How to Handle Anxiety in Recovery
Anxiety in recovery isn’t just common—it’s a natural response as your brain and body relearn how to navigate life without substances. The good news? What feels like a vulnerability can become your greatest strength. Anxiety isn’t a sign you’re failing at recovery; it’s a signal that you’re healing. And with the right tools, you can transform it from a relapse trigger into a catalyst for growth. In this article, we’ll explore practical ways to navigate anxiety in recovery, including The Differents’ unique blend of clinical expertise and luxury care designed to help you thrive, not just survive, in sobriety. Why Anxiety Intensifies in Recovery Anxiety might worsen in the initial stages of recovery for a variety of reasons, many of which have to do with your brain and body readjusting to functioning without substances. When you remove substances, your body and mind go through profound changes that amplify anxious feelings. Here’s why: This pressure often creates a cruel irony—the more you fear relapse, the more anxiety tightens its grip. Mind and body: A vicious cycle Anxiety isn’t just in your head—it’s in your tense muscles, your shallow breathing, even your gut. Your physical discomfort in recovery can fuel your anxious thoughts and vice versa. This feedback loop highlights the importance of physical self-care (like our yoga/pilates and outdoor therapy) to help directly calm mental turmoil. At The Differents, we treat anxiety in recovery holistically. Our dual diagnosis program doesn’t just slap a bandage on symptoms—we help you rebuild your nervous system’s ability to handle stress, so anxiety becomes manageable, not overwhelming. Practical Ways to Manage Anxiety in Recovery Anxiety in recovery doesn’t have to be a white-knuckle experience. With the right tools—many of which we offer at The Differents—you can transform anxiety from an overwhelming force into a manageable part of your healing journey. Here’s how: 1. Mindfulness techniques When anxiety hits, your breath and senses become powerful anchors. These aren’t just quick fixes—they’re skills that get stronger with practice: While mindfulness helps in the moment, sometimes you need deeper tools to reshape anxious thought patterns long-term. 2. Therapeutic support Therapy at The Differents isn’t just talk—it’s targeted brain training: Therapy reshapes your mind, but your body needs equal attention to keep anxiety at bay. 3. Healthy lifestyle habits Anxiety lives in the gap between what your body needs and what it gets. We help close that gap: Even the best tools work better when you’re not using them alone. 4. Reach out before you burn out Isolation is anxiety’s playground. At The Differents, connection is built into your recovery: Anxiety in recovery isn’t a sign you’re failing—it’s the friction of growth. And with these tools, you’re not just surviving it; you’re learning to let it strengthen your sobriety. From Anxious to Empowered Anxiety in recovery isn’t a roadblock—it’s part of the path. What feels overwhelming now can become your greatest teacher, showing you where healing is needed most. At The Differents, we’ve seen countless clients transform their anxiety from a source of fear into fuel for growth, using the very tools we’ve shared here. With the right support—whether that’s our mindfulness practices, expert therapies, or holistic self-care—you can navigate anxiety without losing sight of how far you’ve come. Take the next step today: Reach out to The Differents to learn how our personalized approach can help you move from “I can’t handle this” to “I’ve got this.” FAQs
What is the First Step in Recovery from Addiction?
