Understanding Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Addiction

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a relatively new diagnosis for something that has been around for a very long time. As the name implies, PTSD is a condition that occurs after traumatic events have happened to an individual.

Soldiers during World War I first used the term “shell shock” to describe the symptoms that some soldiers who had experienced military action were exhibiting. The description did not reach the medical profession, however, until 1915 when doctor and psychologist Charles Meyers began his research and treatment of affected soldiers. Meyers described “shell shock” as a range of symptoms that he was sure were psychological and were caused by repressed trauma. He also encouraged and developed psychological treatment protocols.

Meyer’s research was not taken seriously by many of his colleagues. Even as understanding about the diagnosis grew, it was believed to be a condition that only happened to soldiers in military battles.

It was not until 65 years later, in 1980 that Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) was added as an official diagnosis to the third edition of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-III).  With this diagnosis, a broader base of trauma was understood to create symptoms that met the criteria for the diagnosis; it was no longer considered a diagnosis limited to military personnel who had experienced trauma on the battlefield.

As understanding of the true nature of PTSD has continued over the years, the diagnostic criteria for PTSD has expanded to include people exposed to a catastrophic event involving real or threatened death or injury to self or others. This includes sexual violence or indirect exposure such as learning of violent or accidental death or sexual violence to a loved one.

With a diagnosis of PTSD, symptoms occur following exposure to the traumatic event, with the traumatic event retaining the power to evoke panic, terror, dread, grief, or despair sometimes for decades, or if untreated, even for life. These emotions can occur in vivid, traumatic nightmares, intrusive thoughts, images while awake, or flashbacks sometimes triggered by an external stimulus. No two people experience PTSD in exactly the same way, but none the less, the distress is real for all who suffer PTSD.

Someone with PTSD can feel helpless and hopeless. Suicidal thoughts are common, as is the abuse of alcohol or other substances in an attempt to stop the intrusive thoughts, memories, and experiences triggered by PTSD.

PTSD is common with military veterans, but it is not limited to them. Combat trauma or Military Sexual Trauma (MST) can lead to PTSD, as can non-military physical or sexual trauma.

At Gulf Breeze Recovery we have a professional staff experienced in the most up to date treatment for PTSD, and substance abuse issues. We understand combat trauma and military sexual trauma and believe our military veterans and others experiencing PTSD deserve compassionate care to help them overcome their past and embrace their future.

Our professional and medical staff are available to provide quality care for both substance abuse and PTSD treatment delivered with kindness and respect.