PTSD Treatment

PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is increasingly common today across the state of Massachusetts. Contrary to common beliefs, anyone can suffer from PTSD at any stage of their life, not just combat veterans and people who have experienced a natural disaster or war zones. Unfortunately, many people struggle with PTSD without knowing it. Understanding the signs of PTSD can be the first step towards seeking treatment. At NuLife Behavioral Health, we provide comprehensive dual diagnosis treatment for PTSD and other co-occurring disorders.

If you or someone you love is showing signs of PTSD, know you are not alone. PTSD is treatable. The team at NuLife Behavioral Health can help. Our clinic provides clients throughout the Commonwealth of Massachusetts with dual diagnosis treatment. Call us now at 888.568.2057 to learn more about the benefits of our PTSD treatment program in Massachusetts. 

Signs and Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

Like other mental health concerns, PTSD is a physical, emotional, and psychological condition resulting from unprocessed trauma. Trauma is a complex response to life-threatening situations, whether individual or collective. During a traumatic event, the brain releases chemicals like adrenaline and cortisol, causing the body to go into fight, flight, or freeze mode. This causes symptoms including: 

• Anger
• Aggression
• Reactionary behavior
• Unexplained guilt
• Feeling unsafe
• Responses that don’t match events
• Anxiety
• Worry
• Depression
• Self-isolation
• Nausea
• Confusion
• Shame
• Low-stress tolerance
• Mood swings
• Self-medicating
• Paranoia
• Shaking
• Flashbacks
• Fast heart rate
• Panic attacks
• Disorientation
• Nightmares
• Sound sensitivity
• Light sensitivity

Some may not remember a traumatic event. Unfortunately, this doesn’t prevent PTSD from causing symptoms. Once the nervous system is dysregulated, it’s difficult to return to calm down. This can leave many people with PTSD in a constant state of hyperarousal. Anything can trigger a post-traumatic response, reactivating the nervous system. For many, a person, place, smell, or feeling can trigger a response. Bright lights, loud noises, and prolonged stress are common PTSD triggers. 

What Are Co-Occurring Disorders and Dual Diagnosis?

Studies show that all aspects of a person’s life can contribute to addiction. This means just treating a person’s addiction can be ineffective. Unfortunately, many people self-medicate or engage in self-harm while struggling with PTSD, leading to addiction. Co-occurring disorders like PTSD can increase the risk of addiction and side effects. Co-occurring disorders happen at the same time as one another. This means that PTSD might lead to addiction, or someone with an anxiety disorder may also develop PTSD. 

At NuLife Behavioral Health, our dual diagnosis treatment of co-occurring disorders consider a holistic approach to healing by assessing a person’s entire health. Life history, mental and physical health, belief systems, and thought patterns all affect the diagnosis and treatment of co-occurring disorders. Behavioral therapy and alternative therapies can help those struggling with PTSD and addiction gain back control of their lives. 

Begin Co-Occurring Disorder Treatment in Massachusetts Today

NuLife Behavioral Health can help you and your loved ones struggling with PTSD. Whether you’ve experienced personal or collective trauma, our qualified team is here to support your recovery. Our Massachusetts clinic meets clients where they’re at for compassionate, individualized treatment and care for mental health and addiction recovery. Our programs provide intensive outpatient and partial hospitalization alongside referrals for residential and aftercare programs with our trusted partner clinics. No matter where you are in your recovery NuLife Behavioral Health is here.