When people hear about post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), they often think of soldiers returning from war or people who have survived dramatic, life-threatening events. While PTSD can undoubtedly stem from such experiences, trauma exists in many other forms and can have long-lasting, deep-set impacts on someone’s mental health. One form of trauma-related condition that is receiving increasing attention is complex PTSD (cPTSD).
If you’ve been searching for ways to address trauma or even wondering whether symptoms of PTSD may coincide with addiction, the trained and knowledgeable team at Promises Washburn House can help you understand cPTSD and available treatments—like our PTSD treatment program in Worcester, MA, that can put you on the path to healing.
What to Know About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. About 6% of people in the United States—that’s 6 out of every 100—will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Every year, roughly 5% of adults are affected. In 2020, an estimated 13 million Americans were living with PTSD.1
People struggling with PTSD often avoid certain places or situations—and experience flashbacks, nightmares, and overwhelming anxiety. These symptoms are usually triggered by traumatic experiences. Trauma overloads the brain and makes it difficult to process and store those memories, which leads to intense emotional and physical reactions, even long after the event is over.
But it’s important to remember that trauma doesn’t have to be life-threatening to cause PTSD. Emotional trauma, like dealing with neglect or being in toxic relationships, can deeply affect mental health, too. Everyone’s experience is valid, and no one should feel like their struggles don’t matter.
What Are the Various Types of Trauma-Related Conditions?
Trauma-related conditions don’t look the same for everyone. Here are some ways they can manifest in different forms based on the type, frequency, and severity of the trauma experienced:
- Acute trauma – Occurs after a single, specific event, such as a car accident or a natural disaster
- Chronic trauma – Results from repeated and prolonged exposure to stressful or traumatic situations, such as ongoing abuse or living in a warzone
- Complex trauma – Arises from exposure to multiple, interrelated traumatic events over time, often beginning in childhood
- Secondary trauma – Also known as compassion fatigue, this occurs when someone experiences trauma indirectly, such as a caregiver witnessing others’ pain repeatedly
PTSD is most closely related to acute trauma since it typically develops after a single, harrowing event that overwhelms a person’s capacity to cope. Events like assaults, natural disasters, or severe accidents are often linked to PTSD, but it’s important to remember that long-term or repeated trauma can also play a big role. When someone has gone through ongoing difficult experiences, it can have a deep impact.
Understanding the kind of trauma someone has faced is key to helping them with a recovery plan that truly supports their healing. For mental health professionals, understanding the specific roots of trauma enables them to provide survivors with the compassion and support needed for healing.
What Is Complex PTSD?
While PTSD is commonly associated with singular traumatic events, complex PTSD is linked to ongoing, repetitive trauma, often occurring in interpersonal relationships or over extended periods.2 These experiences can be particularly damaging when they occur in situations where escape is not possible, such as childhood abuse, domestic violence, or captivity.
cPTSD develops over time, often intertwining with deeply rooted feelings of shame, unworthiness, or mistrust, making it feel like a heavy weight that is impossible to escape. Living with cPTSD can be a heavy burden, affecting relationships, self-esteem, and the decisions people make every day. That’s why it’s so important to approach healing in a way that sees the whole person, with trauma-informed care that truly understands and honors their unique experiences.
What Are the Signs of cPTSD?
Unlike PTSD, where symptoms often revolve around reliving a traumatic incident, cPTSD has additional layers. If you’re unsure whether complex PTSD might be affecting you or a loved one, here are some common signs to consider:
- Difficulty regulating emotions
- Negative self-perception
- Avoidance and dissociation
- Challenges in trust and intimacy
- Flashbacks and intrusive thoughts
- Physical symptoms like headaches, stomach problems, or constant fatigue
Recognizing these signs is an important step toward finding support and healing. It can make speaking to a professional much easier and help loved ones provide the right support.
Can PTSD Co-Occur with Addiction?
It’s not uncommon for PTSD—or complex PTSD—to coexist with addiction. Some turn to substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or illicit drugs to self-medicate, numbing their emotional or physical pain.
Research indicates that many people with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) have a history of childhood trauma and probable self-medication.3 Unfortunately, while substances may provide temporary relief, they often exacerbate symptoms in the long run, creating an unhealthy cycle that’s difficult to break without structured help.
This dual diagnosis of PTSD and addiction requires an integrated approach to treatment, addressing both conditions simultaneously for the best chance of recovery.
How PTSD Treatment Can Help
If you’re dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder, complex PTSD, or struggling with addiction alongside it, getting the right help can truly change your life. Trauma-informed care and evidence-based treatments like those offered at Promises Washburn House can help untangle the complex layers of trauma and its impacts on your life.
Some effective therapies for PTSD and cPTSD include:
- Trauma-informed therapy – Focuses on understanding and healing the root causes of trauma
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) – Helps rewire negative thought patterns and reshape responses to traumatic triggers
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) – Teaches practical skills to manage overwhelming emotions and improve interpersonal relationships
- Mindfulness practices – Guided meditations and breathing exercises to restore a sense of calm and presence
When it comes to addressing addiction alongside trauma, many programs also incorporate detox services, group support, and relapse prevention plans to pave the way for long-term recovery.
Connect with Promises Washburn House and Enroll in Our PSTD Treatment Program
Living with complex PTSD or struggling with PTSD and addiction can be overwhelming and lonely—but you don’t have to go through it on your own. With the right support and treatment, healing is absolutely possible.
At Promises Washburn House, we’re here to help. If you’re ready to take that first step toward a healthier, happier life, reach out to us today. You can contact us online or give us a call at 855.298.3104—we’re here to support you.
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