PTSD Residential Treatment With Substance Use Disorder | Brooks Healing Center
Amanda Stevens
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a challenging mental health condition that can have a ripple effect that lasts a lifetime. Someone with PTSD may have suffered abuse, a natural disaster, an accident, or other traumatic experience that has left a deep and lasting impression.
Experiencing trauma can impact the body, mind, soul, and relationships, reaching every area of life. A traumatic experience may even influence substance use and other harmful patterns.
There is hope for you or your loved one struggling with both PTSD and substance use disorder. It’s critical to address both concerns as unique disorders while understanding the duality of their impact on everyday life.
Brooks Healing Center is a PTSD residential treatment center equipped to treat both PTSD and co-occurring substance use disorders. Our compassionate teams of counselors, therapists, and providers are here to walk with you toward healing and provide the practical, hands-on support you need to thrive.
It’s time to restore the balance and build a life full of positivity, potential, and peace. When you’re part of the Brooks Healing Center community, you can have confidence that we’ll be with you every step of the way.
Table of Contents
Key Points
- PTSD is a mental health disorder that is an emotional or psychological response to a traumatic event or series of events.
- Symptoms include many spheres, from physical and cognitive to social and emotional. For some patients, PTSD symptoms are chronic.
- PTSD and drug use are often linked, and those with PTSD are 14 times more likely to misuse alcohol or substances.
- PTSD residential treatment programs can help reduce PTSD symptoms, enhance functionality, build greater self-efficacy, and aid in relapse prevention
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is an emotional or psychological response to a traumatic event or series of events that were distressing, disturbing, or in some way harmful.[1] This mental health condition is characterized by several different types of symptoms, including re-experiencing, avoidance, arousal and reactivity, and cognition and mood.[2] Specific symptoms of PTSD may vary from patient to patient and at different times in the cycle of the disorder but may include:[3]
- Flashbacks
- Recurring memories or dreams
- Distressing thoughts
- Physical signs of stress (racing heart, sweating, altered breathing, etc.)
- Avoiding places, people, or things related to the experience
- Inability to think about the event
- Easily startled
- Chronic tension
- Difficulty concentrating
- Sleep problems
- Irritable
- Aggressive outbursts
- Self-destructive behavior
- Memory issues
- Negative thoughts
- Exaggerated blame toward self or others
- Ongoing fear, shame, guilt, or anger
- Lost interest in hobbies
- Social isolation
- Struggling with positive emotions
In many ways, these responses are perfectly natural and are a form of self-preservation. But for some patients, these symptoms are chronic, and it is difficult to find relief.
PTSD vs. Complex PTSD: What’s The Difference?
PTSD and Complex PTSD (CPTSD) are similar in terms of symptoms, but complex trauma is more common in patients who have experienced prolonged exposure to traumatic circumstances or long-term trauma. They may present with additional or more severe symptoms that impact emotional regulation, self-identity, and personal relationships. [4]
Addiction and PTSD: What Is The Impact?
PTSD and drug use are commonly intertwined. Official data reveals that 44.6% of those who struggle with lifetime PTSD also have alcohol use disorder (AUD) or substance use disorder (SUD).[5] Additionally, those with PTSD are 14 times more likely to misuse alcohol or substances due to their application as self-medication for trauma-related symptoms.[6] When addiction and PTSD are linked together, it can agitate or worsen PTSD symptoms and impair cognitive functioning or reduce your capacity for emotional regulation.[7] These challenges make it harder to manage coping skills and maintain treatment strategies. The underlying causes of substance use and trauma cannot be ignored in treatment. Addressing both challenges together but as unique conditions is the most effective way to facilitate true healing.
Benefits of PTSD Residential Treatment
Residential programs for treating PTSD and substance use disorder offer an immersive experience away from the business and obligations of daily life. In a safe and supportive space, you or your loved one can focus on treatment and cultivate lifelong benefits of PTSD treatment, including:[8]
- Reducing PTSD Symptoms: These are the challenges you or a loved one may face every single day; these are the experiences that can make healing so difficult. Working with a provider or therapist to reduce symptoms helps make your life a little brighter and a little easier every day.
- Enhanced Functionality: The impact of PTSD and substance use can be extensive for you, your family members, and your trusted social circle. With consistent professional treatment, daily functionality can be improved as you experience lower stress and fewer symptoms.
