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Healing PTSD: Trauma-Based Treatment for Veterans

Aliya on April 22, 2024

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects many people who have experienced trauma. Among those most impacted are veterans, who often face higher rates of PTSD compared to civilians. For many vets, trauma-based treatment can help in overcoming the challenges of this condition.

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. These events can threaten your physical or emotional well-being, leaving psychological scars. People with PTSD can cause a range of symptoms, including:

  • Intrusive memories
  • Flashbacks
  • Nightmares
  • Being overly alert
  • Avoidance behavior

Veterans, in particular, face higher rates of PTSD compared to civilians. This has to do with the difficulties of military service, including exposure to combat, deployment stress, and the constant risk of danger. According to 2021 research by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), approximately 10 percent of male veterans and 19 percent of female veterans in VA care were diagnosed with PTSD.

That said, PTSD is not limited to the veteran population. Statistics show:

  • Around 13 million individuals in American are dealing with PTSD at any given time
  • Roughly one in thirteen Americans will develop PTSD at some point in their lives

Can Trauma-Based Treatment Help Veterans?

Trauma therapy can offer hope to veterans dealing with the long-lasting effects of PTSD. This type of trauma treatment and counseling is designed to address the underlying traumas that fuel PTSD symptoms. Unlike traditional therapies that focus on symptom management, trauma-based treatment goes deeper. It’s meant to assist you in understanding and fitting your traumatic experiences into your own life story.

Military trauma treatment can help veterans make sense of tough memories and emotions. In a safe and supportive environment, therapists help vets challenge negative beliefs about themselves and the world, and develop healthier coping mechanisms. Many practitioners who work with veterans have a deep understanding of military culture and the unique challenges faced by those who have served.

Trauma-based treatment involves a variety of therapies, each tailored to meet the unique needs of veterans.

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Therapies for Healing Trauma

When it comes to healing trauma, there’s no one-size-fits-all approach. Instead, a variety of evidence-based therapies offer veterans options to address their unique experiences. Common trauma therapy techniques include:

  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
    EMDR helps you process traumatic memories and emotions. During EMDR sessions, a therapist will help you recall distressing memories while engaging in bilateral stimulation. For example, following the therapist’s hand movements or listening to alternating sounds. This process helps rewire the brain’s response to trauma, reducing the emotional charge associated with traumatic memories and promoting healing.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
    CBT is a widely used therapy that focuses on identifying and changing negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. Through structured exercises, you learn to challenge distorted beliefs about themselves and the world, develop effective coping strategies, and gradually confront their fears.
  • Prolonged Exposure Therapy (PE)
    PE sessions repeatedly expose you to reminders of the traumatic event, such as recounting the memory aloud or revisiting locations associated with the trauma. Over time, this exposure reduces the emotional distress associated with it.
  • Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT)
    CPT helps you challenge and reframe negative beliefs about yourself and the world around you that resulted from the trauma. Through structured exercises and discussions, you learn to identify and challenge unhelpful thought patterns and develop new perspectives.
  • Group Therapy
    Group therapy gives veterans a supportive environment to connect with others who have experienced similar traumas, share their experiences, and learn from one another.
  • Veteran Addiction Therapy
    Alcohol use disorder (AUD) is the most common addiction among veterans. Veteran addiction therapy is particularly helpful for those dealing with co-occurring disorders.

In addition to individual therapy, vets may participate in activities like mindfulness exercises or art therapy.

Are Medications Used to Treat Trauma?

While trauma therapy remains the heart of treatment, medications can help manage symptoms and improve overall functioning, making therapy more effective.

