PTSD & Addiction: A Different Kind of War

When many people think of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they envision military personnel returning from war or veterans. These are the stories commonly shared across the media. While war is a common cause of PTSD, it is not the only cause. Men, women, and children who have nothing to do with the military can be affected by this debilitating condition. There are many types of trauma that can lead to PTSD.

Since 2010, June 27 has been designated PTSD Awareness Day, and since 2014, the month of June as a whole has been recognized as PTSD Awareness Month. This is in an effort to increase awareness and understanding about PTSD and let people know that effective treatment is available. While there is no cure for PTSD, various types of therapy and treatment can help to alleviate the symptoms and allow individuals to live a more normal life.

What Causes PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder can affect anyone, young and old alike. It develops as the result of experiencing or witnessing a traumatic incident. This could include things such as:

  • War
  • Physical or sexual abuse
  • Natural disasters (hurricanes, tornadoes, floods, earthquakes, etc.)
  • Terrorist attacks
  • Unexpected death of a loved one
  • Serious accidents

While most people would be shaken up by these events, they are typically able to process them and move on within a few days, weeks, or months. They may think about them from time to time, but these incidents do not disrupt their overall life. For those with PTSD, they continue to have strong reactions, hypervigilance, or flashbacks even when there is no present danger. Around 10 percent of men and 20 percent of women who experience or witness trauma develop PTSD.

Symptoms of PTSD

Everyone may experience this condition slightly differently, but there are several common symptoms that occur. They may range in severity from person to person.

Flashbacks. Following the traumatic event, some people keep seeing it happening in their mind over and over again. They may have nightmares that keep them up at night. However, the incidents seem very real and dangerous to the person, even though they’re not. Sights, sounds, and smells around them can trigger flashbacks.

Avoidance. People often go out of their way to avoid anything that reminds them of the event. They may take the bus to work instead of driving if they’re fearful of being in an accident.

Hypervigilance. The body goes into a “fight or flight” mode when it is in danger. Those with PTSD may always feel like they’re in this state. They may be acutely aware of everything going on around them and be easily startled. This can make it harder to eat, sleep, socialize, or focus.

Mood changes. After a traumatic event, the person may have a more dismal attitude. They may lose interest in activities they once enjoyed and feel detached from the world around them. In addition, they could feel a sense of guilt or shame about what happened, even if it wasn’t their fault.

These symptoms can interfere with a person’s normal life and ability to carry out daily activities. They may have a lot of trouble functioning in different situations and it can detract from their quality of life. Some people have trouble holding down a job, forming relationships, or being in public situations. If left untreated, symptoms of PTSD may continue to worsen and have an even greater impact on a person’s life. It is not too late to get help or to return to treatment for more support.

PTSD and Addiction

As a way of coping with the symptoms of PTSD, some people turn to drugs or alcohol. They may use these substances to try to relax and calm themselves, or a way to try to forget about their problems. This can quickly spiral into addiction which can make things worse and exacerbate symptoms as well as adding new problems. Some people don’t know how else to cope with what they’re feeling.

However, there is help available and hope for recovery. Addiction treatment centers like Above It All offer services tailored to those with a dual diagnosis. A dual diagnosis means that the client is struggling with both addiction and a mental health disorder such as PTSD. It is important that both conditions are addressed simultaneously for more effective recovery.

If only the addiction is treated, or only the PTSD, it is easy to overlook the interrelated nature of these conditions. Clients are therefore at a greater risk for relapse because underlying issues have not been properly addressed. With a dual diagnosis program, clients gain a better understanding of how their PTSD and addiction are related and how they affect one another. This allows them to develop more effective coping strategies to reduce risk of relapse and keep symptoms managed.

Above It All uses a mind, body, and spirit approach to recovery. Treatment plans incorporate individual and group therapy and counseling, 12-step methodologies, yoga, meditation, nutrition education, support groups, and other recreational and holistic activities. Each client’s plan is tailored to their individual needs and goals to optimize their recovery and support long-term success. Clients are equipped with the tools and resources they need to overcome trauma and addiction and create a healthier lifestyle in recovery.