The thought of starting recovery can feel like standing at the base of a mountain—daunting, exhausting, and impossibly far from the top. Maybe you’ve wondered, “Where do I even begin?” or “Am I ready for this?” So, what is the first step in recovery? It begins with a simple but powerful act—acknowledgment. Recognizing that there is a problem and being open to change is the true starting point. It’s not about having all the answers or feeling completely ready. It’s about a moment of honest clarity that leads to seeking help. At The Differents, we know this moment isn’t just a checkbox; it’s the spark that lights a new way forward. Here, the first step isn’t walked alone. With holistic therapies, expert guidance, and a community that gets it, you’re not just starting recovery—you’re reimagining it. But that first spark of acceptance is where everything begins. Let’s explore how you can turn that moment into meaningful action. What Is The First Step in Recovery: Acceptance and Awareness The first step in recovery is often awareness and acceptance of the problem. It’s that split second when the excuses fade, and you see things as they are, not as you’ve convinced yourself they could be. This isn’t about blame or shame; it’s about clarity. Addiction thrives in the shadows of denial, but recovery begins when you turn on the light and say, “This isn’t working anymore.” Acceptance isn’t surrender—it’s empowerment. It’s the realization that change is possible, but only if you’re honest about where you’re starting. Maybe you’ve minimized the problem (“I can stop anytime”) or blamed outside factors (“Life’s just stressful right now”). These are normal defenses, but they’re also barriers. It can feel safer to downplay the problem or convince yourself that you have it under control. But deep down, there’s often a persistent feeling that things aren’t right. Accepting this truth doesn’t mean labeling yourself or feeling ashamed. It means allowing yourself to see reality without excuses. Where Acceptance Meets Action At The Differents, we understand this moment intimately. Our team has extensive experience in the treatment of addiction. That’s why we don’t meet you with textbooks or lectures—we meet you with respect, with space to breathe, and with the unwavering belief that what is the first step in recovery for one person might look different for another. When you step out of denial and into honesty, you give yourself the power to make real choices. You begin to understand that recovery isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress. What Comes Next? Now that you’ve faced the truth—the hardest part of what is the first step in recovery—you might wonder, “Okay, but what actually happens now?” Here’s the good news: acceptance isn’t the end of the journey. It’s the key that unlocks the door to real change. And behind that door? Options, support, and a path that’s yours to design. At The Differents, we don’t believe in one-size-fits-all recovery. That’s why we offer multiple levels of care, each tailored to meet you where you are: But recovery isn’t just about the level of care—it’s about how you heal. That’s where our unique therapies come in. Holistic and specialized therapies Our unique approach is built on a blend of evidence-based and holistic treatments, giving you the tools to heal your mind, body, and spirit: What is the first step in recovery? It’s acceptance—but what comes next is entirely up to you. At The Differents, you are in control of your journey. Maybe you start with withdrawal management, then transition to inpatient treatment with a side of acupuncture. Or perhaps PHP with daily EMDR speaks to you. There’s no “right” way—just your way. We’re here to support you without judgment, wherever you are. Every Journey Begins with a Single Step What is the first step in recovery if not the moment you decide your life is worth fighting for? You’ve already done the hardest part: you’ve shown up. Now, imagine what happens when you pair that courage with the right support—real experts, proven therapies, and a community that celebrates every small victory as much as the big ones. This isn’t about “fixing” yourself. It’s about uncovering the person who’s been there all along, beneath the weight of addiction. At The Differents, we don’t just help you heal; we help you reimagine what healing looks like. With luxury amenities, cutting-edge therapies, and a team that’s walked this path too, your recovery becomes more than a process—it becomes a transformation. Ready to take the next step? Call us today at (844) 407-0461 for a confidential conversation. No pressure, no scripts—just real talk about how we can help you write your next chapter. Frequently Asked Questions
What is Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion?
Emotional reasoning cognitive distortion is a specific type of distortion where individuals come to conclusions and personal beliefs based entirely on emotion. This is not the same as having an emotional reaction to something and then changing that reaction based on logic or evidence. Emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion means that individuals disregard any evidence or logic when it stands in opposition to the judgments or decisions they have created based on their emotions. Origins of Cognitive Distortions Where does this type of emotional reasoning cognitive distortion come from? Some research has suggested that these cognitive distortions result from our evolutionary psychology; evolutionarily, human beings are designed to quickly sense nearby threats, which makes the brain much more sensitive In this context, human evolution has changed the functioning of the brain to be adaptive rather than logical. With this in mind, cognitive distortions don’t necessarily represent an error, but negative thinking might reflect on a neurological design that isn’t grounded in reality but rather grounded in perception. If the brain is evolutionarily designed to be on the lookout for threats, it’s going to be more sensitive to anything that might be construed as potentially threatening. That said, this type of cognitive distortion can be harmful if taken to the extreme especially when individuals don’t learn how to practice things like mindfulness or how to pause and reflect on whether what they are feeling is grounded in logic or defensiveness. Signs of Emotional Reasoning Emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion often manifests as someone having an emotional response without considering any alternatives or knowingly disregarding other possibilities. For example: Emotional reasoning