Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder & Awareness

Post-traumatic stress disorder, widely known as “PTSD,” happens after an individual has experienced some sort of trauma. This may be defined as an event that is perilous or jolting  that the individual experiences for themselves or one that they see. People may experience this condition differently and shouldn’t look at it as a sign of weakness, but rather as a mental health condition that needs to be properly treated.

June is National PTSD Awareness Month. It’s an opportunity to let more people know about the condition. For example, learning about how there are those who may be battling an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder as well as experiencing PTSD as a co-occurring disorder. Raising awareness is also an opportunity to learn more about the treatment options available for this mental health condition.

American Addiction Centers is the nationwide leader in addiction treatment, providing inpatient and outpatient treatment, as well as aftercare planning. If you’re struggling with an addiction to substance or alcohol misuse and co-occurring disorders such as PTSD, anxiety, or depression, please reach out to get the help you need today.

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Diagnosis & What it Means

Only a licensed medical or mental health  professional can diagnose an individual with PTSD. If you are feeling like you’re experiencing symptoms of this disorder, review credible sources such as the content found on American Addiction Centers’ website and consult a licensed physician for an official diagnosis.

Symptoms of PTSD may include, but are not limiting to:

• Experiencing negative emotions and thoughts that make it challenging to live your life.
• Avoiding scenarios that remind you of the event.
• Reliving the event. At times, this may be via a flashback or a nightmare.
• Feeling tense, jittery, or nervous.

Although the above list distinguishes general symptoms of PTSD for everyone, the catalyst of what leads to PTSD between men and women tend to vary. Roughly 50% of women and 60% of men experience one traumatic event in their lives. It’s not only this 10% differential that separates the two groups, but the experiences themselves that contribute to developing the disorder are distinctive.

Women are more likely to encounter:

• Child sexual abuse.
• Sexual assault.

Men are more likely to encounter:

• Combat.
• Physical assault.
• Accidents.
• Witnessing an injury or death.
• Disaster.

PTSD statistics:

• Both men and women may develop physical health problems as a result of the disorder.
• Women are less likely than men to struggle with alcohol or substance misuse following a trauma.
• Women tend to have PTSD symptoms for four years on average compared to one year for men prior to receiving a diagnosis and care.

If you find yourself struggling with substance misuse and a co-occurring disorder such as PTSD, please be sure to ask for help. You’re not alone. AAC provides medical detox and treatment in a safe and supportive environment with licensed and compassionate medical professionals to help individuals reach long-term recovery. If you’re currently struggling, please reach out to get the help you need today.