PTSD Signs and Symptoms That May Mean You Need Help

Addiction may develop on its own from simply abusing a substance or alcohol for too long. However, addiction also often develops as a result of a co-occuring mental health disorder. As a means of coping with the symptoms of their mental health disorder, people turn to using substances or alcohol.

One condition that often fuels an urge to consume substances or alcohol as a coping mechanism is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD).

What Exactly is PTSD?

PTSD is a mental health condition that may develop after experiencing or witnessing an extremely traumatic event. Circumstances that cause such experiences often include war, sexual assault, automile accidents, natural disasters or an animal attack.

Sufferers of PTSD usually experience triggers that bring back memories of the traumatic event. Along with these memories comes intense emotional and physical reactions. This may take place in the form of extreme nightmares when sleeping or as flashbacks when experiencing a form of trigger while awake.

PTSD Signs and Symptoms

PTSD signs and symptoms vary from person to person depending on a number of factors, such as the experience itself, the person’s background, the person’s training and the support (or lack thereof) they have.

Signs and symptoms of PTSD may be best understood by breaking them down in categories. If you or someone you know experiences any of the following symptoms for a month or longer, you may need to seek treatment for PTSD. Especially if the symptoms are driving the urge to use substances or alcohol.

Flashbacks

• Sudden experience of memories of the traumatic event after some sort of triggering experience.
• Nightmares.
• Stress when encountering anything that reminds you of the trauma.
• Physical stress, such as pain, sweating, trembling and nausea.

Heightened alertness

• Panic.
• Mood swings.
• Heightened alertness.
• Looking for danger where there is none.
• Lack of sleep.
• Irritability or aggression.
• Being easily startled.
• Difficulty concentrating.

Avoidance

• Avoiding anything that may remind you of trauma, even if this makes your daily life very difficult.
• Emotional numbness.
• Physical numbness or detachment.
• Inability to express your emotions.
• Inability to remember the details of the traumatic event.
• Constantly staying busy with something to keep your mind occupied.

Treat your Addiction and PTSD With The Help of a Professional at Tulip Hill Recovery

At Tulip Hill Recovery, we focus on discovering what factors in your life may be contributing to your addiction in order to treat it at its main source. 

Are you ready to talk to someone about treatment for addiction and building a better future for yourself? Please contact us online or call us at 877-845-8192 to get in touch with our team and start your recovery journey.