can manifest in many ways, as individuals who have these feelings and then jump to conclusions based on those feelings will subsequently behave based on those same conclusions. This embodies the relationship between thoughts, emotions, and actions. Why is Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion Harmful? Some research, using a description cross-sectional trial, found correlations between emotional reasoning cognitive distortion and levels of anxiety and depression. For example: These findings mean that emotional reasoning cognitive distortions affect how people express their emotions as well as their respective depression or anxiety levels. Additionally, individuals who struggle with emotional reasoning are more likely to cause misunderstandings or conflicts in their personal relationships, especially if they misinterpret the actions or words of a partner, spouse, friend, or family member based on personal emotions. Those who struggle with emotional reasoning will typically make assumptions or jump to conclusions based on how they feel emotionally, and this can lead to low self-esteem and impulsivity. Treatment for Emotional Reasoning Cognitive Distortion If you or someone close to you is struggling with emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion, you can get help with the right treatment. With The Differents, we provide mental health treatment grounded in evidence-based practices like cognitive behavioral therapy. Cognitive behavioral therapy can help you identify these distortions and challenge them. When you work with a team of therapists and participate in group therapy you’ll be able to review alternative perspectives and learn not to jump to conclusions. With the right guidance, you can learn how to validate your emotional responses and be much more aware of the distortions you have and their impact on your quality of life. Reach out to us today for help with emotional reasoning as a cognitive distortion. FAQs
How to Break a Trauma Bond
Trauma bonds can happen in many relationships, including romantic or familial relationships, between friends or coworkers, or more severe situations like hostages and cults. With any of these, the relationship is characterized by cycles wherein there is strong positive reinforcement or reconciliation followed by abuse. There must also be a distorted power balance between the two people. When relationships start to build in this manner with cycles of abuse and then positive reinforcement, it creates dependency, confusion, and strong emotional attachment: a trauma bond. When Do Trauma Bonds Happen? Trauma bonds can happen in any situation where sub-themes of a power imbalance, distorted love, intensity, and an inability to escape occur. This can happen with sex trafficking, kidnap victims, cult victims, or in relationships with family members, partners, or friends. For several decades, psychologists have studied traumatic bonding theory as it relates to emotional attachments in abusive relationships. These studies have found that women, in particular, can develop a strong emotional attachment in a situation where there is intermittent abuse, emotional or physical. How to Break a Trauma Bond If you have found yourself in a situation where you are experiencing these cycles, it’s important for you to reach out and get help in breaking the trauma bond, especially if that bond involves things like colts, kidnapping, forced drug use, and physical abuse. Step #1: Recognizing the Bond The first step in breaking a trauma bond is recognizing that you have one. If you and your spouse get into a heated argument and then reconcile a few times per year, this is not the same. But if you get into an altercation with someone and they are abusive and hold power over you, and then they reconcile, you might be closer to what is defined as a trauma bond. It is always best to speak with a therapist about the dynamics of your relationship if you are unsure. You should also learn to identify the emotional and behavioral attachments that you have to someone you see as a source of your trauma or abuse. Step #2: Set Boundaries In traditional relationships with friends, family, or partners, if you recognize that there is a potential trauma bond, it’s important that you start setting boundaries. If you are in a dangerous situation, you must create a plan to get out of that abusive situation in as safe and efficacious a way as possible. Step 3: Have Support You need to build support as you are learning to limit or eliminate contact with someone, working on self-care and healing, and reinforcing your boundaries. Breaking a trauma bond is no simple matter, which is why you should work with a therapist who can help you navigate this process, participate in support groups, and build a support system of friends and family you trust. Learn How to Break a Trauma Bond with The Differents At The Differents, we offer a world-class, luxury drug and alcohol rehab center in Reno. We offer multiple levels of care, including withdrawal management for those who are struggling with trauma bonds and addiction. Our team understands the importance of cultivating creativity in recovery by way of holistic programs and experienced staff members. Our therapies include things like: With a 1:3 staff-to-client ratio, we work with you as you transition through your outpatient programs for mental health and addiction treatment, including trauma programs. Our team will help you in your individual and group therapy sessions to recognize where trauma bonds might exist and break them in a healthy fashion. Reach out to us today for guidance on how to break a trauma bond. FAQs
Technology and Addiction: Navigating the Digital Age in Recovery