- Greater Self-Efficacy Through Healthy Coping Skills: Coping skills are cultivated skills that must be learned and developed to safely manage PTSD and SUD symptoms. These skills create a sustainable path forward and greater independence.
- Relapse Prevention: One of the primary outcomes of professional PTSD residential treatment is to reduce the potential for relapse. As you gain awareness, support, and safety skills, relapse rates can decrease.
PTSD Residential Treatment Programs At Brooks Healing Center
Our residential treatment center is located on 36 acres in the beautiful Tennessee countryside along the Duck River, with ample opportunities for exploration, adventure, and tranquility right in our own backyard. Every patient will first undergo a detailed evaluation that informs an individualized treatment plan designed to meet their unique needs. Medical Detox: Inpatient medical detox offers 24/7 support for the early days of withdrawal and recovery. In a comfortable and peaceful environment, our providers are always available to ensure your comfort and safety throughout this process. Our treatment interventions take a holistic approach and will begin during detoxification, including therapy, wellness, and peer support. PTSD Residential Treatment: Our inpatient program for PTSD and substance abuse treatment is a fully immersive experience, free from daily obligations, triggers, and harmful environments. Housed in what used to be a rural bed and breakfast, our campus offers an abundance of amenities, including chef-prepared meals, physical fitness training, and more. Treatment interventions for PTSD and substance abuse include mental and behavioral health modalities with both individual and group therapy sessions, wellness interventions, peer support, and more. Mental Health and Behavioral Health Therapies: Addressing PTSD and addiction is a challenging undertaking but one that we’re well-equipped to manage with a wide range of evidence-based therapies and innovative interventions.
- Trauma-informed Therapy
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Adventure Therapy
- Brainspotting (BSP)
- Experiential Therapy
- Garden Therapy
- 12-Step Facilitation Therapy
Start Healing Today. We’ll Help You Every Step of The Way.
Brooks Healing Center is founded and operated by those in recovery from a variety of mental health and substance use disorders. We understand what you’re going through in a way that many can’t. We’re committed to your success today and every day after. Reach out for more information or to begin the admissions process.
Start Healing Today. We’ll Help You Every Step of The Way.
Brooks Healing Center ….. Reach out for more information or to begin the admissions process.
Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD Residential Treatment
Why should I consider a Tennessee PTSD treatment center for PTSD and drug abuse?
Struggling with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and substance abuse can lead to a wide range of daily challenges in every area of life. Treating PTSD and addiction together will dig deeper into the human experience and past trauma to uncover potential underlying issues that have a negative influence on one or both disorders.
How long does PTSD treatment in Tennessee last at a trauma treatment center?
What are the evidence-based therapies used in PTSD residential treatment programs?
Many trauma therapies can be beneficial for PTSD treatment, including Experiential Therapy, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), and more. However, a trauma-informed approach to any and all therapy or wellness interventions is where the emphasis should be, especially when navigating both substance abuse and PTSD.
Will insurance cover PTSD residential treatment in Tennessee?
Understanding how to pay for PTSD residential treatment can be an overwhelming task. Brooks Healing Center offers several payment options, including commercial healthcare insurance and payment plans. You can also explore third-party options like Medicare or treatment grants from charitable organizations. Financial fear should never keep you or a loved one from getting the help you need. Healing and freedom are just one step away. Call our admissions team today, and we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to get started so you can begin treatment with confidence.
Sources
[1]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-c). Coping with traumatic events. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/coping-with-traumatic-events
[2][3]U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-d). Post-traumatic stress disorder. National Institute of Mental Health. https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
[4]Complex PTSD. Cleveland Clinic. (2024, August 16). https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/24881-cptsd-complex-ptsd
[5]Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA. (2017, May 15). https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp
[6]McCauley, J. L., Killeen, T., Gros, D. F., Brady, K. T., & Back, S. E. (2012, September 1). Posttraumatic stress disorder and co-occurring substance use disorders: Advances in assessment and treatment. Clinical psychology : a publication of the Division of Clinical Psychology of the American Psychological Association. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3811127/
[7][8]Kemmis, L. K., Wanigaratne, S., & Ehntholt, K. A. (2017). Emotional processing in individuals with substance use disorder and posttraumatic stress disorder. International journal of mental health and addiction. https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5529498/