Common Medications for Trauma

  • Selective Serotonin Reuptake Inhibitors (SSRIs): SSRIs are a class of antidepressant medications commonly prescribed to treat PTSD. These medications, which include sertraline (Zoloft), paroxetine (Paxil), and fluoxetine (Prozac), increase serotonin in the brain, thereby improving mood, reducing anxiety, and reliving symptoms of PTSD.
  • Serotonin-Norepinephrine Reuptake Inhibitors (SNRIs): SNRIs, such as venlafaxine (Effexor) and duloxetine (Cymbalta) increase levels of serotonin in the brain while also targeting norepinephrine, a neurotransmitter involved in stress response. This dual action helps regulate mood and reduce symptoms of PTSD.
  • Prazosin: Prazosin is a medication primarily used to treat high blood pressure, but it has also been shown to reduce nightmares and improve sleep quality in PTSD sufferers. By blocking the effects of adrenaline, prazosin helps reduce the frequency and intensity of nightmares associated with trauma.
  • Atypical Antipsychotics: In some cases, atypical antipsychotic medications, such as quetiapine (Seroquel) or risperidone (Risperdal), may be prescribed to address agitation, irritability, or dissociation associated with PTSD.
  • Benzodiazepines: While benzodiazepines, such as alprazolam (Xanax) or clonazepam (Klonopin), may provide short-term relief from anxiety symptoms, they are generally not recommended for long-term use in PTSD. Benzodiazepines carry a risk of dependence, tolerance, and worsening of PTSD symptoms over time, making them less suitable for long-term treatment.
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Trauma-Based Treatment for Veterans at Aliya Health Group

At Aliya Health Group, we understand veterans have unique needs when it comes to PTSD treatment. That’s why we developed the Valor program, which offers trauma-focused, evidence-based treatment for veterans and first responders. As one of our specialty treatment program tracks, our veterans program offers specialized care within a supportive and understanding recovery community.

Your treatment team will include military personnel, veterans, and retired first responders who understand the unique experiences of the service. All veterans program staff are trained in military culture sensitivity and trauma. This allows us to provide specialized behavioral therapy and treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, and other mental health issues commonly experienced by veterans. 

Some of our treatment services for veterans include:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Psychiatric medication management
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
  • Holistic and wellness services
  • Psychoeducation
  • Life skills training
  • Community integration

Do you know a veteran with PTSD? Are you looking for effective treatment for yourself? We offer PTSD treatment for veterans that can help treat combat stress. We’re here to answer any of your questions about our Valor program for PTSD and veteran addiction treatment. PTSD in veteran communities is treatable. Call today for effective treatment for trauma, PTSD, anxiety, and more.

David Szarka
Medically Reviewed by David Szarka, MA, LCADC
Aliya Health Group
Written by Aliya Health Group Writers

Military Veteran Treatment for PTSD and Alcohol Abuse

Aliya on March 4, 2024

Living through the challenges of military service can leave lasting scars on a person’s mental health. One of the most common issues among veterans is post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), often accompanied by struggles with alcohol abuse. Why is there a connection between PTSD and alcohol abuse, and where can veterans find help for these challenges? To understand PTSD and alcohol use, it’s helpful to learn as much about trauma and alcoholism as possible. A treatment center like those operated by Aliya Health Group can help stop you or a loved one’s addiction and alcohol misuse.

Why Do Military Veterans Have PTSD?

Many military veterans have been in combat or on missions that exposed them to terrifying and life-threatening situations. The experiences can leave deep emotional scars that don’t just go away when they return to civilian life. They may deal with hallucinations, nightmares, and flashbacks. It’s common for veterans to experience helplessness, suicidal thoughts, aggression, self-harm, depression, and anxiety—all of which are symptoms of PTSD.

While PTSD can happen to anyone who’s lived through trauma, it’s slightly more common among veterans than civilians. At some point in their life, 7 out of every 100 veterans will have the disorder. PTSD is also more common among female veterans (13%) versus male veterans (6%). Knowledge about transgender veterans and those who do not identify as male or female (non-binary) is still ongoing.

PTSD symptoms can be triggered by many things for veterans, from loud noises that sound like explosions to certain smells that bring back memories of combat. The mind can get stuck in a loop, replaying terrifying moments over and over again. Even when you try to forget or move on, memories can come crashing back unexpectedly, making it hard to feel safe or calm.

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Can Alcohol Make PTSD Worse?

It’s common for trauma survivors to wrestle with distressing symptoms long after their experience. In a search for relief, some veterans turn to alcohol as a form of self-medication, to numb their symptoms and flashbacks. This is why PTSD and alcohol abuse often go hand-in-hand. Researchers estimate that nearly 20% of veterans have PTSD and co-occurring alcohol use disorder.