Technology is everywhere, a tool that for most people is integral to daily life. Different apps, platforms and devices control how you communicate with others, connect with them, and even go about your daily life, from simple things like choosing a restaurant to more complicated things like choosing a therapist. It is important to be cognizant of the relationship between technology and addiction, as technology can be a potential hindrance to recovery, but it can also be a valuable tool depending on how it is used. How Technology and Addiction Can Be Harmful Navigating the digital age in recovery starts with understanding how technology and addiction can be harmful. Addiction rewires the brain and changes your behaviors. In the early stages of recovery, you might still struggle with these behaviors. Unfortunately, there are ways that technology can inadvertently exacerbate these behaviors with things like: It is imperative that you approach technology cautiously, as unhindered connectivity to social media or smartphones can actually lead to additional stress and triggers. How to Use Technology in Recovery Navigating the digital age in recovery extends to understanding the way that you can positively use technology in addiction recovery. Apps to Support Sobriety For starters, there are many mobile apps that you can use to give you a support system during your sobriety, especially the early stages. When used appropriately, these apps can give you the tools you need no matter where you are. Online Communities Similarly, technology can be a useful resource when it comes to virtual support groups. There are plenty of reasons why you might be unable to attend a support group in person but that doesn’t mean that you have to go without support. New technology makes it possible to find: All of these can connect you with other people who are going through similar struggles, provide a sense of belonging and a place to seek advice or share your experiences. Virtual Therapy Tangentially, virtual therapy has grown in popularity as well. For those who are in recovery and might want a specific type of support or support for co-occurring mental health disorders, there may not be qualified professionals close by. However, you can find therapeutic resources online with access to professionals who specialize in the areas you need. This makes it possible to get the resources and services that help you the most, no matter where you are located. How to Use Technology in Recovery That said, it’s important that you learn how to use technology safely, mitigating the risks of technology and addiction. With The Differents, we provide guidance on how to use technology mindfully as a tool to empower you in your recovery. As part of our luxury drug rehab, we emphasize understanding positive versus negative uses of technology in recovery, moderating your habits so that technology and addiction don’t make one another worse. Our goal is to increase your awareness of technology, recognize potential triggers, be aware of screen time and what type of content you are consuming, and find ways to support your overall recovery journey. Reach out to our team today to get started in your inpatient or outpatient treatment.
Building a Support System for Long-Term Sobriety
Each person in recovery is different in terms of what it is they need and how they get support from others. However, one of the things that remains the same is that everyone needs support in some form of another. That is why building a support network is essential to long-term stability, providing you with people who can be there when you need emotional support, a shoulder to cry on, someone who understands what you’ve gone through, or someone who can give you advice. Why Building a Support System Matters So why is building a strong support system important? Building a support network in recovery means you are more likely to: Having a support system means having people you can turn to when you are triggered, people who are there for you in the form of going for a walk, getting out of town for an afternoon, or just meditating with you. It also means having people that understand what you’re going through, people who can offer support, who may have been in your shoes before or who can give you advice on coping skills. One person can’t provide everything you need and they’re not supposed to. That’s why a whole network is so integral to your recovery because it provides you people you can turn to when you have different needs like actionable coping skills, someone you can vent to, or someone who can just sit with you. Building a Support Network in Recovery Building a support network in recovery means having multiple people or groups to whom you can turn for different things. For example: Tom is in recovery and he knows that building a support network is important because he can succeed in his recovery alone. So his support network includes his spouse to whom he can turn for intimate conversation about his feelings and support within the house. However, building a support system in recovery means more than just a spouse as that one person can’t always be his entire form of support. So Tom also has his sponsor and he can call his sponsor when he is feeling overwhelmed, triggered, or just wants to talk. Tom has a support group he goes to regularly and he knows that they are there for him and they want him to succeed. Tom has worked hard at building a strong support system and part of that has been a close coworker and a best friend both of whom are there in different circumstances, both professional and personal, to hold him accountable and to willingly participate in sober activities with him or to be the person at a work function that also doesn’t drink. In Tom’s case, his support system includes: As Tom is working on building a support system he might find that he needs more or less support at any given time and that might mean a therapist or someone else with whom he can talk, or even his doctor. Now consider another example: Sharon is currently in treatment but she is being encouraged to build a support system when she is done. So Sharon has made a list of the people she might need/want in her support system including: Sharon knows that when she leaves, her father who also has a history of addiction but has been sober for 27 years, will understand what she is going through and be there to support her while her sister is one of her best friends and is someone she knows she can call day or night. Her therapist and support group give her a different kind of help, with things like insights into personal triggers and actionable coping skills whereas her best friend provides emotional support and is happy to participate in sober activities with her. Building a Support System with The Differents At The Differents, part of our outpatient rehab is designed to prepare you for what comes next. During any level of care you will participate in support group meetings and group therapy. These sessions help you create a system of coping mechanisms you can use when you are triggered and a support network. Regular participation in support group meetings can prepare you for continued participation in local support groups when you return home. Participation in group therapy can prepare you for socialization, exposing you to other people and sober activities as well as actionable skills that you can use as part of your recovery. Call our team today to explore your options for recovery and building a support network.
