While some people can quickly move on from a terrifying or life-threatening event such as military service, a natural disaster or physical assault, others find themselves stuck in a cycle of fear, negativity, detachment, guilt and avoidance. All these responses are a natural part of post-traumatic stress disorder – a mental health condition that can significantly affect your life and interfere with your daily ability to function.
PTSD Self-Test
PTSD has many symptoms that can vary in severity with time and affect each person differently. While only a qualified medical professional can diagnose you with PTSD, these self-screening questions can be a helpful starting point for a conversation with a doctor or psychiatrist.
- Do you frequently have distressing memories or dreams that make you relive your trauma?
- Do reminders of your experience cause an intense physical or emotional reaction?
- Have you rearranged your life to avoid possible triggers?
- Have you lost interest in formerly enjoyable hobbies and activities?
- Do you struggle to trust others?
- Is it difficult for you to relax, even at home?
- Do you feel guilty, ashamed or worthless?
- Have you had suicidal thoughts?
- Are you having any problems with your memory or concentration?
- Are you prone to irritability or lashing out at others?
- Do you startle easily?
Self-Medicating PTSD Is Not the Answer
PTSD sometimes manifests in reckless or self-destructive behavior like substance abuse. If you primarily drink or use drugs to self-medicate your mental health, you can set yourself up for a chemical dependency that further threatens your well-being.
When people simultaneously have a disorder like PTSD and an addiction to one or more substances, treatment professionals call it a dual diagnosis. Though this problem is more complex and challenging to treat, it is possible to make a full recovery with customized therapies designed to treat both aspects of the illness.
Treatment at HVRC
At Hemet Valley Recovery Center and Sage Retreat, our programming is effective, rooted in scientific research and accessible to people nationwide. Our California rehab center offers high-quality, hospital-based care for substance use and related health issues.
As part of the Hemet Valley Medical Center campus, HVRC provides hospital-level support services for every client, ensuring you receive attention from credentialed professionals. Our treatment team includes physicians, registered nurses, certified counselors and adjunctive therapists.
Depending on your specific needs, elements of your customized treatment plan can include:
- Group therapy
- Informative lectures and presentations
- Cognitive behavioral therapy
- Personalized assignments
- 12-step and holistic therapy groups
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention education
We also accept TRICARE to make addiction treatment more accessible and affordable for military servicemembers, veterans and their families. To learn more about our comprehensive programming and how it can benefit you, connect with our admissions team today.
