Coping With Trauma and PTSD at South Shore Recovery Center

At South Shore Recovery Center, we understand the profound impact post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other conditions have on addiction recovery. We offer personalized treatment programs to assist patients in healing from past traumas. Our tailored care plans help individuals regain control and find peace in their recovery journey. The compassionate care team and evidence-based therapies successfully treat trauma and PTSD. 

Coping With Trauma and PTSD at South Shore Recovery Center

Find Healing and Reclaim Your Peace From Trauma and PTSD

Patients find healing and reclaim peace from the effects of trauma and PTSD through our comprehensive treatment programs. Our tailored trauma-informed services address the deep-rooted impact of trauma, helping individuals build resilience and improve their quality of life. We guide patients through recovery by providing skill development, compassionate support, and integrative care. Individuals living with trauma gain comfort and understanding from the welcoming community at South Shore Recovery Center. 

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health disorder caused by witnessing or experiencing trauma. Shocking events and chronic stress may also cause people to develop trauma-related mental health issues. According to the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), “It’s normal to have upsetting memories, feel on edge, or have trouble sleeping after a traumatic event.” However, “If it’s been longer than a few months and you’re still having symptoms, you may have PTSD.” Often, people with PTSD require professional mental health treatment to successfully manage their condition. South Shore Recovery Center treats trauma and PTSD alongside substance use disorder (SUD) using a whole-person approach to care. 

Symptoms and Side Effects

Psychological trauma can cause a wide range of emotional and behavioral responses during rehabilitation. Some of the most common symptoms and side effects of PTSD include: 

  • Avoidance of thoughts, behaviors, people, places, or items related to the trauma 
  • Intrusive thoughts related to the trauma 
  • Difficulty recalling details of the traumatic event
  • Triggered trauma responses 
  • Dissociative events, including sensory flashbacks of the traumatic event 
  • Feeling tense, on edge, and easily startled
  • Sleep disturbances, including night terrors or insomnia
  • Overwhelming and persistent feelings of fear, guilt, shame, anger, or other negative emotions related to the trauma

Symptoms may start within days or weeks of the event or may not manifest for years. For example, some soldiers have reported not experiencing PTSD until after they retire. To meet the criteria for PTSD, the symptoms must be present the majority of days for longer than two weeks. 

How Trauma Affects the Mind and Body

Trauma has a profound effect on how people process the world around them and manage stress. Many people with PTSD and other trauma-related disorders have difficulty managing stress, intense emotions, and trauma triggers due to intrusive psychological and physical reactions. Studies have shown that “more severe responses include continuous distress without periods of relative calm or rest, severe dissociation symptoms, and intense intrusive recollections that continue despite a return to safety.” 

Trauma affects the mind and body by doing the following: 

  • Creating a sense of powerlessness and helplessness 
  • Increasing self-destructive, risk-taking, or self-harming behaviors 
  • Causing physical discomfort, pain, or distress
  • Weakening the immune system 
  • Causing emotional detachment or numbness 
  • Negatively impacting memory and concentration 
  • Altering brain chemistry 
  • Causing hypervigilance 
  • Reducing sleep quality and overall health

The symptoms and side effects of trauma look different for everyone. Two people experiencing the same traumatic experience may have very different reactions. 

Recognizing When It's Time to Seek Trauma Therapy

People may benefit from trauma therapy if they find it difficult to function day-to-day or maintain relationships due to the impact of trauma or PTSD. We encourage anyone who recognizes the signs and symptoms of PTSD to get screened immediately. Untreated trauma may lead to the development of maladaptive coping mechanisms, including substance abuse and other self-destructive behaviors. Individuals who seek trauma therapy immediately after noticing potential signs of PTSD have a lower risk of developing SUD, PTSD, and additional mental health disorders. 

PTSD and Co-Occurring Addiction

Some individuals with PTSD use alcohol, prescription medications, and illegal substances to cope with emotional distress. In addition, some individuals with SUD experience traumas leading to PTSD. The two conditions may contribute to each other or develop independently. Co-occurring PTSD and SUD causes more severe symptoms for both conditions. PTSD also impacts how people react to addiction recovery treatment programs and services. South Shore Recovery Center uses tailored treatment programs to meet every patient where they are today. The flexibility and support of day and half-day programs facilitate long-term recovery from co-occurring SUD and PTSD. 

Effective Treatment Options for PTSD

Some of the most effective treatment services for individuals with dual diagnosis involving PTSD and SUD include: 

  • Group therapy
  • Individual counseling and therapy 
  • Trauma-informed therapy 
  • Family therapy 
  • Complementary therapies 
  • Prescription medication
  • Relapse prevention education 
  • Aftercare planning

South Shore Recovery Center treats all active conditions simultaneously and addresses underlying issues to reduce the severity of symptoms and help patients heal from the effects of trauma. Clinicians collaborate with patients to create effective and appropriate crisis intervention strategies to ensure patients feel safe and comfortable throughout treatment and aftercare.

The Role of Psychotherapy in Healing From Trauma

Psychotherapy is a cornerstone of trauma treatment. Many individuals experience significant improvement in their overall quality of life after participating in counseling and psychotherapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and other talk therapies are some of the most common treatments used to address trauma. We use psychotherapy to provide patients with guidance, support, accountability, and skill development. Therapy gives patients a safe space to reprocess the thoughts, feelings, memories, and beliefs related to traumatic events.  

Strategies for Coping With Stress and PTSD Triggers at South Shore Recovery Center

South Shore Recovery Center provides patients with strategies for navigating relationships and managing stress while coping with PTSD. We help patients identify triggers and develop practical skills for managing their trauma responses. The treatment programs empower patients to achieve their goals and recover from the effects of trauma. 

Post-traumatic stress disorder and other trauma-related conditions have the potential to significantly impact a person’s physical, emotional, and spiritual health. To learn more information about how we can help, call South Shore Recovery Center today at (774) 515-2878.

Table of Contents

Questions About Treatment?

If you or your loved one are ready to begin healing from substance use disorder or mental health challenges in Plymouth, Massachusetts, South Shore Recovery is here for you. Let us guide you on your journey toward sustainable wellness by reaching out to our knowledgeable and compassionate team today.
Here are some notable similarities they share: