The Link Between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drug Use

Research appears to be establishing a strong link between PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and drug abuse, according to the National Institute on Drug Abuse. PTSD is recognized as an anxiety disorder that has been commonly associated with trauma induced by military combat. It is now accepted that exposure to terrifying ordeals where grave danger was experienced or threatened can produce this disorder in non-combat experiences as well. PTSD can be induced in people of any age, including children and adolescents. PTSD symptoms include:

• Emotional numbness
• Sleep problems
• Exaggerated startle response
• Hyper-vigilance
• Avoidance of memory triggers

From PTSD to Substance Abuse

In most instances, the substance abuse begins after the PTSD occurs. This establishes PTSD as a predictor of later drug abuse. In fact, the evidence so far suggests that fully 30-60 percent of those with drug abuse problems may also meet criteria for comorbid PTSD. Importantly, it appears that substance abusers tend to have more significant PTSD symptoms than those without substance abuse disorders.

Intervention and Treatment

Emerging evidence of this link highlights the need for early intervention when children experience or witness a traumatic event. Successful intervention can improve the chances of substance abuse being avoided later on. Treatment methods that have been proven effective include:

• Exposure therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy
• Eye movement desensitization
• Support of family and friends
• Holistic therapies

Exposure therapy

In the case of exposure therapy, the individual, under controlled conditions, relives a frightening experience. The exposure to the simulated conditions is gradual and repetitive. Exposure therapy is most effective when it is administered by a properly trained therapist. Specifically, PTSD and comorbid cocaine addiction have been successfully treated with exposure therapy. One recent study demonstrated that significant reductions in both cocaine use and PTSD symptoms were achieved with exposure therapy.

Medication

Physicians have also found certain antidepressant and anti-anxiety medications such as sertraline (Zoloft™) to be effective in treatment. Other selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors have been utilized as well. The effectiveness of such medications is attributed to the common simultaneous appearance of PTSD, anxiety, and/or depression and substance abuse.

Support

Virtually every treatment regimen appears to further benefit when consistent support is offered by both friends and family. Such support commonly plays a key role in recovery.

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy

Traditional cognitive therapy techniques have been used in the treatment of PTSD. The effectiveness of such therapy has been noted by the Department of Veterans Affairs, for example.

Eye Movement Desensitization

This relatively new technique was developed by Francine Shapiro in the late 80s. The desensitization techniques combine with reprocessing to reduce PTSD symptoms. Nonetheless, detoxification of comorbid persons will often require inpatient treatment. This allows professionals to simultaneously address both, withdrawal and PTSD arousal triggers.

A Holistic approach

An ideal approach can be a holistic drug rehabilitation approach. Elements of the aforementioned treatments can be combined to better treat the entire person. Nutritious food, physical exercise, acupuncture, and meditation can further enhance success. Highly individualized courses of treatment can often improve the results achieved by a holistic approach. The absolute need for those facing multiple issues, such as PTSD and drug abuse, is for life-long recovery. This demands true comprehensive treatment that restores the balance of mind, body, and spirit. Treatment of the whole being can increase self-esteem, thus addressing the emptiness inside the individual that often drives the addictive behavior in the first place. Meta: The link between post-traumatic stress disorder and drug use is that many use drugs in order to cope with their post-traumatic stress disorder symptoms.

Not Every Drug Rehabilitation Program Is Made Equal: What To Look For In A Great Program

According to the Centers for Disease Control, drug abuse and drug addiction is on the rise and healthcare costs, alone, often reach upwards of 11 billion dollars every single year. This means that more individuals than ever are on the search for a rehab system that will quickly and permanently help them beat their addiction. Unfortunately, not all rehabs are the same, and many addicts will find themselves moving through multiple treatment options before they find the one that coincides with their own needs. This is why all addicts should understand what to look for in a drug rehab center beforehand to not only reduce their chances of relapsing, but to also begin the process of creating a healthier and more fulfilling life.

