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If painful experiences from the past are getting in the way of the life you deserve, you may be living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD occurs when a person experiences a distressing or terrifying event. Most of us encounter trauma at some point during our lives. According to the National Institute of Mental Health, almost 4% of adults in the U.S. suffer from PTSD. It can be debilitating but responds well to proper, individualized treatment.
Finding help for PTSD involves choosing the right trauma treatment center. A top-quality trauma treatment center offers multiple treatment programs, levels of care, and trauma therapy experts.
In this article, we’ll delve into what post-traumatic stress disorder is, how PTSD is established, what causes it, and how the treatment options at NuLife Behavioral Health in Illinois can help you recover from PTSD.
Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Although we typically think of PTSD as a condition caused by combat, PTSD may come from many life-threatening situations, such as a car accident or assault. Abuse and neglect can also cause PTSD.
Research shows that not everyone who experiences dangerous events develops PTSD. It largely depends on how each person reacts during those instances. Some may feel scared, while others experience significant stress but manage to recover without long-lasting effects.
Symptoms Of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder symptoms usually start within three months following a trauma, but there can be instances when they appear years later.
This list includes the more common symptoms of PTSD.
- Intrusive Memories. Persistent unwanted distressing memories related to their past traumas haunt those suffering from PTSD.
- Avoidance Behavior. This symptom involves deliberately avoiding any reminders linked with their traumatic event.
- Poor self-image
- Emotional numbness. Some people with PTSD feel numb and cut off from others.
- Experiencing flashbacks of the trauma event.
- Overwhelming feelings of guilt.
- Avoiding people and places that remind them of the trauma.
- Difficulty remembering the specifics of the traumatic event
- Increased anxiety and tension.
- Trouble recalling specifics of the traumatic event.
- Symptoms similar to depression and anxiety.
- Insomnia, nightmares.
- Irritability and aggressive behaviors
PTSD and Addiction
People often try to control their PTSD symptoms on their own. They may use legal and illicit substances as a way to self-medicate these symptoms. However, any relief these substances might deliver also brings a high risk of addiction. That’s why substance addiction and alcoholism often comes with PTSD.
The Dual Diagnosis Approach to Addiction Treatment
Dual diagnosis care involves treating mental health disorders and addiction at the same time. When treating addiction, especially with trauma-related disorders like PTSD, the dual diagnosis approach has proven its effectiveness. This method addresses both conditions simultaneously. promoting a more comprehensive healing and recovery process.
Ensuring Safety in Trauma Recovery
A key element of addressing trauma is ensuring physical and emotional safety during the entire process. Creating environments where patients feel secure enough allows them to explore painful memories.
NuLife’s Comprehensive Dual Diagnosis Program
NuLife Illinois provides personalized care plans tailored to each patient’s needs. Our trauma treatment center in Chicago offers dual diagnosis programs, including group therapy sessions, IOP (Intensive Outpatient) services, and PHP (Partial Hospitalization Programs).
Dedicated Team at NuLife
NuLife’s trained staff of mental health specialists offers the best care throughout each phase of recovery from addiction associated with PTSD, making a positive impact in the lives of numerous individuals daily.
Key Takeaway
At NuLife Chicago, we believe in complete treatment for trauma and addiction. Our dual diagnosis treatment programs address addiction and trauma together. We prioritize physical and emotional safety while fostering open communication throughout the journey. With individual treatment, personalized care plans, and dedicated professionals, we’re committed to helping individuals overcome PTSD-related addictions.
How NuLife Can Help With Trauma Treatment
NuLife Behavioral Health in Illinois offers programs for people grappling with PTSD. Our trauma recovery center provides individual therapy, group therapy sessions, family therapy and day treatment. Day treatment includes an intensive outpatient program (IOP) and partial hospitalization programs (PHP).
Personalized Care at NuLife
NuLife Chicago provides you with personalized care. We conduct assessments and consider all factors that contribute to your condition. This enables us to create personalized recovery plans that address each person’s needs.
Beyond immediate intervention strategies, NuLife emphasizes developing a comprehensive continuing care plan. This individual treatment plan guides a patient through the journey beyond the early stages of the rehabilitation process.
