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What is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that may develop in persons who have gone through or witnessed deeply distressing experiences, whether a single traumatic event, repeated incidents, or prolonged adversity.
After experiencing trauma, many people struggle with adjusting and coping, but they often start to feel better with time and self-care. However, if distressing symptoms persist for months or even years and begin to interfere with daily life, it could be a sign of PTSD.
There is a growing body of evidence that LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience traumatic events like hate crimes, violence and discrimination. The resultant trauma-related mental health conditions increase the risk of other disorders like depression, anxiety, and substance use.
While we work towardstoward a more inclusive society, mental health facilities such as Inspire Recovery create environments where LGBTQ+ people can find healing.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms generally fall into four categories, though their severity can vary from person to person.
- Intrusive Thoughts: These can include unwanted memories, distressing dreams, or flashbacks that feel so real the person may believe they are reliving the trauma.
- Avoidance: Individuals may go out of their way to avoid people, places, or situations that call up memories of the event. Some may also avoid talking about their experience or suppress thoughts and feelings related to it.
- Changes in Mood and Thinking: This disorder can lead to memory gaps surrounding the event, negative beliefs about oneself or others (e.g., “I’m worthless,” “I can’t trust anyone”), ongoing feelings of fear, guilt, or shame, and a loss of interest in activities once enjoyed. Many feel detached from others or struggle to experience positive emotions.
- Changes in Arousal and Reactivity: People with this condition may be easily startled, have trouble sleeping or concentrating, display irritability or angry outbursts, or engage in reckless or self-destructive behavior.
While it’s normal to experience some of these symptoms after trauma, PTSD is diagnosed when they persist for over a month and disrupt daily life. Symptoms often develop within three months but can appear later and last for months or years.
Types of PTSD
PTSD can be categorized into different subtypes:
Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)
ASD occurs after a traumatic event and includes symptoms like flashbacks, emotional numbness, and distress that disrupts daily life. It is similar to PTSD, except that symptoms occur between three days and one month. People who experience ASD may go on to develop PTSD.
Complex PTSD (CPTSD)
CPTSD develops from prolonged exposure to trauma, often in childhood. It includes all standard PTSD symptoms along with:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Negative self-image
- Relationship struggles
- Feeling disconnected from others
It commonly affects those who have endured long-term abuse, neglect, domestic violence, or captivity. Treatment requires a holistic approach to address both the trauma and its lasting emotional impact.
Secondary Trauma
Also called secondary traumatic stress (STS), this condition affects professionals like therapists and social workers who are regularly exposed to others’ trauma. Over time, they may develop symptoms that resemble PTSD. This condition can reduce emotional resilience and job performance, which is why self-care and support systems are so important for those in caregiving roles.
Dissociative PTSD
Dissociative PTSD (D-PTSD) usually follows early experiences of intense trauma. This form of PTSD is often linked to other mental health conditions and includes symptoms like:
- Derealization – Feeling as if the world around them is unreal or distant.
- Depersonalization – Feeling detached from their own body, as if they are watching themselves from the outside.
Dissociation acts as the brain’s way of coping with extreme distress, creating a sense of disconnection from reality.
Comorbid PTSD
This condition may be diagnosed when PTSD exists alongside other mental health conditions like depression, substance use disorder Borderline personality disorder (BPD).
It requires more sophisticated treatment measures, as multiple conditions need to be addressed at once. A combination of therapy and medication is often used to help manage symptoms and provide comprehensive support.
How Does Trauma Contribute to Substance Dependence?
Many people with PTSD struggle with intrusive memories, anxiety, and emotional distress. While substance use isn’t a direct symptom of PTSD, it’s common for individuals to turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb painful emotions or escape overwhelming thoughts.
The earlier in life trauma occurs, the greater the risk of developing substance use disorder. Repeated exposure to trauma can make someone even more vulnerable. Substances may provide temporary relief, but over time, they can lead to dependence and worsen emotional struggles. This is why many experts believe addiction is often rooted in an attempt to cope with unresolved trauma.
Having a strong support system and receiving early intervention can help reduce the effects of trauma and lower the chances of developing substance use disorder. However, if the drug or alcohol dependence is already present, trauma therapy can still tackle it and support recovery.
Treating Trauma and PTSD
At Inspire Recovery, we understand the intersection of trauma and addiction. That’s why we go beyond traditional rehabilitation programs to offer trauma-focused group therapy within a supportive space for clients to heal.
Our trauma groups incorporate evidence-based approaches like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) and Seeking Safety, a Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) model designed specifically for individuals with PTSD and substance use disorders. Seeking Safety helps clients replace self-destructive coping mechanisms with healthier strategies such as self-respect and redefining their personal narrative. Instead of seeing themselves as victims, clients can begin to view themselves as survivors, capable of growth and resilience.
Clients also have the opportunity to integrate insights from their individual EMDR sessions into the group setting, discussing challenges and receiving support in applying new coping skills. Through these trauma-focused therapies, clients at Inspire Recovery gain the tools to break free from past pain and build a healthier, more empowered future.
Move Towards Recovery
If you or a loved one is facing drug or alcohol addiction, Inspire Recovery is here to help. Call 561-621-3984 today for a free, confidential consultation.
How will I know if I have PTSD?
PTSD diagnosis is made by a mental health professional, which could be a psychiatrist or psychologist. They need to thoroughly evaluate you and see if what you are experiencing meets the diagnostic criteria. If you think you might have PTSD because of symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, or feeling tense. It is best to reach out to call us so you can get expert guidance on the next steps.
Can you fully recover from PTSD?
Yes, you can recover from Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder. The path toward recovery can look different for everyone depending on how deep the trauma cuts, the presence of complicating factors like substance abuse and the quality of treatments received. People who get trauma treatments in safe, supportive spaces have a better chance of finding healing and reclaiming their lives.
