PTSD and Addiction Treatment Program

Common Symptoms of PTSD and Addiction

Symptoms of both conditions will vary depending on the type of trauma, time since the trauma, the substances that the person is using, and the presence of other mental health concerns. In some cases, a person may only identify their intrusive symptoms, whereas in others, a person may first identify the impacts of their substance use.

Some symptoms may include:

• Disturbing traumatic memories, flashbacks, or nightmares
• Avoiding reminders of the trauma, conversations about the event, places associated with the event, or situations that are triggering
• Hypervigilance, being on edge, being easily startled, feeling unsafe
• Sleep difficulties, including difficulty falling asleep or waking up often
• Irritability, anger, moodiness
• Feeling emotionally detached, numb, or emotionally disconnected
• Shame, guilt, or hopelessness related to the trauma
• Using alcohol or drugs to feel calm, to sleep, or to feel something else other than the pain of trauma symptoms
• Craving, or frequent re-relapse, when triggered by the trauma
• Progressive drug or alcohol use
• Withdrawal
• Relationship difficulties or struggles with work or home life stemming from symptoms of trauma or drug or alcohol use

An assessment by a provider may be used to determine which issues are driving the symptom.

How Is a PTSD & Addiction Comorbidity Diagnosed?

A PTSD and substance use dual diagnosis is usually made by a licensed clinician with expertise in treating both trauma and substance use. In addition to questions about trauma exposure, current trauma and SUD symptoms, substance use history, medical issues, sleep, past treatment, medications, and current daily functioning, providers will also look into how the substance use may be serving a function of avoiding or controlling trauma symptoms. PTSD symptoms can become closely intertwined with signs of substance use disorders. 

Withdrawal symptoms from substances may heighten anxiety, while insomnia and nightmares may occur. Trauma-based avoidance may manifest as withdrawal from the world. A proper diagnosis is crucial to ensure clinicians choose appropriate modalities of therapy, set an appropriate treatment environment that is safe for the patient, and devise an individualized treatment plan that allows for both stabilization and recovery. Treatment for PTSD and addiction should often occur concurrently, given how both conditions can perpetuate one another. For instance, untreated PTSD symptoms could lead a person to continue self-medicating with substances. And untreated addiction can compromise symptom management, emotional regulation, safety, and treatment for PTSD. 

Treatment modalities can include one-on-one talk therapy to explore symptoms, triggers, and coping strategies; trauma-informed care that appreciates survival responses and their role in the recovery process; group therapy, which may offer a helpful community and structure; relapse prevention planning which can include a discussion of trauma symptoms and triggers, avoidance behavior and situations, and other high-risk factors; psychopharmacology and pharmacotherapy when indicated; skills development for grounding, emotional regulation, sleep improvement, and distress tolerance; family education and therapy to include loved ones whose lives have been impacted by addiction and trauma (where indicated); and expressive therapies or experiential therapies to supplement a well-rounded treatment plan (when indicated). Treatment of PTSD and addiction involves developing enough stability that a patient can engage in work that will facilitate their recovery. Over time, integrated treatment for both can help the patient reduce use and better manage PTSD symptoms. 

Treatment for PTSD & Addiction Together 

Treatment for PTSD and addiction at Banyan Treatment Centers begins with evaluating the full spectrum of a person's presenting concerns, including trauma symptomology, alcohol and drug use, safety concerns, and current level of functioning. In addition to this, our clinicians take a holistic look at a patient's previous treatment history, relapse patterns, and current resources. Using this information, we develop a treatment plan tailored to the patient that allows for stabilization and continued growth. We aspire to provide high-quality, compassionate, structured treatment that considers a patient's need to reach adequate stability in order to successfully engage in treatment. 

The appropriate treatment setting will depend on the severity of a person's presenting trauma, their pattern of substance use, medical needs, safety concerns, and their community resources. While some patients may require more structure at the outset of care, others may benefit from beginning at a lower level. 

Residential treatment is a live-in program for adults whose PTSD and alcohol or drug use are significantly affecting their ability to function and/or their safety. A stable treatment setting with a team of clinicians is always available to the client. 

Partial hospitalization treatment (PHP) is a daytime intensive program, while the patient sleeps in their home or a sober living residence at night. This may be a suitable option for patients who need significant treatment support yet do not require overnight support. 

Outpatient (OP) treatment includes more flexible treatment and may be appropriate for individuals who have stable housing and support, symptoms and needs that are manageable with outpatient services, and who are able to come to the treatment program on a daily basis. 

Online Intensive Outpatient Programs can also be a good option for some adults who may need a higher level of care with added flexibility. At Banyan Treatment Centers, we believe that any given clinical course of action should always be based on the clinical need and the safest way to treat our patients.

What to Expect from PTSD and Addiction Treatment

In general, treatment starts with an assessment of trauma symptoms and substance use. Once the clinical team has a good sense of patient needs, they will fine-tune the treatment as patients continue through their programs and make progress.

Typically, treatment will include individual therapy, group therapy, psychiatric appointments, coping-skills training, and work on the various triggers for both PTSD symptoms and substance use. Patients may learn grounding skills, coping strategies for distress, healthier habits, and various ways to handle substance cravings. Ultimately, treatment should help improve functioning and make for a more stable recovery journey.