Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse are frequently interconnected. The interaction can create a harmful cycle that is difficult for many individuals to break. But why do people with PTSD develop substance abuse problems? Understanding the cause is an integral part of effective treatment and support. 

In Balance Counseling, the leading provider of intensive outpatient programs in Tucson, examines the factors that drive the harmful chain between these two. Discover more and learn how to navigate these difficult topics with our help.

The Role of Trauma

The core of PTSD is trauma — an intense emotional response to distressing or dangerous events. The causes may include many unfortunate occurrences, such as combat exposure, childhood abuse, or accidents. 

Trauma can overwhelm the brain’s ability to regulate emotions, leading to harmful symptoms like intrusive thoughts, hypervigilance, and emotional detachment. Some individuals turn to alcohol or drugs to seek relief from such stressful memories and emotional pain.  

Coping and Self-Medication

Many people suffering from PTSD are more vulnerable to substance abuse because they lack effective coping strategies. Harmful substances often become a form of self-medication that appears to provide a temporary escape from feelings of anxiety and depression. 

All evidence shows this maladaptive strategy unfortunately worsens their condition. For example:

• Alcohol might deaden anxiety in the short term but disrupts sleep and heightens depressive symptoms.
• Sedatives may numb emotions but lead to dependency and withdrawal issues.
• Stimulants might temporarily boost energy levels but can increase irritability and hyperarousal.

Increased reliance on self-medication creates a vicious cycle where substance abuse exacerbates PTSD symptoms, leading to deeper addiction.

Why PTSD Links to Substance Abuse 

Why do people with PTSD develop substance abuse problems? There are several reasons why these issues interact:

• Stress amplification. Chronic stress drives individuals to seek quick relief.
• Environmental factors. Those exposed to environments normalizing substance use may be more likely to develop dependent behaviors.
• Biological changes. PTSD alters brain chemistry, reducing serotonin and dopamine levels. Drugs and alcohol may artificially increase these chemicals to supply temporary relief but often rewire the brain for addictive behavior.

Breaking the Cycle With Comprehensive Care

Recovery requires addressing both PTSD and substance abuse concurrently. Evidence-based treatments include:

• Therapy. Trauma-focused therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) help individuals process their experiences better and build healthier coping mechanisms.
• Medication-assisted treatment. Medications administered by a doctor can support recovery by managing symptoms and cravings.
• Support systems. Group therapy and peer support provide community while reducing isolation.

Contact In Balance Counseling for Help

Why do people with PTSD develop substance abuse problems? In Balance Counseling addresses both conditions through integrated care. We’ll discuss the warning signs of PTSD, how symptoms can lead to secondary problems, and provide professional support to help people reclaim their lives and health. 

If you or a loved one is struggling, reach out to In Balance Counseling in Tucson, AZ, at (520) 722-9631. Our team provides compassionate, evidence-based care to help individuals find balance and long-term recovery.

Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder can vary quite a bit from person to person, so what are the symptoms of ADHD you can recognize right off the bat? As an intensive outpatient program Tucson locals trust, In Balance Counseling knows a thing or two about the nuances of this common condition. Keep reading to learn more.

What Is ADHD?

ADHD affects how people focus and act. The hyperactivity component can make you feel intensely restless and impulsive. The attention component also means concentrating on tasks will prove more challenging than it should be for the average person.

What are the possible causes of ADHD? 

• Genetics plays a big part, as family history often shows a pattern. 
• Brain structure differences and environmental factors matter. 
• Exposure to toxic metals during pregnancy or a severe head injury could also increase the risk.

ADHD in Children

Are you a concerned parent? The sooner you notice the ADHD signs in your little one, the better. An early diagnosis helps them adjust to social environments and thrive at school.

The condition manifests in three ways:

Predominantly Inattentive Presentation

The individual takes longer to finish tasks and can’t follow instructions or conversations effectively. They’re prone to distractions and tend to forget the minute details. Even something in their usual routine could throw off someone with inattention ADHD.

Predominantly Hyperactive-Impulsive Presentation

Hyperactivity symptoms include fidgeting and running, jumping, or climbing constantly. The child finds it hard to sit still, like during mealtime or while doing homework.

Does your child often talk out of turn? They might interrupt others a lot and grab things from people without permission, too. This tendency to act without thinking may cause accidents when left untreated.