Dual diagnosis programs can give clients the support and confidence they need to keep moving forward in their life. They can work through both their mental health and substance use issues and develop routines that are more conducive to a substance-free lifestyle and reduce triggers for relapse. If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and addiction, contact Above It All today to learn more about how our dual diagnosis program can provide a safe place for more effective recovery. We will work with you along each step of the way and help you to overcome the challenges that you face. Take back control of your life with help from Above It All. Recovery is possible.

[cta] You don’t have to let PTSD and addiction control your life. Reach out Above It All to find the support and care you need for recovery. [/cta]

Planning a Fun Vacation without Derailing Your Recovery

Summer is here and for many, that means vacation. Whether you’re going away for a week or a long weekend, it can be a time to rest, relax, and take in the sights. However, this can be a bit challenging – and perhaps a little daunting – if you are in recovery. Vacations can mean a lot of unknowns, unfamiliar places, and potential temptations. With a little planning and preparation, though, you can feel more confident about going on vacation without as much fear of relapse.

Tips for Planning Your Vacation

One option is to talk to others in recovery and see what they recommend. They may be able to steer you toward fun getaways that won’t threaten your sobriety. There are also organizations that plan sober vacations geared toward those in recovery. It can be worthwhile to check out.

  • Stay away from typical hotspots. Head off the beaten path and avoid places where you know parties and drinking are prevalent. Instead of hitting the most popular beaches, go for somewhere more low-key and secluded. You can still enjoy the sun and sand without as much temptation.
  • Find local meetings. Do a little research and look for local AA or NA meetings to attend. They’re hosted around the world, so chances are you can find one nearby wherever you may be headed. Keep attending meetings to build your confidence and accountability. Plus, you’ll get to hear from new people and gain new perspectives.
  • Pick family-friendly activities. Events geared toward the whole family typically aren’t centered around alcohol. They offer plenty of activities to keep you entertained and occupied. Explore new things you’ve never done before.
  • Stay active. Keep yourself busy so downtime doesn’t lead to boredom and poor choices. Keep exercising to boost your mood, stay energized, and keep yourself feeling good.

Above It All can equip you with the strategies and skills you need to keep moving forward in recovery with more confidence and reduce your risk of relapse.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know some of your favorite sober vacation ideas! [/cta]

Coping with Post-Acute Withdrawal Syndrome (PAWS)

One of the first things that clients experience as they’re going through detox and the early stages of addiction treatment is withdrawal. It takes their body time to adjust to no longer being on any addictive substances. This often comes with many physical symptoms such as sweating, nausea or vomiting, aches and pains, changes in appetite, tremors, or seizures. While this can be unpleasant, staff at Above It All can help clients to stay as comfortable as possible and minimize symptoms.

However, many clients do not realize that post-acute withdrawal syndrome (PAWS) can last for up to two years following detox. PAWS involves more emotional and psychological symptoms than physical ones. Clients may experience:

  • Irritability
  • Mood swings
  • Anxiety
  • Trouble concentrating
  • Fuzzy thinking
  • Lethargy
  • Depression
  • Difficulty coping with stress

These feelings can seem to emerge out of nowhere. But just as quickly as they come, they can pass. They may only last a few hours or a few days. Realizing that these episodes will occur and they are normal can help clients feel more prepared to deal with them.

When PAWS occurs, there are many ways that clients can push through these feelings:

  • Take time to meditate and try to clear your mind. Give yourself a chance to calm down and process your thoughts and feelings. Exercise can help too.
  • Keep things simple and do not overwhelm yourself with work or commitments. When you are going through a PAWS episode, realize you may need to step back. This does not mean veg out doing nothing, but break down activities into more manageable tasks.
  • Practice self-care. Make sure you continue to eat a well-balanced diet, drink plenty of fluids, and get adequate sleep. Taking care of yourself can help boost your mood and keep you going.

