61% of American men and 5% of American women state that they have undergone at least one experience that they considered being traumatic within their life. A startling 90% of those who attend treatment in public behavioral healthcare realms report that they have been through a traumatic event. If these disturbances are not worked through properly, and the individual has underlying mental health difficulties and addiction problems, there is a good chance that they will not be in the best of physical health. Other areas of their lives, such as social, occupational, and educational, may also suffer. Unfortunately, by avoiding coping with the misery from the shocking event which the individual went through, the person’s ability to recover can be negatively hampered.

The Connection Between Trauma and AddictionWhat is trauma? We each experience events with our own perceptions. Thus, trauma for one person may be brushed off by another individual. If the event has long-term negative effects on your day to day activities, spiritual welfare, relationships, emotions, or thoughts, there is a good chance that you saw the event as traumatic. These happenings can occur one time or as a succession of not-so-positive experiences. Often, when they are thought to be traumatic, the experience has had a physical or emotional negative consequence on the individual, and there is even a chance that the event was life-threatening.

How Can I Tell if My Loved One or I Have a Dual Diagnosis Disorder, Such as PTSD or Addiction?

Going through a physical, witnessed, or emotional trauma does not mean that you will develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or any other mental health difficulties. However, depending on the substances you are abusing and which mental health symptoms you are experiencing, there is a chance that getting a psychological evaluation to see if you have a dual disorder diagnosis could aid in your recovery. This is especially true if you have seen that the symptoms you are experiencing are negatively are altering realms of your life, including social, educational, physical health, familial, occupational, and recreational. Going to a doctor and a psychologist to rule out other options, such as prescribed medication side effects, physical health issues, or adjustment disorders, is crucial. It is also essential to get a proper diagnosis to tailor a treatment plan to your individual needs.

Some red flags signaling that a psychological evaluation for dual diagnosis disorders, including PTSD, are:

  • The use of illicit substances and alcohol to regulate discomfort or temperament, to reduce anxiety in situations that would otherwise make you feel uncomfortable, to stay attentive, or to block out memories and feelings you would rather not experience.
  • Correlations between mental health symptoms and substance or alcohol use. Do you utilize cocaine when you need to stay awake for longer periods of time? Do you smoke pot when you are anxious?
  • Do you have a familial history of substance use disorders or mental health disorders?
  • Do uncomfortable feelings, such as anxiety or depression, linger even when you are sober?
  • Is there a history of trauma or abuse in your past that you have yet to work through?
  • Have you been treated for substance use disorders or mental health disorders in the past?

Alternative Rehab Options for Those Diagnosed with Substance Use Disorders or Dual Diagnosis Disorders

Both you and your loved ones deserve the chance to gain freedom from alcohol, opiates, cannabis, stimulants, and other addictive substances. At Discovery Place, we understand the importance of a good support system and have individuals that have experience in sobriety to aid you on your journey. We want to help you gain the skills you need to cope with the symptoms of your co-occurring disorders while remaining drug- and alcohol-free. Doing so can aid you in improved relationships, educational focus and achievement, occupationally, and with a wide variety of other life goals. Discovery Place of Burns, Tennessee is just a phone call away. Contact us today at 1-800-725-0922!

Testimonials

  • Discovery Place was the answer for my son. He did the 90 day and then the step down program and sober living. We give this organization 10 stars. They met my son where he was …emotionally, mentally, physically. They helped him put his life back on track. Discovery Place employees care about their guests. If your son, brother, nephew, grandson or husband needs excellent supportive care THIS is indeed the facility.

    Kim Morton
    Alumni Parent
  • I have remained sober and it is because of DP. DP is the best place there is, hands down. I keep everyone there in my prayers, and I encourage everyone there to take what they are practicing and do it in their lives, after.

    Roy Mantelli
    Alumni
  • Over the past year, I’ve been putting into actin what Discovery Place taught me, and I have experienced a complete perspective change of the world, and the people in it. I get to be a man of service and love today, and for that I am grateful to Discovery Place.

    Matt Kassay
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place means the world to me. They showed me the tools that I’ve tried to use everyday in my life to think less often of myself, and more frequently of others. I am learning to lend a hand when I am able and to have a honest and humble relationship with God and the people around me. Not only am I clean and sober, but also I am happy and fulfilled.

    Tommy Parker
    Alumni
  • Discovery Place and the men who work there made recovery attractive, and more importantly, fun. There is strength in the struggle. I am forever grateful for my time at Discovery Place.

    Creed McClellan
    Alumni
  • When I got to Discovery Place my whole life was in shambles, but I didn’t know it. I spent 6 months in their programs, participating in all three phases, and was met with kindness and love all along the way. It is unbelievable to me, where I am now relative to where I was when I arrived at DP.

    Lance Duke
    Alumni
  • I can never say enough good things about Discovery Place and the people who work there. Before checking in to DP, I was out of options and out of answers. Fortunately, Discovery Place has a solution. Taking suggestions from the staff at DP saved my life, and as a result, I’m now more content and hopeful about life. I’m grateful for Discovery Place showing me how to live a healthy life so that I can become a better man and help the next guy.”

    Tyler Buckingham
    Alumni

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