Such plans often encompass ongoing counseling or therapeutic sessions, self-help meetings like AA or NA groups, and supportive measures based on the specific requirements of the individual involved.
PARTIAL HOSPITALIZATION PROGRAMS
NuLife Behavioral Health’s partial hospitalization program is a great option for those who have completed an inpatient rehab or detox, but still need the daily support and structure of treatment. PHP requires more time than our other outpatient services—approximately 4 to 5 hours a day, 5 days a week. Like intensive outpatient participants, persons in partial hospitalization will go home in the evening.
INTENSIVE OUTPATIENT OPTIONS
Our Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) is an option for clients who have completed more intensive treatment. IOP is also a good choice for those needing a flexible schedule. The intensive outpatient program combines both individual and group therapy sessions, educational groups and relapse prevention modules. IOP lasts for 2-3 hours a day, 2 to 3 days a week.
Treatment Therapies
IOP and PHP include the same therapeutic treatments, including:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) is instrumental in helping you recognize and change harmful thoughts and actions that fuel your addiction. Practical coping mechanisms for handling stressors and temptations are a key focus.
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) excels in aiding those with co-occurring disorders by honing emotional management and social skills. It blends cognitive techniques with mindfulness practices, enabling you to navigate emotional challenges and make wiser choices.
- Experiential Therapy: Through activities like dramatization, guided visualization, and artistic expression, this therapy allows you to confront hidden feelings and past traumas. It complements other scientifically supported techniques to offer a well-rounded treatment experience.
- Motivational Interviewing: This technique bolsters your innate desire for positive change. It’s especially beneficial for those who are hesitant or unsure about treatment, helping to clarify uncertainties and set the stage for transformation.
- 12-Step Facilitation: This model encourages active participation in 12-step programs, known for their effectiveness in sustaining long-term sobriety. Although not a conventional therapy, its foundational principles mesh well with other proven therapeutic approaches, offering community support and a systematic path to recovery.
- Transcranial Magnetic Stimulation (TMS).TMS is a non-invasive, research-supported treatment. TMS is approved by the FDA for use with PTSD, depression, and other mental health conditions. TMS uses powerful magnetic fields to stimulate groups of nerves in the brain. This brain stimulation returns these nerves to more normal functioning. TMS sessions take place on an outpatient basis and require no down time. A person can have a TMS session and return to their daily routine immediately.
The Role of Mental Health Professionals In Recovery
Therapists have training that help them provide PTSD. NuLife Behavioral Health’s trauma specialists are equipped with effective behavioral health strategies tailored to each person’s unique needs.
A Comprehensive Continuing Care Plan Post-Recovery
Our continuing care includes ongoing therapy sessions, medication management, check-ins with mental health professionals, and participating in support groups.
Maintaining this continuous approach ensures that any potential recurrence of symptoms is promptly addressed before they escalate into full-blown episodes, helping sustain psychologically safe conditions throughout various life situations encountered post-recovery.
FAQs about Trauma Treatment Center
What are recommended treatments for trauma?
Trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy and medication are commonly used in trauma treatment.
What are the four key elements of effective trauma treatment?
The four keys to successful trauma recovery include safety, self-regulation, processing traumatic memories, and reconnecting with everyday life.
What is the gold standard for trauma treatment?
Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT) and Prolonged Exposure (PE) therapy are often considered the gold standards in health treatment for treating traumatic stress disorder.
Conclusion
Understanding PTSD is the first step to recovery.
- Traumatic stress can lead to co-occurring conditions like addiction, which need a dual diagnosis approach for effective treatment.
- NuLife’s trauma treatment center provides personalized care and safe healing environments essential to dealing with PTSD.
- The necessity of getting professional aid in managing the symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder cannot be overstated.
- Maintaining psychologically safe conditions is crucial during recovery from PTSD and life after rehab.
If you or someone you know needs help navigating this journey, contact NuLife Illinois. We offer outpatient mental health and addiction treatment services tailored to your needs.
Learn More at NuLife Behavioral Health Illinois
When you are ready to take the next step in your recovery, reach out to us to learn more about our intensive outpatient program in Illinois. We can answer any questions you have about treatment, verify your insurance, and help you get started on the path to healing. Contact the NuLife Behavioral Health team today at 844.383.0626 to learn more about how to get started.