It can also help to talk things out in a support group. Recognize that PAWS will pass in time and doesn’t have to lead to relapse. Get the support you need for recovery at Above It All and overcome withdrawal safely and effectively.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know some of your strategies for dealing with post-acute withdrawal syndrome. [/cta]

Promoting Men’s Health in Recovery

When it comes to addiction, men and women may face different challenges. Research has found, for instance, that alcohol affects each gender differently. Whereas women’s bodies break down alcohol more quickly, men’s do so more slowly. Also, given the makeup of their bodies, men are often able to consume larger quantities of alcohol before feeling its effects. Men are also more likely to turn to drugs or alcohol to cope with anger, stress, or relationship issues or as a result of peer pressure and the desire to fit in.

June 13-19 is National Men’s Health Week and a great time for men to reflect on their health and make necessary changes to make it a priority. Maintaining good health is especially important in recovery because drugs and alcohol can take a toll on the body and mind. When men feel better and are properly managing their health, it can reduce risk of relapse and help curb cravings.

Ways Men can be Proactive with their Health

There are many ways that men can be proactive with improving their health and supporting their recovery efforts:

  • Get plenty of sleep – essentially between seven and nine hours each night. This gives the body time to repair itself and allows you to rest and re-energize for the next day. It may also reduce your risk of developing certain chronic diseases.
  • Manage your stress. Learn to delegate and balance your schedule so you’re not feeling overwhelmed. Engage in deep breathing or meditation to help calm yourself.
  • Keep moving. Whether you’re shooting hoops with friends, hitting nine holes of golf, going for a run, or hopping on your bike, make sure to get at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise each week.
  • Get tested. Make sure your blood pressure, cholesterol, and blood sugar are all within normal limits. Also know when to get checked for certain types of cancer or other conditions prevalent in men.

Paying attention to your health and engaging in self-care can make a positive difference in your recovery. Build the skills you need to make your health and recovery a priority through addiction treatment at Above It All.

[cta] Let us know what you’re doing to make your health a priority in recovery! [/cta]

Keeping a Positive Attitude in Recovery

Recovery from addiction is an active process. It is not a time when you can just sit idly by and hope for the best. It is something that you have to work on every day. This can be stressful. You may be stressed out that things are not moving as quickly as you would like them to, or think they should. It can be hard to break old routines and move on from negative friendships. This is all the more reason why keeping a positive attitude in recovery is so important.

Life is full of ups and downs, and how you deal with them can make a big difference in your recovery. If you let every little thing bother you, it may be more difficult to keep moving forward. Instead, try to turn your attitude and perspective around.

Keep a gratitude journal. Write down things that you are thankful for and things that make you happy. Maybe it is seeing a rainbow after the storm or the smile on your child’s face when you pick them up from school. Go back and read through your journal when you are having a rough day for a little pick-me-up.

Look for the silver lining. There are (at least) two sides to every situation. Choose to look for the positives. Instead of focusing on the things that went wrong, consider everything that went well.

Decrease your stress. Activities like yoga, exercise, and meditation can all decrease your stress and boost your mood. Find things that make you happy and help you to relax.  Taking time for yourself and not getting too overwhelmed can enhance your positive attitude.

Take life one day at a time. You cannot change the past or predict the future, so focus on the here and now. Make today the best day it can be and take challenges in stride.

All of these things and more can support you in long-term recovery and warding off relapse. Above It All can equip you with the strategies and resources you need to feel more confident in your addiction recovery and create a healthier lifestyle.

[cta] Let us know what strategies you use to boost your mood and see the bright side in recovery. [/cta]

Building Stronger Families Through Recovery

Addiction is not a solitary disease. It has a widespread impact that reaches far beyond the person misusing drugs or alcohol. Family, friends, colleagues, and communities are affected as well. Family members struggle with their own challenges when it comes to coping with addiction and how it affects them and their life.

