A traumatic event often causes distressing thoughts, flashbacks, and nightmares that can negatively affect day-to-day life. Treating trauma in women is possible in a post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) treatment program. Compassionate and knowledgeable professionals can develop a complete treatment program based on unique symptoms, history of trauma, and any substance abuse issues that might be present.
Recovery Ranch TN welcomes women struggling with PTSD symptoms and who want help treating the underlying trauma. We will sit down with you and create a comfortable, non-judgmental space where you can discuss why you are here. We will then develop a tailored PTSD treatment plan that includes medical support, behavioral therapy, and holistic therapies such as mindfulness practices.
How do you identify trauma in women?
Trauma is any event that causes extreme distress and emotional turmoil, and symptoms may not show up for weeks, months, or even years. There are three different types of trauma:
- Acute: A single, one-time event, such as the sudden death of a loved one, a serious car accident, natural disasters, or sexual assault
- Chronic: Repeated or prolonged exposure to traumatic events, such as domestic violence, abuse, homelessness, or living in a war zone.
- Complex: Covers multiple, often interpersonal traumatic events that can cause severe mental health conditions, attachment difficulties, and emotional dysregulation
Types of trauma in women
Women are more susceptible to chronic and complex trauma. The most common types of trauma that affect women are sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse. In fact, nearly one in three women will experience sexual assault in their lifetime.
Other types of trauma include childhood neglect, domestic violence, and trauma from discrimination or oppression. If you are exposed to a traumatic event, symptoms may not immediately appear. It may take several days, weeks, months, or years for someone to experience the effects of trauma, which can include:
- Chronic headaches, muscle tension, and back pain
- Stomach problems, like nausea and irritable bowel syndrome (IBS)
- Sleep disturbances
- Weakened immune system
- Problems concentrating for long periods
- Nightmares
- Panic attacks
- Substance abuse
Post-traumatic stress disorder is closely linked to substance use disorders, as many people don’t know they are dealing with the effects of trauma. They feel anxious and stressed without knowing why, turning to drugs and alcohol for support. If substance abuse continues, it can lead to co-occurring disorders that are more complex to treat.
Treating trauma and addiction
Co-occurring disorder treatment programs can treat both conditions at the same time. That way, you can work on developing coping strategies to deal with PTSD symptoms while treating withdrawal and cravings with medication and behavioral therapy.
Here is a breakdown treatment for trauma and addiction:
Medication-assisted treatment
If you have a substance use disorder, medication is used to ease withdrawals and cravings. Medical staff will administer medication based on your recovery plan. They will monitor you for adverse reactions and make any necessary changes to the dosage. As symptoms begin to fade, they will reduce the amount of medication until it’s no longer required.
Medications such as antidepressants, selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs), sertraline, and paroxetine are also beneficial to those with PTSD.
Trauma-informed care
Therapists will create a safe, respectful, and empowering environment, using therapeutic interventions to treat negative behaviors associated with the trauma. They do this through evidence-based behavioral therapies, such as:
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT)
Therapists will design a comprehensive program that includes a mix of behavioral therapies and medical support.
Holistic therapy
Holistic therapies can help teach you valuable life skills, such as mindfulness, yoga, art therapy, and equine therapy. A holistic therapy program may include nutrition counseling, exercise regimens, and improvements to sleep patterns.
Family therapy
Trauma in women can impact everyone around them, fracturing relationships and causing distress. In family therapy, spouses, parents, and children can talk with therapists to work through any lingering issues affecting recovery. They will also learn how to create a stable and supportive home environment and become a part of their loved one’s support team.
Call The Ranch today to start PTSD treatment
The Ranch works with those struggling with post-traumatic stress disorder. We have separate men’s and women’s rehab programs that focus on healing trauma and any related substance abuse issues.
If you’d like to speak with our team about treating trauma and addiction, use our convenient online contact form or call 1.844.876.7680 today to schedule a consultation.