How to Build Healthy Relationships in Recovery
Building healthy relationships during recovery is crucial for long-term sobriety and emotional well-being. Strong, supportive relationships help you navigate the challenges of recovery while providing a sense of community and accountability. Here are some key strategies to help you cultivate meaningful and healthy connections: Prioritize Communication Open and honest communication is the foundation of any healthy relationship. In recovery, it’s important to express your feelings, concerns, and needs clearly. Avoid keeping secrets or bottling up emotions, as this can lead to misunderstandings and resentment. Practicing active listening and empathy allows you to better understand and support others. Surround Yourself with Supportive People It’s essential to connect with individuals who understand your journey and encourage your growth. Seek out people who support your recovery goals, whether they’re fellow individuals in recovery, friends, or family members who are committed to being positive influences. Surrounding yourself with these individuals will help you stay motivated and grounded in your recovery. Set Healthy Boundaries In recovery, it’s vital to set clear boundaries to protect your well-being and maintain healthy relationships. Learning to say no when necessary and establishing limits helps prevent toxic dynamics and ensures that you prioritize your recovery. Respect others’ boundaries as well, and be mindful of how your actions affect those around you. Let Go of Toxic Relationships Some relationships may not be conducive to your recovery. If certain people trigger negative behaviors or hold you back, it’s okay to distance yourself from them. Letting go of toxic relationships can be difficult, but it’s necessary for maintaining your mental and emotional health. Surround yourself with people who uplift and inspire you. Be Honest About Your Recovery Journey Being transparent about your recovery journey fosters deeper, more authentic connections with others. Share your struggles and successes with trusted individuals. This honesty encourages mutual support and strengthens bonds with others who may be on a similar path. It also helps people understand your needs and limitations better. Practice Patience and Understanding Recovery is a long-term process, and so is building meaningful relationships. Be patient with yourself and others as you navigate this journey. Everyone is at different stages of their recovery, and it’s important to allow room for growth. By being patient and understanding, you contribute to the healing of both yourself and those around you. Engage in Healthy Activities Together Participating in positive activities with others can help build stronger relationships. Whether it’s attending support group meetings, exercising together, or engaging in hobbies, these shared experiences foster a sense of community and mutual support. Enjoying life’s simple pleasures together reinforces healthy interactions and provides opportunities for connection. Seek Professional Help When Needed Sometimes, professional support is necessary for navigating relationships, especially if they involve complex dynamics or past trauma. A therapist can provide valuable insights and coping strategies for maintaining healthy connections. Therapy or couples counseling can also help resolve issues and strengthen communication within relationships. Practice Gratitude and Appreciation In recovery, practicing gratitude can shift your focus toward the positive aspects of your relationships. Expressing appreciation for the support you receive helps strengthen bonds and reinforces positive behavior. Regularly acknowledging and celebrating the contributions of others fosters an atmosphere of love, trust, and mutual respect. Embrace Vulnerability Building healthy relationships in recovery requires embracing vulnerability. Being open about your struggles, fears, and emotions allows others to connect with you on a deeper level. Vulnerability is an essential part of forming authentic, supportive relationships that are built on trust and understanding. The Differents Can Help By practicing these strategies, you can build healthy, supportive relationships that contribute to your overall recovery journey. Surround yourself with people who care for you and your well-being, set healthy boundaries, and be patient as you grow both individually and together in recovery.