Basics of an Addiction

For many of the people that habitually use drugs, it can become difficult to know when a habit turns into a deadly and life-altering addiction. While every situation is slightly different, there are a few key aspects to look out for. Most individuals will start with the initial use of a drug after a prescription by a doctor or use the substance recreationally, but this can quickly transition into frequent use and then dangerous use. An addiction has been created when the drug use negatively impacts the individual’s life, but they cannot or will not quit. This is especially difficult for individuals that have been prescribed these drugs by their healthcare provider. Abuse of prescription drugs is exceptionally popular, and rehab programs will often help to treat addictions for any number of drugs including:

• Opiates
• Amphetamines
• Depressants
• Hallucinogens
• Marijuana

Finding Treatment

The most effective treatments will vary between addicts, and that is why it is essential to understand how the treatment process works in order to choose which option will work best in any given situation. Depending on the substance of choice, a detox period may be necessary at the start. Detox periods are the time frame in which the body will physically become used to no longer receiving the substance and will flush out as many toxins as possible. Depending on the type of substance that is being used, this period can be fatal, and professional assistance should always be acquired. During one’s detox, many individuals will experience feelings ranging from nausea and hallucinations to depression and suicidal thoughts. Depending on the frequency and amount of use, the detox period can take anywhere from a single night to a week or longer. At this point, the individual will then have options for drug rehab in order to mentally and emotionally sever their attachment to the drug and learn the proper steps that must be taken to recreate a healthy life.

Comprehensive Rehab Programs

There have been a number of popular choices for rehabs over the years, but many modern clinics and programs take a comprehensive approach to addiction. This means they move well beyond the side effects of an addiction and will also search out and remedy the root causes of the addiction itself. This can be carried out at either an inpatient drug rehabilitation program or an outpatient program, each with their own advantages. Inpatient programs require more time and the cost could potentially be higher, but it will completely take the individual out of their daily life. For those that must continue to work or go to school, outpatient programs can also be effective for some. This form of rehab is usually good for those who can control drug cravings and it generally involves daily or weekly meetings with group sessions, one-on-one counseling, and various forms of therapy to learn healthy living options. Whatever option is chosen, all addicts should understand that effective treatment is out there if they take that first step towards a healthier and happier life.

How to Create an Environment that is Best for Life After Drug Rehab

Living a drug-free life isn't just about getting the best treatment program, but also managing a careful transition back into daily life. Even with the best possible drug treatment, it's all to easy to slip back into old patterns when put into an environment that does not support the goals of rehab. Therefore, recovering drug abusers and their family and friends should pay attention to several ways they can create an environment that is ideal for living a productive life after drug rehab.

Remove Drug Paraphernalia

Recovering drug abusers should never move back into an environment that's full of drug paraphernalia. It will just provide temptation around every corner and make it too easy to return to old habits of drug use. Therefore, family and friends should make an effort to go through the home before the person returns to get rid of anything related to drug use. If this isn't possible, someone should take the person home after finishing residential treatment and dispose of drug paraphernalia at that point.

Consider Moving

Even without the drug paraphernalia, the home or apartment itself may provide many environmental triggers for drug use. People who often used drugs at home probably had their favorite spots and many memories associated with the place. If this is the case, it may be helpful to move to a different home or apartment after completing drug rehab. This provides the opportunity for a fresh start in a place that doesn't have the environmental triggers. Living with roommates who are very supportive of the efforts to quit drug use can also help. Moving back in with family for a time may be a good option to consider. A halfway house can also be an ideal transitional space because it's full of other people who are actively recovering from a time of drug use.

Develop Healthy Relationships

Having supportive friends and family members is one of the keys to avoiding relapse after drug rehab. An environment is made up as much of people as it is of stuff, so recovering drug abusers should surround themselves with people who support their new lifestyle. Rather than returning to circles of friends who are heavily involved in drug use, it is critical to spend time with people who participate in other types of social activities. Mending relationships with family members may be more difficult, but it's perhaps even more important, especially if they live nearby. It's critical to talk to family members about ways they felt wronged in the past, and to apologize for these behaviors. Only after doing this can recovering drug abusers and their family members move forward together. Family often provides the best support, so this is a key part of having a successful recovery and avoiding relapse.

Find New Hobbies and Activities

Whether time is spent with friends or independently, it's important that it be filled with productive and enjoyable activities. Boredom is one of the triggers that can lead people into relapse after completing drug rehab. Especially if life before rehab didn't include many activities besides drug use, it's critical to fill time with new activities after rehab. Exercising, gardening, and getting involved in a church or community organization are all good ways to spend time.

Avoid Stress

A stress-free environment promotes overall mental health and avoids driving recovering drug abusers back to their old ways. It's important to identify stressors in everyday life, whether they're the physical environment, people, difficulties at work, or financial problems. The support network should also help come up with ways to deal with these sources of stress. For example, financial counseling and budgeting help can drive away some financial stress.

Participate in Aftercare

Going from an intensely regimented environment of drug rehab straight into the freedom of everyday life is an environmental shock that should be mediated. Recovering drug addicts should enroll in aftercare programs to provide ongoing support during the transition. Some people choose to participate in formal counseling, while others prefer more informal 12-step recovery programs. Aftercare may continue for years as a way to maintain the new life begun in drug rehab.