For military veterans with PTSD, using alcohol can be a dangerous trap. Because endorphin levels increase with alcohol use, PTSD sufferers may experience relief from uncomfortable symptoms, including irritability, depression, and anxiety. While alcohol initially offers a sense of relief, it eventually makes the problem worse, trapping you in a cycle of trauma, alcohol usage disorders, and deteriorating mental health.

Studies show those who self-medicate their PTSD with alcohol may experience an increase in symptoms, including:

  • Depressive episodes
  • Severe anxiety
  • Insomnia
  • Suicidal thoughts
  • Misuse of other drugs
  • Detachment from others

What Are the Dangers of PTSD and Alcohol Abuse?  

Relying on alcohol instead of getting help can make things much worse, especially when it comes to mental health. Up to half of adults with both PTSD and alcoholism also have one or more of the following:

  • Panic attacks, extreme fears or worries, or compulsions (things like checking door locks over and over)
  • Mood problems including depression
  • Attention problems or behaving in ways that harm others
  • Addiction to or abuse of street or prescription drugs
  • Alcohol-induced psychosis
  • Long-term physical illness such as diabetes, heart disease, or liver disease
  • Ongoing physical pain

It’s important to realize that drinking to cope with difficult emotions is a form of avoidance, and avoidance can make PTSD symptoms last longer.

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Where Can a Military Veteran with PTSD and Alcohol Abuse Go for Help?

Due to the stress and trauma that often accompanies military service, veterans have unique treatment needs. Fortunately, there are professional treatment centers that offer specialized programs designed specifically for veterans with PTSD and alcoholism. An effective veteran treatment program will consist of:

  • Licensed and certified medical staff
  • Personalized treatment plans
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Seeking Safety curriculum
  • Evidence-based practices
  • Intensive therapies
  • Trauma-informed care
  • Life-skills training
  • Case management
  • Aftercare planning
  • Alumni services

When taking part in treatment programs designed specifically for them, veterans don’t have to worry about being judged or misunderstood. Plus, these centers offer a range of resources and support networks that can make a big difference in a veteran’s journey to recovery.

Currently, the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs uses a VA disability rating to help veterans get financial assistance for treatment. The rating works by giving each condition you struggle with a percentage on a severity rating scale from 0 to 100%. The higher you are on the scale, the more financial assistance you may claim for your treatment services. The PTSD and alcohol VA rating is 70%, which means you have the flexibility to find the treatment facility that’s right for you.

Because PTSD and alcohol abuse are so intimately connected, treatment must address them both.

Alcohol Addiction and PTSD Treatment at Aliya Health Group 

At Aliya Health Group, we understand veterans have unique needs. As one of our specialty treatment options, our Valor Program offers specialized, trauma-informed care to veterans within a supportive recovery community.

By joining our veteran’s rehab program, you can recover in a safe, accepting space alongside peers who have a firsthand understanding of what you’re going through. Depending on your specific needs, we’ll work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes trauma-focused approaches and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.

Some of our treatment services for veterans include:

  • Individual and group therapy
  • Dual diagnosis treatment
  • Psychiatric medication management
  • Medication-assisted treatment (MAT)
  • Evidence-based therapies
  • Holistic and wellness services
  • Psychoeducation
  • Life skills training
  • Community integration

Your treatment team will be comprised of credentialed and experienced individuals from many backgrounds. Some may include military personnel, veterans, and retired first responders. All Valor program staff are trained in military culture sensitivity and trauma. This allows us to provide specialized treatment for PTSD, substance abuse, and other mental health issues commonly experienced by veterans. Our comprehensive programs teach you how to manage PTSD symptoms, stop using drugs and alcohol to self-medicate, and adopt healthy coping skills that help you move forward.

We know that returning to civilian life can be a struggle, so we equip you with the life skills needed after treatment as well. You’ll learn coping strategies, trigger management, and relapse-prevention strategies as alternatives to self-medication. Our team helps with a variety of areas, including work, social, legal, and housing needs—all designed to help you achieve a fulfilling life of sobriety.