How to Prepare for EMDR Sessions
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy is a highly effective treatment for trauma and emotional distress. For those embarking on EMDR therapy, being well-prepared can enhance the overall experience and outcome. Here’s how to get ready for your sessions: Understand EMDR Therapy EMDR helps reprocess traumatic memories through guided eye movements, which can change how memories are stored in the brain. Educating yourself about the process will make you feel more comfortable and empowered during the sessions. Set Realistic Expectations EMDR can sometimes bring up intense emotions as old memories are processed. While the therapy is designed to heal, it’s important to expect discomfort at times. Be patient and trust the process, knowing that healing is a gradual journey. Establish Emotional Support Having a trusted friend or therapist to lean on during the EMDR process can be comforting. Let someone know that you’re undergoing therapy and may need extra support in case strong emotions arise after your sessions. Ensure a Safe and Calm Space It’s crucial to be in a safe and comfortable environment for EMDR. This will allow you to focus without distractions. You might want to prepare by having calming activities available, like meditation or deep breathing exercises, to ground yourself if needed. Be Ready to Focus on Your Memories While EMDR is guided, it’s important to be ready to engage in your memories. Your therapist may ask you to recall specific traumatic events, so preparing mentally for these discussions can help ease any anxiety. If you have difficulty bringing these memories to the surface, don’t worry—your therapist will help. Hydrate and Rest EMDR can be mentally and emotionally draining. Make sure you are well-rested and hydrated before each session. Proper physical care can support your emotional well-being and help you stay focused throughout the process. Keep an Open Mind EMDR can bring up unexpected memories or emotions, and it may take time for your mind to process the changes. Stay open to whatever comes up, and allow yourself the grace to experience the process fully without judgment. Track Your Progress Keeping a journal to track your feelings, insights, or any changes you notice between sessions can be helpful. This reflection allows you to measure progress and address any emotional challenges with your therapist. The Differents Offers EMDR For Your Needs By preparing mentally, emotionally, and physically for EMDR, you set the stage for a more successful healing process. Remember, this therapy is an opportunity to move forward and embrace emotional freedom, so approach it with patience and trust in the therapeutic journey.
What Are the Signs of PTSD?
If you or someone close to you has struggled with a traumatic event, whether it is something witnessed or dealt with at work or even something that has happened to a close family member, it’s natural to feel some slight disruption to your daily life like problems sleeping, flashbacks or nightmares, and feeling on edge. However, when these feelings persist several months after the event, or they get intense and severe enough that they disrupt daily function, they might be signs of PTSD. What is PTSD? PTSD stands for post-traumatic stress disorder, a mental health disorder that can develop after an individual experiences a stressful life event, something that is particularly traumatic. It is important to note that signs of PTSD can happen to anyone who experiences trauma but also someone who witnesses trauma or has a close friend or family member who goes through trauma. The average American experiences at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Primary Signs of PTSD People who struggle with PTSD often deal with symptoms that arise immediately but, more importantly, linger or worsen around six months after the event in question. Sleeping Problems One of the primary symptoms associated with PTSD is sleeping. It’s not uncommon for someone who has struggled with a traumatic event to experience disruptions to their sleeping pattern immediately after the event in question. However, over time, those sleeping issues can get significantly worse, leading to things like: Tangentially, this can result in secondary signs of PTSD, like nightmares. Nightmares are a common cause of sleep disruption for people who have PTSD. Flashbacks Flashbacks are slightly different from nightmares. Nightmares can disrupt sleep patterns, but flashbacks can happen anytime. They occur when an individual is triggered by something in their current environment or vicinity, and that trigger reminds them or mentally takes them back to the traumatic event in question. This can be significantly disruptive, leading to things like panic attacks. Hypervigilance Another sign is hypervigilance. Under normal circumstances, the body releases things like adrenaline when there is danger, and that spike in adrenaline will diminish once the danger has passed. However, signs of PTSD often include unnecessary adrenaline spikes where an individual is constantly looking for the next threat. This type of hypervigilance leads to unhealthy resting levels of adrenaline and can be significantly disruptive to daily life as well. Mood Swings Signs of PTSD can extend to severe mood swings, often related to disruptions in sleep, flashbacks, and hypervigilance. These mood swings are typically random, not caused by other things or triggered by a known source, and can be difficult to deal with in close relationships as well as work and school performance. Secondary Mental Health Issues People with signs of PTSD who don’t get help are more likely to develop secondary mental health issues, including: Alcohol or sleeping pills are often used to treat nightmares and sleeping problems but can quickly spiral. When this happens, dual diagnosis treatment is best, as it can provide care for the underlying PTSD and substance abuse concurrently. Getting Help for the Signs of PTSD If you notice PTSD in yourself or others, it is important that you get help before symptoms get worse. In some cases, untreated PTSD can lead to substance abuse as individuals try to self-medicate with things like alcohol or sleeping pills. At The Differents, we offer dual diagnosis treatment for signs of PTSD and substance abuse. Our facility works to empower clients by utilizing evidence-based therapy and holistic care as part of individual treatment plans. Our team of qualified professionals work hard to cultivate creativity, focusing on holistic, luxury care that includes access to things like outdoor therapy, IV infusions, massage, sound bath, energy work, and meditation. Let us help you reimagine your rehab with dual-diagnosis treatment for PTSD and substance abuse. The signs of PTSD center on things like difficulty sleeping, flashbacks and nightmares, hypervigilance, and subsequent mental health disorders like depression and anxiety. It’s not uncommon for people with PTSD to also develop an addiction as they try to self-medicate with drugs or alcohol. Thankfully, you can get help with The Differents. Contact our team today to learn more about our withdrawal management and outpatient programs.
