Addiction Treatment for Trauma and PTSD

Trauma is the emotional response to deeply distressing experiences such as childhood abuse, combat, sexual assault, domestic violence, or serious accidents. Roughly 70 percent of U.S. adults have experienced some type of traumatic event in their lifetimes—that’s 223.4 million people.

When these types of experiences are not fully processed, they can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), a mental health disorder marked by flashbacks, anxiety, and emotional numbness. Sadly, the intense distress of the disorder can lead some to turn to drugs and alcohol for relief.

The combination of PTSD and addiction creates a harmful cycle that worsens over time. For true healing, both conditions must be treated together in a comprehensive, dual diagnosis treatment plan that targets the root trauma and supports long-term recovery.

Typical Signs and Symptoms of PTSD and Addiction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) can develop as a mental health condition after a person experiences or witnesses traumatic events such as combat, childhood abuse, sexual assault, domestic violence, or a serious accident. Individuals often relive these experiences in distressing ways, which can make daily functioning extremely difficult.

Common signs and symptoms of PTSD include:

Flashbacks that make the traumatic event feel like it is happening again
Nightmares related to the trauma
Hypervigilance and an exaggerated startle response
Emotional numbness or feeling detached from others
Avoidance of people, places, or reminders of the trauma
Difficulty sleeping or staying asleep
Irritability, anger, or mood swings
Trouble concentrating or making decisions
Feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
Physical symptoms such as headaches or stomach pain

Many individuals with PTSD turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with these overwhelming symptoms, which can lead to substance abuse and eventually a co-occurring addiction.

The Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Decades of research have found a strong link between exposure to traumatic events and substance use disorders. Through these studies, researchers have offered several hypotheses to help us better understand why the two are connected.

These are:

The Self-Medication Hypothesis: when a person is suffering from emotional distress following a traumatic experience, they are more likely to indulge in drugs or alcohol to cope with their symptoms.
High-Risk Hypothesis: people who abuse substances are more likely to have a high-risk lifestyle, resulting in additional traumatic experiences such as domestic violence.
Susceptibility Hypothesis: it’s also theorized that people who abuse substances are more susceptible to developing PTSD after exposure to trauma

The Link Between Trauma and Substance Abuse

Need for Dual Diagnosis Treatment

The damaging cycle between trauma and addiction deepens emotional distress and worsens overall mental health. As PTSD symptoms intensify, substance use may increase, leading to greater dependence and further psychological trauma.

To break this cycle and promote real healing, dual diagnosis treatment is essential. Tackling both substance use and PTSD treatment through an integrated approach is the only path to lasting recovery and emotional stability.

Our Dual Diagnosis Approach to Addiction Treatment

At Shadow Hills Recovery in Los Angeles, our dual diagnosis program provides simultaneous substance abuse and PTSD treatment. Untreated post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction often feed into each other, making it vital to address both with comprehensive, professional treatment.

Evidence-based therapies we use in our PTSD treatment programs include:

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Challenges the negative thoughts and beliefs linked to trauma and addiction.
Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Improves interpersonal skills, emotional resilience, and more.
Trauma-Focused Therapy (TFT): Targets specific traumatic experiences to reduce symptoms.
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Helps clients’ brains reprocess traumatic memories in a safe mental health treatment
Individual Therapy, Group Therapy, and Family Therapy: Different therapy session structures strengthen the support system and build healthy coping mechanisms

Our Dual Diagnosis Approach to Addiction Treatment

Holistic Support for Trauma and Addiction

Clients in our inpatient treatment program receive structured, individualized care. Each treatment plan is designed to support their mental health, manage co-occurring disorders like anxiety or depression, and lay the groundwork for a lasting recovery.

Holistic Approaches at Shadow Hills Recovery’s addiction treatment center:

Yoga and Mindfulness: Improve emotional regulation and reduce
Art Therapy: Allows creative expression of difficult emotions.

At Shadow Hills Recovery, we believe in a comprehensive, holistic approach to healing. By combining evidence-based therapies with alternative treatments like yoga and art therapy, we ensure that clients have the tools they need to not only recover but thrive. Our dedicated team in Los Angeles offers the highest-quality addiction and PTSD treatment programs in Southern California.

Personalized Care in a Luxury Setting

Tucked away in the San Fernando Valley, Shadow Hills Recovery offers a peaceful, luxury environment in Shadow Hills, CA, designed to promote healing from trauma and addiction. Our Los Angeles location provides a serene retreat away from daily stressors, helping clients focus on recovery.

Each client receives a personalized care plan based on their unique history, mental health needs, and recovery goals. This treatment plan includes access to a wide range of therapies and services designed to treat PTSD, substance abuse, and other conditions like depression and anxiety.

Our residential treatment program includes upscale amenities such as chef-prepared meals, private suites, and access to both evidence-based and holistic therapies in a quiet, healing environment. Whether recovering from childhood abuse, sexual assault, or domestic violence, Shadow Hills offers a safe place to start the recovery process.

Why Choose Shadow Hills Recovery for Rehab and Trauma Treatment?

Shadow Hills specializes in dual diagnosis treatment, offering expert care for those facing PTSD and addiction. Our team understands the connection between trauma and addiction and provides complete support for both conditions.

Clients are supported by a dedicated team of experienced clinicians who offer compassionate guidance through every stage of the recovery process. Our integrated approach combines addiction treatment, mental health treatment, and trauma therapy to support long-term healing.

With access to our full treatment program and support services in Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, clients experience lasting change, improved mental wellness, and a healthier future.

Start Healing From Addiction at Our Southern California Rehab

If you or a loved one has developed a substance use disorder as a result of unresolved trauma, it’s important to address both issues for effective recovery. Shadow Hills Recovery is a residential treatment facility that is equipped to treat individuals with severe trauma and substance use issues.

To learn more or get started with trauma therapy and substance abuse disorder treatment, contact Shadow Hills Recovery today.

Addiction at Our Southern California Rehab

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