People going through a traumatic event will naturally feel fear for a while after it, but if this feeling continues, it´s possible that you have developed post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is one of those conditions that can go unnoticed. Meanwhile, data shows that about 6 in every 100 people will experience PTSD at some point in their lives.
PTSD is also one of those conditions that people often try to self-medicate for, and one of the vicious cycles that can develop is that of PTSD and meth. Cases like this should address post-traumatic stress disorder and meth addiction simultaneously, and for that, we rely on dual-diagnosis treatments like the one provided by We Level Up Lawrenceville NJ.
It´s important to treat both PTSD and meth addiction at the same time, keeping in mind that they impact each other and can change the overall clinical image. Also, one is typically the underlying reason for the other, and psychotherapy needs to address that.
Understanding PTSD and Methamphetamine Use
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition developed as a reaction to a traumatic event, whether a person experienced it, witnessed it, or even only heard of it. Typically, symptoms of PTSD start manifesting three months after the event, and for diagnosis to be established, an adult must have all of these occurring for at least a month:
- At least one re-experiencing symptom
- At least one avoidance symptom
- At least two (hyper)arousal and reactivity symptoms
- At least two cognitive and mood symptoms
Re-experiencing symptoms are related to the feeling that one is reliving the traumatic event. In this category, we have symptoms like flashbacks, recurring memories or dreams, distraught thoughts, and physical signs of stress.
Avoidance symptoms are all about staying away from places, events, or objects that remind of the traumatic event, and about avoiding feelings and thoughts related to the same event.
Arousal and reactivity symptoms are numerous and may include being easily startled, feeling tense, on edge, or on guard, having difficulties concentrating or sleep disturbances, feeling irritable or having aggressive outbursts, and engaging in risky, reckless, and destrictive behavior.
Finally, cognitive and mood symptoms are related to troubles with thoughts and feelings, like having trouble remembering some aspects of the traumatic event, having ongoing negative thoughts and exaggerated feelings of blame directed at oneself, loss of interest and social isolation, and difficulties experiencing positive emotions.
Methamphetamine, or simply meth, is a highly addictive, man-made central nervous system stimulant that creates more dopamine and can make you feel very energized. The other neurotransmitter it impacts is noradrenaline, which causes a “fight or flight” chemical response.
Meth impacts parts of the brain related to memory, emotion, and decision-making. One of the consequences of meth use can be trouble with emotion regulation and bad habits breaking, resulting in increased meth use as a way to experience positive emotions. The inability to break this bad habit is something to be addressed during rehab. This aspect of meth use can explain why PTSD and meth use cycle is difficult to break.
A study discovered that PTSD avoidance and hyperarousal symptoms, but not re-experiencing, were related to meth use. This would mean that those struggling with PTSD mostly try to regulate their emotions and related behaviors by taking meth. Ironically, meth makes emotion regulation even more difficult, which in turn results in more meth use, and a vicious circle is formed.
Challenges in Treating PTSD and Meth Use
Addressing PTSD and meth use on their own is not easy, but having them co-occur poses new challenges. Treating addiction and a mental condition should not be done separately. The connection between PTSD and addiction to meth significantly contributes to the overall clinical image. The causes and symptoms of these states are intertwined, impacting each other.
More than requiring a dual diagnosis treatment NJ, the challenge is to recognize these conditions and get someone to admit they are having mental health problems. A significant factor in it is the stigma surrounding mental conditions and substance use.
More often than not, people are worried about coming forward with the PTSD problem, thinking others might not trust them. Even more, war veterans might think they´d be seen as weak, making it less likely they would seek help and more likely they would self-medicate. Once a meth and PTSD connection is formed, and one realizes they´re having a problem with addiction, the shame might take place, postponing help-seeking even more.
Finally, the lack of information and education on these topics makes it difficult for friends and family to recognize that their loved ones are struggling. Especially with PTSD, people might take some behavioral signs as a normal occurrence after a traumatic event, and expect them to pass on their own. Once their loved ones start showing signs of recovery, it´s more likely they will assume this is exactly what happened, instead of leaning into addiction as a way to help themselves.
No matter the reason for not recognizing PTSD and meth addiction, the result is delayed treatment and, with that, more severe symptoms and conditions.
Comprehensive Treatment Approaches in New Jersey
As mentioned before, it is essential to treat PTSD and meth addiction simultaneously. Addressing one without addressing the other or treating one and then the other will make the whole process more challenging and less efficient, as this meth and PTSD bond will not be worked on.
For the maximum effect, it is important to have a well-rounded, integrated, and holistic approach provided by a specialized facility like New Jersey meth rehab, This approach to treatment ensures that the body, mind, and spirit are being treated with equal care.
Role of Dual Diagnosis Treatment for PTSD and Meth Use
Comprehensive attention can be best delivered by a dual-diagnosis treatment as it recognizes PTSD and meth use as intercorrelated and not separated conditions. It also treats them with equal care, understanding their impact on each other, which iis especially important when establishing new behavioral patterns through therapy.
The essential first step would be meth detox in New Jersey, one that is medicine-assisted and supported by professional psychological care. The goal is to make those first, especially physically challenging days of treatment, more comfortable and safe.
Once the body is cleansed and the client feels safe and taken care of, we can proceed to the next level of treatment – psychotherapy. With evidence-based therapeutical approaches, we are able to identify and analyze maladaptive patterns of behavior but also address the experience of trauma that initiated the cascade of PTSD and meth use.
Both individual and group therapy are valuable choices and can provide different aspects of safety, connection, and care. Understanding you are not alone in this, whether because you have support from a therapist or from a group going through the same struggle, is a powerful empowerment tool anyone can benefit from.
Inpatient Rehab as a Viable Option
Whenever there is a detox phase of a treatment, we strongly recommend an inpatient service. Opting for a residential or inpatient rehab comes with many benefits. The most obvious ones are related to constant care, 24/7 support, and availability of professional staff. The safety of processes like detoxification is an indispensable element of inpatient care.
While staying in the inpatient rehab facility in NJ you are guaranteed absolute comfort and peace, and with that, the opportunity to focus on yourself. You need not worry about things like cooking, cleaning, or doing laundry, as these services are provided to you, leaving you with both time and headspace to address your issues. A schedule is provided for you to keep you on track.
Finally, by staying in facilities, you don’t isolate yourself but rather connect to those experiencing similar problems and challenges. This further empowers you on your recovery journey.
A Few Final Words on PTSD and Meth Use
From everything said, it´s easy to conclude that addressing both PTSD and meth use is not an easy task. However, viable options exist, and recovery is possible. The most important thing is recognizing the problem and seeking help in the right place. Daul-diagnosis centers, like We Level Up NJ, are a good place to start when seeking information and advice.
Reach out to our specialized and professional staff to find the best solution for yourself or a loved one. The sooner you start, the sooner things will get better.
Sources:
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20153121
https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/parents-educators/lesson-plans/mind-matters/methamphetamine
https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd
Photos used:
https://www.pexels.com/photo/man-in-black-long-sleeve-shirt-lying-on-gray-couch-4101155
https://www.pexels.com/photo/photo-of-golden-cogwheel-on-black-background-3785927