Why Are Veterans Vulnerable to Substance Abuse?
Individuals who are enlisted in any branch of the military are subject to unique cultural stresses that increase the risk of substance abuse and mental health disorders. So why are veterans vulnerable to substance abuse? Deployments and military culture can be very stressful with issues like: Veterans are more vulnerable to substance abuse in large part because of trauma. Twenty percent of veterans with PTSD have substance abuse issues as well. One in three who get help for substance abuse has PTSD. Veterans Vulnerable to Substance Abuse: Facts Ten percent of all military veterans have a substance abuse disorder, higher among male veterans than females. Alcoholism Not only are veterans vulnerable to substance abuse, but they are more likely to struggle with alcoholism, something that often starts during their career at a time when things like mandatory drug screening and the belief that seeking help could have an impact on security clearances make it one of the only options for self-medication to those dealing with PTSD, stress, and other issues. Studies have found that veterans are around six percent more likely than non-veterans to use alcohol and one percent more likely to abuse alcohol. Five percent of veterans who seek treatment abuse alcohol most frequently out of all available substances. Opioids Two-thirds of veterans report extreme pain, and of those, many receive opioids sometimes illegally but mostly through a prescription. Over nine percent of veterans have severe pain compared to only six percent of the general population, which means they are one-third more likely to develop an addiction to opioids or overdose from opioids. Opioid overdose rates for veterans jumped six percent from 2010 to 2016, the majority of which were related to heroin and synthetic opioids, not prescription pain relievers. Dual Diagnosis There are several reasons why veterans vulnerable to substance abuse may be more likely to turn to drugs and alcohol for self-medication, and that can be the experiences within the military as well as the adjustment that comes from reintegrating into society with those experiences. People who experience trauma or injury during combat are at a much higher risk of developing substance abuse. Veterans who have a substance abuse disorder are up to four times more likely to get a diagnosis of depression or PTSD. In fact, upwards of fifty percent of those veterans from the Iraq and Afghanistan Wars have been diagnosed with a mental health disorder. Getting Veteran Care for Substance Abuse Many veterans, even today, are worried about the stigma or the potential impact on benefits that might come from getting treatment. However, at The Differents, we provide confidential veterans drug rehab programs designed to meet the specific needs of the veteran community. With our luxury drug rehab, veterans vulnerable to substance abuse can get the help they need. We are centered in the Reno, Tahoe area in the foothills of the Sierra Nevada mountains. Our luxury facility provides addiction treatment specifically for those who have served in the military and may be dealing with co-occurring psychological or emotional struggles. We understand that it’s far too easy to turn to drugs and alcohol as a form of self-medication for the stress of being in the military, as well as untreated or undiagnosed PTSD. Our innovative approach helps you find meaning in life beyond addiction, deal with your experiences as a veteran, and utilize tailored treatment that helps you cope with physical and emotional burdens. Moreover, we provide veterans with unique options to cover addiction treatment costs. Overall, veterans often struggle with physical and mental scars from their time in the military. Veterans vulnerable to substance abuse may worry about the impact that seeking treatment can have or the financial burden of getting the right care. However, our facility can help with specific treatment plans for veterans. Contact our team today at (844) 407-0461 to learn more about our cost options for veterans.