When a substance use disorder is present, it can contribute to many breakdowns in the family. Getting everyone to participate in the addiction treatment and recovery process can have a positive effect on the entire family and build a brighter future.

  • Improves Communication: In family therapy you can learn how to talk to – and listen to – each other more effectively. This can help with understanding each other’s perspective and opinion. It can support the rebuilding of trust and respect that may have been damaged during active addiction.
  • Creates Healthier Relationships: Learning how to talk to and interact with one another in more constructive ways can improve family connections. You can take the time to get to know one another and appreciate each person’s strengths. In addition, you will be more prepared to work through challenges together.
  • Supports Problem Solving: Family therapy can teach you how to work through problems together and come to a mutual agreement. Instead of one person becoming upset and the other shutting down, you will have more effective strategies of coming to a solution. This can be applied throughout many aspects of your life.
  • Promoting Prevention: When you create a drug-free environment and practice healthier routines, you are setting a positive example for everyone in your family. You are creating an environment that protects against substance abuse and opens lines of communication for honest discussion.

Building a stronger family can take time. Everyone will have changes and adjustments to make and adapt to. Having patience can pay off as you see your family changing for the better and appreciating one another. Above It All can help you get on the road to recovery and rebuild relationships with your family through comprehensive addiction treatment.

[cta] Leave a comment and let us know how recovery has strengthened your family relationships! [/cta]

Anxiety and Addiction: A Vicious Cycle

May 2-7 marks Anxiety and Depression Awareness Week. These are serious issues that people face every day. They can also be linked to substance use creating more complex challenges. Sometimes people self-medicate using drugs or alcohol as a way of trying to calm their anxiety and relax. While this may provide temporary relief in the short term, it can actually end up making symptoms worse in the long run. When the drugs wear off, anxiety may return with a vengeance. This can lead to increased substance use which may develop into addiction.

At the same time, substance use can also trigger feelings of anxiety. It can exacerbate underlying conditions that may not have been as problematic before. Anxiety and addiction can become a vicious cycle as both of these conditions feed off of one another. It can become a difficult cycle to break.

Coping with Addiction and Anxiety

Understanding the interrelated nature of these two conditions is important for recovery. They should be treated simultaneously through a dual diagnosis program. Treating only one at a time may increase risk of relapse because the cycle can still continue.  When you recognize how your anxiety and addiction impact one another, you can be more proactive in addressing issues as they arise and minimizing triggers.

Typically a combination of therapy, counseling, medication, and holistic activities are used to support recovery. You develop healthier routines and coping mechanisms that do not involve substance abuse and help to keep your anxiety better controlled. Recovery can be more challenging for those with a dual diagnosis, but change is possible.

With comprehensive care from Above It All, you can improve your physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health.  You can also take steps to prevent relapse and establish a healthier lifestyle that aligns with your personal goals and needs.

[cta] Join the conversation on Facebook and tell us your tips for keeping calm in recovery! [/cta]

Exploring the Power of Laughter in Addiction Recovery

Although addiction recovery is a very serious topic, which does not mean that there is not room for some humor too. Allowing yourself to laugh and look the bright side of things can keep you moving forward and increase your motivation. Laughter can have a positive impact on both your body and your mind.

When you start laughing, the effects are felt throughout your body. Laughter can increase your blood pressure and improve the circulation of oxygen throughout your system. It can also lower your stress response, allowing you to feel more at ease. Stress has a tendency to build tension in your muscles and suppress your immune system, but a good dose of humor can alleviate these responses and boost your health. It should come as no surprise that your mood may also improve when laughing; it may stimulate the release of dopamine and activate your brain’s reward system.

