Getting to an NJ rehab treatment center can take a while, but, once an addict does seek treatment, they can benefit from a variety of therapies that will address their mental trauma as well as their addiction. Whether an individual suffers from PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) as the result of serving in the military, suffered abuse as a child, or experienced some other type of trauma, substance abuse is often a quick and easy coping method.
Even though the use of drugs or alcohol does help deal with the anxiety and memories of the trauma, it almost always leads to an addiction problem that ultimately worsens the individual’s experience. While the euphoric sensation helps chase away the symptoms of trauma, the brain soon adjusts to the presence of the substance, leading to a build-up of tolerance that requires using more of the substance to obtain the same effects. Soon, the individual needs the drug or alcohol just to feel normal, while the symptoms of their trauma still continue to affect them.
This creates a dangerous cycle that will continue to worsen unless the individual seeks professional help. The best way to get the needed treatment is to enter a NJ rehab facility. The recovery process starts with an intake evaluation that will analyze your physical and mental health to determine your needs as you go through addiction recovery. This will include a mental health evaluation, so it’s important to answer questions openly and honestly. When the caregivers in the facility are aware of your emotional trauma, they can customize a treatment plan that will give you the therapy you need to manage your emotional problems in a healthier manner.
While a large part of recovery will address your addiction and teach you the skills for coping with it, you’ll also work with mental health professionals to address your trauma and other issues that could affect your sobriety. In treating your other conditions together with your addiction, caregivers can give you a better chance for a sustainable recovery and a lower risk for relapse.
How Will a NJ Rehab Program Help You Deal With Mental Trauma
As there is a large number of veterans and former service members who struggle with both trauma and addiction, many treatment centers have adapted their programs to address these complex issues. In particular, CBT (cognitive behavioral therapy) is used to help recovering addicts deal with flashbacks and painful memories. For example, therapists teach individuals to take control of a moment by reminding themselves that the flashback isn’t real. Instead, the individual learns to remind themselves that they are safe and that the memory doesn’t pose a real danger. They can learn several methods of doing this, including identifying objects in their surroundings and tapping their arm with their fingers.
There are more methods a recovering addict can learn that will help them cope with painful memories rather than turning to substance abuse to avoid the problem. Regular therapy sessions throughout the treatment program will help recovering addicts get better at managing the symptoms of trauma in healthier ways. Additionally, the activities that are available in rehab can also help by teaching recovering addicts to engage in healthier ways of handling substance abuse triggers. Activities that include yoga, physical exercise, massage therapy, and some forms of physical therapy all help reduce the stress that leads to an increased risk for a relapse. Additionally, these activities help individuals focus on positive aspects of their health, which means they’re less likely to experience a flashback or painful memory.
While they may still experience episodes, the physical activity can help them work out their feelings through exertion. This gives them a way to focus their anger and fear, channeling those feelings into constructive activities. Additionally, therapists may prescribe antidepressant drugs to an individual to help them manage other symptoms of trauma. While you may not have fully recovered from your trauma by the time you leave a NJ rehab facility, you will have learned the tools that will help you cope with the memories and symptoms of trauma. These skills will help you function better in society, while keeping you from turning to unhealthy habits to deal with traumatic episodes. If you are struggling with addiction and trauma, call our counselors at 833-610-1174.
We’re available seven days a week, 24 hours a day to ensure help is always as close as your phone. We can help you find the rehab treatment option that’s best for your situation, so you’ll soon be living a cleaner, healthier, and happier lifestyle.