Studies have overwhelmingly shown that there is a connection between post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder. For many people who are struggling with substance abuse and addiction, underlying mental conditions such as PTSD can complicate recovery. To effectively treat substance use disorder and help patients achieve and maintain a lasting recovery, it is important to receive PTSD treatment. Effective PTSD treatment programs are often delivered by an expert team of behavioral health professionals who provide comprehensive, patient-centered care.
PTSD can significantly impact functioning in daily life, work, and relationships, making recovery more challenging. PTSD programs help people cope with their traumatic experiences while also supporting recovery from substance abuse. Treating both PTSD and substance use disorder together is crucial for the best outcomes. The optimal approach to PTSD treatment often involves shared decision-making between the patient and provider, ensuring that individual needs and preferences are addressed.
As you search for therapy programs in Pennsylvania, knowing more about PTSD and substance use disorder can help you make informed decisions about your recovery care.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD and Substance Use Disorder Treatment
Medications, specifically Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs) and Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs), are first-line pharmacotherapy options, though you may need to try more than one medicine to find the right fit. As of 2026, the gold standard for treating PTSD is individual, manualized trauma-focused psychotherapies, which are prioritized over medications due to their higher efficacy.
Evidence-based treatments for PTSD include trauma-informed therapy. Common therapy modalities include Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT). At Arkview Behavioral Health, we provide a safe, non-judgmental space for our clients to heal and gain communication skills and coping strategies.
Digital and hybrid care, including telehealth-based trauma-focused therapy, is also recognized as an effective alternative to in-person care. Intensive Treatment Programs can be as effective as standard treatments with lower dropout rates, and Psychedelic-Assisted Therapy, such as COMP360 and MDMA-assisted therapy, shows high efficacy rates in clinical trials.
Benefits of Treatment for PTSD
- During therapy, you will be able to talk about and process traumatic events that have been fueling your distress in a safe, supportive environment.
- Often, exposure to trauma can lead to issues with self-esteem and self-worth. Therapy can help with these issues.
- Addressing symptoms of PTSD during treatment can help you learn more effective coping strategies that will allow you to cope without using drugs or drinking.
Without effective treatment, trauma can cause serious symptoms that can impact your quality of life.
Family Member Involvement
Education is a key first step. By learning about PTSD, its symptoms, and the range of treatment options available, family members can better understand what their loved one is experiencing. This understanding fosters compassion and patience, which are essential for supporting someone through the ups and downs of recovery. Encouraging a loved one to seek professional help—whether through therapy, counseling, or a comprehensive PTSD treatment program—can make a significant difference in their journey toward healing.
Active involvement in the treatment process can take many forms. Family members might attend therapy sessions, participate in group therapy, or join educational workshops designed specifically for families coping with trauma. Group therapy, in particular, offers a supportive environment where families can connect with others facing similar challenges, share experiences, and develop effective coping strategies. Tailored treatment plans, including exposure therapy, can also be created to help family members manage their own stress and anxiety related to their loved one’s PTSD.
It’s important to remember that the well-being of family members matters, too. The stress of supporting someone with PTSD can sometimes lead to substance abuse, depression, or anxiety among caregivers. Seeking support from mental health professionals, joining support groups, or accessing online resources can help family members manage their own emotional health and maintain healthy relationships. In some cases, addressing their own traumatic experiences or mental health conditions is a crucial part of the overall healing process.
For families of service members, veterans, and first responders, the effects of trauma and active duty can be especially profound. Inpatient and outpatient care programs designed specifically for these groups offer resources and support tailored to their unique needs, helping families navigate the recovery process together and improve their overall well-being.
Ultimately, family member involvement is a cornerstone of effective PTSD treatment. By working closely with mental health professionals and participating in the recovery process, families can help their loved ones manage symptoms, develop healthy coping mechanisms, and rebuild a sense of hope and connection. With the right support, resources, and commitment, both individuals with PTSD and their families can move forward on the path to healing and a better quality of life.
Do You or a Loved One Need Treatment for PTSD?
- Do you have vivid nightmares or thoughts about something traumatic that happened?
- Have you drunk alcohol or used drugs to relieve your anxiety?
- Are you ever angry or irritable over small things?
- Do you try to avoid people, situations, and things that could remind you of the traumatic event?
- Are your symptoms causing issues with work and school, or getting you in trouble with the law?
- Have you lost interest in activities that you used to enjoy?
At Arkview, we provide compassionate care through programs that include depression counseling in Pennsylvania, helping individuals address trauma, mental health challenges, and substance use in a safe and supportive environment.