Even if you start out faking laughter and happiness, it commonly develops into something real. Before you know it, you cannot help but smile and stress starts to melt away. It is no wonder that many people have a few optimists and comedians in their circle of friends – these people make you feel good about yourself and look at the world from a new perspective. They can spin the negative into something positive and give you reason to smile. Here are a few other benefits of laughter in recovery:

  • It can help to diffuse tense situations and calm everyone down.
  • It is a way to connect with others and break the ice.
  • You do not need any special equipment or tools. You can find laughter among friends, in books, in the movies, on television shows, or out in the community.
  • It can ease stress and reduce muscle tension.
  • It can brighten your mood and outlook on life.

Incorporate a little humor into your day and find out what a difference it can make. At Above It All, we’ll help you find both laughter and serenity in recovery. Contact our team today for more information.

[cta] Let us know some of your favorite ways of finding humor in recovery by sharing on Facebook! [/cta]

The Best Things In Life: Making Amends and Rebuilding Relationships

The old saying that “the best things in life aren’t things” often rings true for those in recovery. You can have all of the material possessions in the world, but if you are not surrounded by people who love and support you, your life may still feeling like it is missing something. Building these relationships and appreciating the people in your life who have stood by you can be very motivating and encouraging. However, before you can appreciate these things, sometimes you have to make amends first.

Step nine of the 12 steps is all about making amends. In step eight you identify everyone you may have harmed, but step nine involves taking action. Making amends is more than saying you are sorry; it is about showing that you have changed and trying to restore what was damaged. This may mean paying back money borrowed, replacing objects that were broken or stolen, or making a conscious effort to change your ways such as through volunteering or signing up to be an organ donor. You may not always be able to make direct amends or repair the damage done, but there is always the opportunity to make a positive change moving forward.

The people you connect with have a positive impact on your recovery. They are the ones you can turn to when things get tough and the ones you want to celebrate your successes with. They are people who have seen you at your best and also at your worst, but who love you just the same and want to see you succeed. They are new friends who give you the drive and motivation to keep going, who you share new interests and goals with. They are also old friends who you may have unintentionally hurt but are making a conscious effort to rebuild trust with and develop a stronger relationship.

Take the time to value the positive people in your life and those who have stood by your side. Above It All can help you develop the skills and strategies you need to make amends and discover what the best things in your life are.

[cta] Join the conversation on Facebook and share your insight on the best things in life and making amends! [/cta]

Relapse: Getting Back Up After Falling In Recovery

There are many challenges to face when you are on the road to recovery. One of the biggest obstacles is the chance of relapse, which can have a devastating effect on the process. Falling during recovery may lower your morale and make you feel like you’ve failed, but you need to have the courage to push forward. Relapse is another obstacle to overcome, and with the right support and methods, you can get back on the road to recovery. Here are a few tips for helping you get back on your feet after relapse.

  • Let it all out. If you’ve relapsed, it’s okay to come to terms with what has happened and to let it out with a good cry. Bottling up your emotions inside can be harmful, both physically and psychologically. Take a few minutes to simply let your feelings come out, whether it’s done in private or with a close friend or family member.
  • Speak with someone. Few things are as difficult as trying to overcome addiction or relapse alone. Find someone to confide in who will boost your morale and who will offer support on the road to recovery. It’s also a good idea to get professional help from client advocates with extensive experience and knowledge within the field. You will need that assistance to keep you from falling once again.
  • Don’t view relapse as failure. You shouldn’t consider your relapse as a failure, but rather as a bump in the road. According to statistics from the National Institute on Drug Abuse, addiction relapse follows the same trends as any other chronic disease, such as Hypertension and Type 1 Diabetes. Relapse doesn’t mean failure; it means that treatment needs to be modified and adjusted.
  • Learn from your mistakes. What exactly caused you to stumble? Did you expose yourself to certain factors that triggered the relapse? As with any mistake in your life, it’s crucial that you take relapse as a learning experience. Find out who or what caused you to fall, and work on not letting it happen again in the future.

People who fall in recovery must remember that relapse is not an end-all scenario. It may take some time, but with the proper support and treatment, it’s very possible to get back on the right track and to work towards complete recovery.

[cta] What are some methods for motivating you to get back on the road to recovery after relapse? [/cta]