For those struggling with trauma, substances such as drugs and alcohol can seem to offer a way to cope with emotional pain. It’s a false promise, of course. The numbing effects of the drink or the drug will eventually wear off, and the pain will return in force. And with it often comes a new…
The consequences of an active and unchecked addictive disorder can be far-reaching and devastatingly impactful as every aspect of an individual’s life becomes vulnerable to the effects of problematic substance use. Losses occur across the spectrum of daily life—in relationships, finances, physical health, mental and emotional stability, self-esteem, self-image, spirituality, motivation, and confidence. The possibility…
Trauma recovery programs help individuals suffering from trauma or abuse, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and/or sexual addiction/compulsivity. Such individuals may also be chemically dependent and may even have co-occurring psychiatric issues. Some patients enter a trauma recovery program after they have completed traditional treatment for addiction and have relapsed. Research shows that there’s a high…
If you are a person who has experienced repetitive, long-term captivity or abuse, you can develop a disorder known as complex post-traumatic stress disorder, or C-PTSD. The causes of complex post-traumatic stress disorder are usually a series of traumas that occur over a long period of time, rather than by a single traumatic event. Being…
According to recent research, prisoners are at higher risk or PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder. Using data collected from a survey, the researchers found that being incarcerated nearly doubles the risk that a man will suffer from this devastating condition. Few studies have looked into this issue, but knowing that there is a connection between…
Complex PTSD occurs when a person has been exposed to long-term trauma, such as ongoing domestic violence, forced prostitution, being held hostage or long-term childhood abuse. Most people who suffer from complex PTSD experience problems with regulating their emotions, memory problems, dissociation, difficulty trusting others, having stable relationships, and problems with self-perceptions of guilt, shame,…
Even the smallest childhood traumas can strongly influence our adult lives. We tend to think of early trauma as violence, sexual abuse, neglect and loss, or as something caused by major catastrophes, crimes or accidents. There are many different levels of overt trauma. However, there are subtle trauma effects that can lead to major consequences.…
Many psychologists believe journalists exposed to graphic and violent news footage could be at risk for post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, anxiety and other mental health disorders.
A new, modified screening tool can help doctors identify female veterans exposed to intimate partner violence, recent research from a group of U.S. institutions indicates.
In response to a recent story detailing serious quality-control problems at Army substance abuse treatment centers, U.S. Army leadership is taking decisive action. Secretary John McHugh and Chief of Staff Ray Odierno have ordered the Army Inspector General’s office to open an investigation into this developing scandal, giving it free and open access to records…