This Blog was written by the addiction experts at Willows at Red Oak Recovery Center, they provide longterm drug rehab, addiction treatment, and mental health programs for women struggling with their behavioral health. Their expertise is respected across the field of trauma and addiction with the most successful women's treatment center on the East Coast for people reaching lasting recovery.
While trauma can happen to anyone, women may experience different types of trauma than men. Additionally, women who experience trauma have a greater chance than men of developing PTSD. Getting help for women showing signs of PTSD must include treatment that is sensitive to women’s trauma. The care team must also recognize complications of PTSD and how to treat accompanying conditions such as addiction. To learn about the treatment options for women with PTSD, please reach out to The Willows at Red Oak today at
WHAT IS POST-TRAUMATIC STRESS DISORDER (PTSD)?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a severe condition that occurs in some people who undergo a traumatic event or episode. Living in a war zone, having an abusive childhood, surviving a natural disaster, or experiencing personal violence can be traumatic. However, not everyone who goes through trauma will develop PTSD. Risk factors that increase the chances of developing this condition after trauma include:
Impacted directly by trauma as a witness or victim
Experienced physical injury from a traumatic event
Had severe or long-lasting trauma, such as living in an abusive household as a child or adult
Experienced childhood trauma
Have other mental health issues such as anxiety or depression
Have a substance abuse problem
However, PTSD is unique because the individual experiences frequent reminders that uncontrollably come to mind through memories, flashbacks, and nightmares. By continually reliving memories of the trauma, individuals suffer physically and emotionally.
WOMEN’S SIGNS OF PTSD
Those who have experienced trauma may develop signs of PTSD in the days, weeks, or months after the event. To formally diagnose this condition, an individual needs a mental health professional’s evaluation at a women's recovery center. However, showing signs of PTSD means the individual should talk to their doctor. Common symptoms include the following:
Avoiding situations, people, or events that trigger memories of the trauma
Regular memories of the event coming to the mind uncontrollably through nightmares or flashbacks
Constantly feeling anxious, on edge, jittery, stressed, or nervous with a racing heart or sweating
Difficulty concentrating on school or work
Sleeping problems
Thoughts and emotions that make daily living difficult, such as anger or shame causing social isolation
If you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, please reach out for help as soon as possible.
COMPLICATIONS OF PTSD
While signs of PTSD can cause problems with living, self-medicating through substance use can also complicate life. Addiction is a common complication of PTSD and other types of mental illness. Treatment for both substance use and PTSD through dual diagnosis care can improve the individual’s chances of coping with the trauma and stop substance use.
TREATMENT FOR PTSD AND ADDICTION
The type of trauma experienced and the individual’s personal needs will dictate the best treatment path needed. For example, at The Willows at Red Oak Recovery, we have holistic healing options that include yoga and meditation. We also offer more traditional individual psychotherapy therapies, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy.
In Addition To Therapy Program Willows Also Offers
Because PTSD and addiction are complex problems, recovery does not happen overnight. Most women at our program stay long-term for at least 90 days to ensure they have the time to heal thoroughly in their bodies and minds. We also help them with aftercare or transitional living nearby following their stay with us to prevent relapse.
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