People can develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) for a variety of reasons. This condition occurs after someone goes through an extremely stressful, traumatic experience like witnessing a violent crime or serving on the battlefield. When someone does not get treatment for PTSD, they may use alcohol to self-medicate. Later, they may live with co-occurring PTSD and alcoholism.
Call Red Oak at 828.382.9699 now to find help in our North Carolina rehab center. We specialize in providing alcohol addiction treatment for men between 18 and 30 and PTSD treatment for young men in the same age group.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric condition that causes distress in people who have witnessed traumatic events. For example, it’s common for people who experience the horrors of war to return home with PTSD. However, witnessing violent acts isn’t the only way that people develop this condition. Some other examples of PTSD-causing incidents include:
- Sexual assault
- Natural disasters
- Serious accidents
- Physical assault
- Witnessing death
Why do some people experience PTSD but not others? After all, many people experience traumatic events during life. The reason has to do with the trauma-coping mechanism in the brain.
It has the ability to deal with stress and trauma naturally, but it doesn’t always process trauma the right way. When that happens, the brain tries to cope with trauma in unhealthy ways, which causes PTSD.
Signs of PTSD
While everyone is different, there are a few common signs that people can look for. Individuals may notice symptoms such as:
- Depression and paranoia
- Panic attacks
- Nightmares and insomnia
- Thrill-seeking behaviors
- Emotional outbursts
The symptoms of PTSD are often debilitating and can interfere with daily life. It’s important to seek professional help if you or a loved one are experiencing these symptoms. Unmanaged PTSD can lead to destructive behaviors, like self-harm and substance abuse.
How Are Alcoholism and PTSD Connected?
Unfortunately, alcoholism—more appropriately named “alcohol use disorder”—and PTSD often occur at the same time. An estimated one out of four adults with a mental health condition also struggles with substance use. For many people, drugs and alcohol are a way to self-medicate for the side effects of PTSD.
When someone drinks a lot of alcohol, the brain releases a chemical known as dopamine. This chemical hits certain receptors in the brain to temporarily reduce psychological distress. For a brief period of time, their symptoms go away.
Unfortunately, alcohol will never get rid of the symptoms for long. Once the individual finishes their drinking session, the symptoms will come back. In most cases, the symptoms will be stronger than before because alcohol causes side effects like decreased mood, headaches, and irritability.
PTSD and alcoholism cause a destructive cycle. The human body quickly gains a tolerance to alcohol. Before long, the individual needs more and more alcohol to achieve the same effects. Because of this, an addiction can develop extremely quickly.
Finding Alcoholism and PTSD Treatment for Men
PTSD and alcoholism often stick with someone for life. With proper treatment and long-term management, symptoms can improve, though. The first steps to recovery are critical. Without the right coping mechanisms, a potential relapse can be even more destructive since an individual will be more likely to dive right back into heavy drinking if they face difficult triggers.
Through the right treatment program, clients can get support in every area of their lives. Red Oak Recovery® offers:
- Trauma, anxiety, and depression treatment
- Outdoor programs with a focus on the North Carolina wilderness
- Family counseling and therapy
- Organic and experiential therapies
- Dual diagnosis programs
Realizing that you want to become sober is the first step in overcoming your addiction and PTSD. Red Oak can help you recover.
Start Treatment for PTSD and Alcohol Abuse by Calling Red Oak Recovery®
At Red Oak Recovery®, we provide gender-specific rehab treatment for young men. We can help you overcome both alcohol addiction and PTSD with our dual diagnosis program. Don’t wait to get treatment for alcoholism and PTSD. Let us help you get over your addiction. Reach out to us today at 828.382.9699 or by completing our online form to get the support needed to build a better future.
