A psychological disorder that arises when an individual experiences a highly traumatic event, post-traumatic stress disorder affects 4 in 100 people.
Although addiction and post-traumatic stress disorder treatment are readily available, the number of people taking advantage of the treatment is somewhat minimal for various reasons.
In many instances, those struggling with an addiction as well as post-traumatic stress disorder will dismiss treatment due to the stigmas associated with the condition. In contrast, others will delay treatment due to believing that they do not need to seek treatment.
Get in Touch
Our admissions team can give you expert help and advice on the best options available for Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment and substance abuse, get in touch today to find out more.
Sadly, when post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use are left unsupported, anxiety, depression, avoidance, sleep problems and addictive behaviours may become harder to manage.
Drug and alcohol addictions can sometimes develop alongside untreated trauma symptoms. If this applies, ask providers how they assess PTSD, addiction and dual diagnosis treatment needs together.
With this in mind, getting appropriate post-traumatic stress disorder support is important.
Signs and Symptoms Associated With Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Individuals that find their lives affected by post-traumatic stress disorder will usually encounter the symptoms associated within three months of a traumatic event taking place.
However, due to its very nature, post-traumatic stress disorder may only come to impair an individual’s life years after a traumatic event has taken place.
Although the symptoms that come hand-in-hand with post-traumatic stress disorder significantly differ, many individuals will experience a wealth of psychological symptoms.
Left untreated, as touched on above, psychological symptoms can cause a number of behavioural and physical symptoms and conditions to emerge. As a result, post-traumatic stress disorder treatment must be sought as soon as symptoms begin to surface.
If you have experienced a highly traumatic event and are concerned that your life is being controlled by post-traumatic stress disorder, we have outlined a number of the symptoms you may experience below:
- Vivid flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Increasing bouts of stress
- Physical sensations
- Panic attacks
- Heightened anxiety
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Insomnia
- Negative thoughts
If you experience any of the above symptoms and are also experiencing alcohol or drug addiction, please contact us today to discuss how dual diagnosis post-traumatic stress disorder treatment can help you regain control of your life.
Should you find yourself worried that a loved one struggles with post-traumatic stress disorder, the psychological symptoms they encounter will not be visible.
However, over time a number of physical and behavioural symptoms will arise, especially if post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is not obtained.
The physical and behavioural symptoms often experienced as a result of post-traumatic stress disorder include mood swings, erratic behaviour, isolation from others, violence and an inability to concentrate.
Secure Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment At Our Rehab in Scotland
If your life has been affected by post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction, it is vital that you seek treatment as soon as possible.
However, if you have previously been unable to locate appropriate treatment, or find yourself unsure of the treatment you need, securing post-traumatic stress disorder treatment is often easier said than done.
To ensure that you are aware of your treatment options, at Nova Recovery, we have outlined the treatment we provide for post-traumatic stress disorder at our rehab below.
Psychological Therapy
Psychological therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy have proven to be highly effective when treating post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction.
Employing a wealth of techniques such as mindfulness, distress tolerance, emotional regulation and trauma counselling, cognitive behavioural therapy will assist you as you reflect on the traumatic event that has affected your life.
As you do so, it is entirely normal for you to experience various emotions. However, with the help of our psychiatrists, mental health nurses and support workers, you will begin to recover from your post-traumatic stress and substance use disorder.
Well-Being Therapy
Wellbeing therapies and activities can be useful alongside trauma-informed treatment, depending on the person’s needs and clinical assessment.
Although the well-being therapy you encounter will depend on the ramifications post-traumatic stress disorder has had on your life, you will likely be introduced to yoga, meditation and art therapy. You will also be encouraged to participate in group walks and other outdoor activities.
Medication
In some instances, medication is required if an individual is to overcome post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse to drugs or alcohol.
Medication decisions should be made by appropriately qualified professionals after assessment. If medication, detox or addiction support may be needed, ask providers who oversees clinical decisions and how risks are monitored.
Choosing PTSD and addiction support
When comparing post-traumatic stress disorder treatment, ask how providers assess trauma symptoms, substance use, mental health, medication needs, safety and aftercare. Treatment may involve trauma-focused therapy, addiction support, relapse prevention, wellbeing work and coordinated dual diagnosis care.
Recovery Scotland can help you prepare questions before speaking with providers. You may also find it useful to read about trauma treatment, dual diagnosis treatment and contact Recovery Scotland for confidential guidance.
Contact Us Today For Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
If you are ready to overcome the ramifications that your post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse has so far had on your life, please contact us today to learn more.
Our admissions team will be on hand to discuss our treatments with you. They will also answer any questions you may have and help you refer yourself for treatment.
If you are concerned that a loved one is struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder following a traumatic event, we also welcome you to contact us.
We can help you determine whether post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction treatment are necessary. We can also help you refer your loved one for treatment at our rehab centre.
John Gillen
- Author
- Last updated: June 17, 2026
John has travelled extensively around the world, culminating in 19 years’ experience looking at different models. He is the European pioneer of NAD+ (Nicotinamide Adenine Dinucleotide) treatment to Europe in 2010; and recently back from the USA bringing state of the art Virtual Reality Relapse Prevention and stress reduction therapy. His passion extends to other metabolic disturbances and neurodegenerative diseases. The journey continues. In recent times, John has travelled to Russia to study and research into a new therapy photobiomudulation or systemic laser therapy working with NAD+ scientists and the very best of the medical professionals in the UK and the USA, together with Nadcell, Bionad Hospitals own select Doctors, nurses, dieticians and therapists. Johns’ passion continues to endeavour to bring to the UK and Europe new developments with NAD+ Therapy in preventive and restorative medicine and Wellness. In 2017 John Gillen was made a visiting Professor at the John Naisbitt university in Belgrade Serbia.