Experiencing trauma is remarkably common. According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, approximately 6 out of every 10 men (60%) and 5 out of every 10 women (50%) can identify at least one traumatic event in their lifetime.
Women more frequently report experiencing sexual assault and childhood sexual abuse, while men more commonly encounter accidents, physical assault, combat exposure, disaster scenarios, or witness death or injury.
The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) reports that in any given year, about 3.6% of American adults develop post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). This condition encompasses a spectrum of physical and psychological responses to trauma, ranging from mild symptoms to severe manifestations that significantly impair daily functioning.
Certain demographic groups experience elevated PTSD prevalence, including:
According to the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), trauma can manifest with subtle, insidious, or overtly devastating effects. Numerous variables influence how traumatic incidents impact individuals, including personal characteristics, the nature and specific features of the traumatic events, developmental processes, the subjective meaning assigned to the trauma, and broader sociocultural influences.
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing a life-threatening event such as military combat, natural disasters, serious accidents, or sexual assault. During these kinds of incidents, individuals often feel helpless and terrified as they have no control over unfolding circumstances. Anyone who has endured such experiences may potentially develop PTSD.
With PTSD, emotional reactions aren’t limited to the traumatic event itself. Rather than diminishing with time, these emotions remain highly charged—comparable to a live electrical wire or exposed nerve—requiring only minimal activation to trigger responses that make individuals feel as though they’re reliving the traumatic experience. The condition affects the entire body, with many individuals exhibiting physical manifestations (e.g., positioning themselves to always face entrances and exits).
Once termed “shell shock,” PTSD has long been recognized for its distinctly physical symptomatology, with some historical hypotheses even suggesting it resulted from air pressure concussions. Contemporary understanding of PTSD centers on disruptions in how the brain stores sensory information with intense emotional content. The symptoms represent behavioral manifestations of stress-induced alterations in brain structure and function, as research from the Journal of Neuropsychiatry and Clinical Neurosciences has demonstrated. Traumatic stress produces both acute and chronic changes in neurochemical systems and specific brain regions, resulting in long-term alterations in neural circuitry.
Many individuals with PTSD experience powerful, distressing thoughts and sensations that persist long after the traumatic event has ended. Through flashbacks or nightmares, they may repeatedly relive the incident, experiencing profound grief, fear, or anger. They may also feel emotionally detached or estranged from others.
Due to the intense connection to the traumatic event and the disorienting nature of symptoms, some individuals struggle with maintaining an accurate perception of time during episodes. Those affected by PTSD may actively avoid situations or people that trigger memories of the traumatic incident, and they may exhibit significant adverse reactions to ordinary stimuli such as unexpected sounds or incidental physical contact.
PTSD responses typically involve:
The relationship between trauma and Substance Use Disorder (SUD) is multifaceted but intersects in several significant ways:
Sacramento Mental Health’s professional team provides essential guidance and practical skills for regaining control over trauma responses. Additionally, we equip clients with the necessary tools and resources to support successful recovery from co-occurring substance use disorders.
Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) can be effectively employed in addressing both trauma and substance use disorders. Medications are prescribed selectively based on specific diagnoses and symptom presentations. Decisions regarding pharmacological interventions are made collaboratively with our mental health professionals and medical director.
Psychotherapy, commonly known as “talk therapy,” is used to address symptoms associated with trauma and addiction. These evidence-based therapeutic approaches can be implemented in group, couple, family, or individual formats with a trained clinician.
Holistic Therapy approaches can effectively complement traditional treatments for trauma and substance abuse symptoms. These integrative modalities are often utilized alongside conventional therapeutic interventions. Such treatments support overall wellbeing while addressing specific mental health conditions.
Alternative Holistic Therapies offered:
Sacramento Mental Health provides a secure and supportive environment for individuals experiencing PTSD symptoms, offering both immediate crisis stabilization and comprehensive long-term treatment solutions. For detailed information about our specialized trauma programs and how we can support your recovery journey, contact us today at 916-527-9606. Taking this initial step can significantly enhance your understanding of available treatment options and set you on the path toward healing.
