years.
PTSD was first brought to public attention in 1980 when the APA included it in the third edition of its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III). This manual is used by mental health professionals to diagnose psychiatric conditions. PTSD was officially recognized as a distinct disorder in the DSM-IV, which was published in 1994.
PTSD can have a significant impact on a person’s quality of life. It can disrupt work, relationships, and social activities. In severe cases, PTSD can even lead to suicide.
PTSD Symptoms
The Sidran Institute claims that one in 13 people will develop PTSD during their lifetimes. Among women, that number is one in 10. Since females have a higher-than-average risk of developing post-traumatic stress, it’s important to recognize PTSD symptoms in women. For example, women may be more likely to feel depressed or anxious than men. Many will also go out of their way to avoid circumstances that remind them of the traumatic event.
Although PTSD symptoms in women differ from those in men, both sexes will nonetheless experience some of the same things. These include:
- Flashbacks
- Hallucinations
- Nightmares or vivid dreams
- Becoming easily agitated
- Restlessness
- Inability to control emotions
More than half of those with PTSD will eventually develop a substance use problem. Many find the symptoms so overwhelming that they turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve stress. Veterans, in particular, may have other injuries that require pain medication. Many opioid addictions begin with legal prescription use and progress to more lethal substances.
If you have a loved one with this disorder, stay vigilant in watching for PTSD symptoms. Remain especially mindful of that person’s drug and alcohol habits. Stage an intervention if he or she begins using more frequently or shows signs of a substance use problem.
Treatment for Post-Traumatic Stress Sufferers
If you think you may have PTSD, it’s important to seek professional help. A mental health professional can diagnose PTSD and develop a treatment plan. Treatment for PTSD often includes psychotherapy and medication.
At Crestview Recovery, we offer programs for those with PTSD symptoms. Designed to help break the bonds of PTSD and addiction, our programs include:
- Dual diagnosis treatment
- Mental health treatment
- Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP)
- Partial Hospitalization Program (PHP)
- Extended care addiction treatment
In each of the programs mentioned here, the sooner you seek help, the better. Your personal situation may present less likelihood of an acute crisis if you have the tools and support in place. An outpatient mental health treatment program can help you or a loved one start picking up the pieces of your life in order to move on. Seeking care can be an extremely difficult decision for any person to make.
If you’re unsure whether you are experiencing a crisis but are having a difficult time coping due to mental health issues, PTSD, or substance use, know that you are not alone.
Recognizing that PTSD symptoms in women differ from those in men, we proudly offer gender-segregated treatment. In doing so, we can offer more focused care, providing more of what you need and less of what you do not. Our goal is to help you overcome PTSD so you can achieve sobriety and maintain it for life.
Help for PTSD and Addiction
If you or a loved one exhibits PTSD symptoms, it’s important to take action. These symptoms don’t just “fade” away. You have to be proactive and make the decision to seek professional help. Therefore, do not hesitate to reach out to us. At Crestview Recovery, we provide high-quality treatment in a caring, confidential atmosphere. Call us today at 866.262.0531 to take the next step.
Since 2016, Dr. Merle Williamson, a graduate of Oregon Health Sciences University, has been the Medical Director at Crestview Recovery, bringing a rich background in addiction medicine from his time at Hazelden Treatment Center. He oversees outpatient drug and alcohol treatments, providing medical care, setting policies, detox protocols, and quality assurance measures. Before specializing in addiction medicine, he spent 25 years in anesthesiology, serving as Chair of Hospital Pharmacy and Therapeutics Committee and Chief of Anesthesia at Kaiser Permanente. This experience gives him a unique perspective on treating prescription drug addiction.