Combined Presentation ADHD

What are the symptoms of ADHD? It’s normal for children to show a mix of the mentioned behaviors. The occasional forgetfulness or prolonged bouts of energy aren’t always a confirmation, so pay attention to the frequency and intensity of these events.

ADHD Behavior in Adults

Many older individuals unknowingly live with ADHD and often attribute their struggles to stress or personality traits. Societal expectations add to the challenge.

Here’s an ADHD symptoms checklist for adults:

• Tendency to start new projects before finishing previous ones
• General carelessness or poor attention to detail
• Subpar organizational skills
• Difficulty prioritizing work
• Often misplacing or losing things
• Frequent feelings of restlessness
• History of interrupting people speaking
• Irritability and mood swings
• Extreme impatience
• Poor stress coping skills

The Long-Term Outlook After an ADHD Diagnosis

Behavioral therapies like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy and Parent Training help manage this condition. 

• CBT teaches individuals to challenge negative thoughts and behaviors. 
• Parent Training educates parents on setting clear rules and positive reinforcement.

Specialists also prescribe medications to help manage symptoms. Stimulants increase certain brain chemicals. Non-stimulants, though slower, can improve focus and attention.

Take the First Step With In Balance Counseling

Does ADHD affect memory and your quality of life? It can, so what are the symptoms of ADHD concerning you or your child that you’d like to double-check? If you have more questions or need to talk to someone, call In Balance Counseling at (520) 722-9631.

Post-traumatic stress disorder, or PTSD, is a mental health condition. Usually, traumatic events bring on PTSD, whether a person experienced it first-hand or witnessed it happen to someone else. While PTSD has a strong link with war veterans, this condition can occur to anyone who witnesses something tragic and, consequently, displays one or more of the five common symptoms.

What are the five signs of PTSD? In Balance Counseling covers the details below. Its intensive outpatient program in Tucson, AZ, commits to spreading mental health awareness, and PTSD is part of this focus.

Traumatic Experience

A PTSD diagnosis requires there to have been a traumatic event. It doesn’t matter if the person was actually in danger – it’s how the person perceived this situation. 

Veterans, first responders, or those who witnessed a tragic accident may develop PTSD.

Flashbacks or Nightmares

Those diagnosed with PTSD often endure the intrusion of recurring nightmares or flashbacks. Some people experience dissociation during flashbacks, which is when they lose awareness of their surroundings. 

Nightmares could interfere with the person’s ability to get a good night’s rest, which comes with challenges of its own.

Trigger Avoidance

People usually want to avoid triggers that spur their flashbacks, anxiety, or other PTSD symptoms. For example, the person may try to avoid:

• Conversations related to their trauma
• Troubling thoughts and feelings
• People and places similar to the source of the trauma
• Hobbies, media, or activities related to the traumatic event

If there are triggers, people may stop engaging in their favorite hobbies, visiting their favorite restaurants, or speaking to their closest friends that they somehow associate with the event. Veterans may find fireworks triggering. Someone assaulted during their childhood may avoid the street they grew up on.

Mood Changes

Happy people can turn into very unhappy individuals once they develop PTSD. Exaggerated thinking is common, like saying, “You can’t trust anyone” or “Cars are too dangerous to drive.”

People may also lose interest in hobbies and activities due to depression or feelings of estrangement. Struggling internally may also mean the person finds it harder to relate to their loved ones.

Behavioral Changes

What are the five signs of PTSD? One of the most noticeable answers is a change in behavior. For example, hypervigilance is a common trauma response where the person overreacts to startling sounds, always looks over their shoulder for danger, or sees restless sleep turning into outright insomnia.

A person who was always eager to go on adventures or take risks may become very careful about their choices due to their heightened anxiety. On the opposite end of the spectrum, a normally cautious person who loses hope in a positive future may become a risk-taker.

Contact In Balance Counseling for PTSD Help

If you are experiencing challenging symptoms or other unhealthy coping mechanisms, please reach out to professionals like In Balance Counseling. To recap, what are the five signs of PTSD? They include: 

• A traumatic experience to pinpoint
• Flashbacks or nightmares
• Trigger avoidance
• Behavioral and mood changes

An intensive outpatient program for PTSD could help you achieve physical, spiritual, social, and emotional healing. Call In Balance Counseling at (520) 722-9631 for help.