Complex Trauma and Alcohol Abuse

CPTSD and Alcohol Abuse Connections: Understanding the Link and Finding Help at Purpose Healing Center

Childhood Trauma and Alcohol Misuse

Even though any form of trauma can be linked to addiction, some types of trauma can make you particularly vulnerable to the development of substance use disorders. Childhood trauma is a prime example. Here are some examples of traumas in childhood that raise your chance of substance abuse.

• Childhood sexual abuse, emotional abuse, or physical abuse.
• Emotional or physical neglect in childhood.
• Bullying.

Research repeatedly shows that alcohol dependence and trauma early in life are linked. Similarly, studies often find that survivors of childhood trauma have more severe PTSD symptoms.

Treating Trauma as an Underlying Cause of Alcohol-Related Problems

When trauma of any kind is an underlying cause of addiction, addressing it is crucial. By addressing PTSD or complex trauma and addiction comprehensively, you can:

• Identify why you drink. For example, “to cope with depression.” Once you know why you use alcohol, mental health professionals like those at Purpose Healing Center can help you explore healthy, sustainable ways to meet your needs.
• Create a strong set of coping skills. We treat addiction and PTSD simultaneously so that you can develop the set of strategies you need to manage both. For example, urge surfing for addiction, cognitive reframing for thoughts associated with PTSD, and problem-solving skills for everyday life.
• Process traumatic experiences. The therapies used in our programs help you process traumatic events. In doing so, you will likely find that you are more able to work through avoidance symptoms and manage distress related to the event.

Integrated or dual-diagnosis treatment for addiction and co-occurring disorders like PTSD is linked to a range of positive outcomes. For example, a greater chance of recovery from or treatment of both disorders and a better quality of life.

Get Accredited Treatment Programs at Purpose

Integrated Alcohol and Complex PTSD Treatment in Arizona

Purpose Healing Center offers integrated addiction, trauma, PTSD and CPTSD treatment at all care levels. The following programs are available at our Phoenix and Scottsdale locations, and they are covered by most forms of insurance.

Medical Detox Program

When you first stop or decrease the amount of alcohol you use, your body goes through an adjustment period. If you use alcohol frequently and in large amounts, you may be at risk of alcohol withdrawal delirium (a severe form of alcohol withdrawal syndrome).

For this reason, medical detox is often recommended for individuals overcoming alcohol abuse. Even though the acute withdrawal stage can be challenging, it is short-lived. The majority of clients are in detox at Purpose for about one week.

Residential Inpatient Treatment

Purpose Healing Center offers residential inpatient treatment in a home-like environment. Clients stay at our cozy and comfortable facility during treatment and participate in an all-day therapy schedule during the day. Individual therapy, groups, and family therapy sessions are all a part of the program.

Most clients remain in inpatient treatment at Purpose for 30-90 days before stepping down to a lower level of care.

Partial Hospitalization Program

The partial hospitalization program (PHP) at Purpose Healing Center meets five days per week. Unlike clients in our inpatient rehab programs, you’ll be able to live at home or in sober housing while in PHP. This level of care is ideal for clients who don’t need the 24/7 supervision of an inpatient program but who need an immersive treatment schedule.

Sessions last for most of the day and involve groups, individual therapy, and family therapy sessions, much like inpatient treatment.

Intensive Outpatient Program

Our intensive outpatient program (IOP) for alcohol addiction and trauma meets a few days per week. IOP sessions are shorter than PHP sessions. That way, clients can participate in treatment while attending work or school. IOP can be a starting level of care, but it’s also used to help individuals transition out of a higher level of care.

Aftercare and Alumni Support

Purpose Healing Center will help you make an aftercare plan before your discharge date. This may include therapy 1-2 days per week, support groups for alcohol addiction, and other resources. For example, participation in our free alumni support program.

Effective Treatments for CPTSD and Alcohol Abuse

Purpose uses the most evidence-based therapies for addiction and mental health in conjunction with holistic treatments that support the mind, body, and spirit. Treatment for PTSD and comorbid alcohol dependence at Purpose may involve treatments including but not limited to:

• Prolonged exposure therapy.
• Cognitive processing therapy (CPT).
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT).
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR).
• Acceptance and commitment therapy (ACT).
• Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT).
• Medication-assisted treatment (MAT).
• Motivational interviewing (MI).
• Mind and body wellness.
• Meditation management.
• Experiential therapies.
• Life skills.
• 12-step.

No matter what level of care you’re in at Purpose Healing Center, you’ll get a personalized treatment plan. Every client is different, and we’re here to help you find what works.