Treatment for PTSD near State College, PA
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Individuals with PTSD may struggle with persistent symptoms that significantly affect their daily lives. If you or a loved one is struggling with symptoms of PTSD or another trauma disorder, or PTSD in combination with substance use disorder (SUD), St. Joseph Institute in Port Matilda, PA, is equipped with the staff and resources you need to help you recover. With proper support, your or your loved one can learn to manage PTSD and co-occurring SUD to move toward a brighter future.
What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often associated with military veterans, but this serious mental health condition can develop in any person who has experienced a traumatic event. Many people with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms, which can lead to the development of a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD).
PTSD is classified as an anxiety disorder and typically arises following exposure to a traumatic event. Traumatic events that may trigger PTSD include:
- Combat exposure
- Physical or sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Accidents
- Terrorist attacks
- Loss of a loved one in a traumatic way
What are the Risk Factors for PTSD?
PTSD can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, not everyone who experiences a traumatic event will develop a trauma disorder. Generally, if a person who undergoes a trauma has a strong support system, affordable access to mental health resources, and an ability to maintain self-care practices, they are able to process the trauma without it causing lasting damage.
Of the many factors are at play in the development of PTSD, the following risk factors are well-established:
- Severity and duration of trauma. Repeated or chronic trauma, such as the type of trauma related to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse, carries the highest PTSD risk.
- Pre-existing mental health conditions. People with a history of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are more likely to develop PTSD after a traumatic event.
- Family history of PTSD. Certain genes are associated with PTSD, so having blood relatives with the condition increases a person’s risk of developing the condition.
- Lack of social support. A lack of support from friends, family, or the community following a traumatic event can increase a person’s risk of developing PTSD.
- Gender. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, studies have shown that women experience PTSD at 2 to 3 times the rate men do. This might be due to differences in the types of trauma women experience as well as hormonal factors.
- Age at the time of trauma. Children and young adults may be more vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma, including the development of PTSD.
What are the Symptoms of PTSD?
PTSD symptoms can begin within one month of the traumatic event or years afterward. The symptoms are often grouped into four categories:
- Intrusive thoughts and memories. Symptoms in this category can take the form of recurrent, unwanted distressing memories of the traumatic event; flashbacks, in which the person relives the event; disturbing dreams or nightmares related to the event; extreme distress in response to things that remind the person of the event.
- Mood disturbances. This category of symptoms mimics symptoms of depression and anxiety disorders. The person may have negative thoughts about themselves or the world, feel hopeless about the future, experience gaps in memory related to the traumatic event, have a hard time maintaining close relationships, and feel detached from the things and people they once enjoyed.
- Avoidance. People with PTSD often try to avoid situations, people, or places that remind them of the traumatic event.
- Changes in physical and emotional reactions. This category refers to arousal symptoms that may include being easily startled or frightened, having trouble sleeping and concentrating, feeling overwhelming guilt or shame, and behaving in self-destructive ways or having outburst of anger or aggression.
These symptoms can vary in intensity and also vary from person to person. If you or a loved one is experiencing disturbing thoughts and feelings for more than a month, and if these thoughts and feelings are interfering with your ability to function normally, it’s important to consult with a healthcare professional. St. Joseph Institute offers confidential, no-cost assessments that can help you determine the source of your symptoms and the best possible treatment plan.
When PTSD Co-Occurs with Substance Use Disorder
PTSD often co-occurs with substance use disorder, or addiction. Some studies estimate that as many as 46.4% of people with PTSD also met criteria for SUD.
Why does this happen? Often, people who develop PTSD are unaware of the diagnosis or believe the symptoms cannot be helped. To help alleviate the emotional pain, they turn to alcohol or drugs, which can temporarily numb the feelings or provide a sense of euphoria that allows an escape from the negative emotions. Of course, substance use is not a long-term solution to PTSD and will only worsen the symptoms over time. In addition, the person may develop a substance use disorder, the symptoms of which often mimic those of PTSD and lead to a loss of control over one’s life.
Fortunately, treatment is available. The most effective approach will treat both PTSD and SUD simultaneously. This approach usually includes a medical detox followed by intensive individual, group, and family therapy, along with training in practices like meditation, mindfulness, relapse prevention, and self-care.
St. Joseph Institute also understands the importance of continuing care. After graduating from our residential program, our clients are encouraged to continue in outpatient care and our alumni program, which offers ongoing support for years after treatment ends.
Finding PTSD Care at St. Joseph Institute
PTSD can be a frightening and debilitating mental health disorder, and substance use will only make it worse. If you or a loved one is suffering, reach out to our team at St. Joseph. We provide trauma-informed care, approaching clients with compassion and sensitivity. For our Veteran clients who may be experiencing PTSD or other mental health or substance use concerns, we offer our Tactical Recovery program, uniquely designed to meet the needs of those who have served.
Want to learn more? We encourage you to visit our FAQ page or contact our admissions representatives to discuss how we can help your loved one move toward hope and healing.