Contact us today to learn more about our Valor program. We can verify your insurance and offer more on how you can benefit from our substance misuse services. Call us today at 888-973-2079.

David Szarka
Medically Reviewed by David Szarka, MA, LCADC
Aliya Health Group
Written by Aliya Health Group Writers

What Are the Benefits of Trauma-Informed Expressive Arts Therapy?

Aliya on February 26, 2024

Trauma is a deeply distressing or disturbing experience that can cast a shadow over one’s life. It can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and overall quality of life. Whether caused by a single traumatic event or prolonged exposure to negative circumstances, the impact of trauma can last for years. One of the most effective forms of treatment to address the challenges that arise is trauma-informed expressive arts therapy. Creative arts can help relieve traumatic stress, improve someone’s sense of safety, and bolster the trauma-healing process. The mental health professionals at Aliya Health Group can offer trauma-informed care to heal mental illness and improve creative expression. 

What Is Expressive Arts Therapy?

Expressive arts therapy is a form of counseling that taps into the creative process to promote healing and emotional well-being. Unlike traditional therapy where talking is the main focus, expressive arts therapy encourages individuals to express themselves through various art forms such as drawing, painting, music, dance, and writing. It’s especially helpful to people who aren’t able to articulate their feelings with words alone.

During sessions, trained professionals called expressive arts therapists guide individuals through the creative process in a supportive and non-judgmental manner. Our therapists follow the best trauma-informed practices for creative arts therapies. 

Expressive arts therapy serves a wide range of purposes, including but not limited to:

  • Emotional expression: It provides a safe outlet for individuals to express their emotions, thoughts, and experiences, which may be difficult to articulate verbally.
  • Self-exploration: Through the process of creating art, individuals can explore and gain insight into their inner world, uncovering subconscious thoughts and feelings.
  • Stress release: Engaging in creative activities can help reduce stress and support relaxation by providing a break from the challenges of daily life.
  • Healing trauma: Art trauma therapy is helpful with the effects of trauma on the body and mind. It helps people process traumatic experiences, release pent-up emotions, and work toward recovery. After childhood, trauma art activities can help individuals express feelings they may not be able to articulate.

The main goal of expressive arts therapy is to promote self-awareness, personal growth, and emotional healing. Rather than focusing on artistic skill or talent, it’s about the process of creation and self-expression. Individuals are encouraged to explore and experiment with different types of art and techniques to tap into natural creativity and intuition. Through this process, individuals can reconnect with themselves, improve coping skills, and develop a deeper understanding of their emotions and experiences.

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What Is Trauma-Informed Expressive Art Therapy?

Trauma-informed expressive art therapy is focused specifically on trauma. This therapeutic approach recognizes the profound impact of trauma on individuals’ lives, including:

  • Generational trauma passed down through families
  • Childhood trauma experienced during formative years
  • Family trauma that affects relationships and dynamics
  • Post-traumatic stress disorder, experienced by veterans and many others

Trauma-informed art therapy acknowledges the interconnected nature of trauma and its effects on the body, mind, and spirit. By combining art with a therapeutic process, survivors have a non-verbal way of dealing with traumatic experiences. They can explore their emotions, memories, and reactions to trauma in a way that feels comfortable and empowering.

When taking part in trauma-healing art activities, individuals can bring their internal struggles outward and gain insight into their experiences. Often, the physical sensations, emotional responses, and inaccurate perceptions associated with trauma will bubble up. Meanwhile, the therapist works to build trust with the individual by demonstrating empathy, compassion, and a non-judgmental attitude.

What Are the Different Art Therapy Activities for Trauma?

Art therapy activities for trauma can be tailored to personal preferences and needs. Some of the different types of art commonly used in trauma treatment include:

  • Visual Arts Therapy: Activities like painting, drawing, and sculpture allow individuals to create tangible representations of their inner world. For example, individuals can create a “safe place” collage using magazine cutouts to represent feelings of safety and security.
  • Music Therapy: Music can encourage emotional expression and relaxation. Activities may include listening to music, playing instruments, or composing songs. A simple exercise is to create a playlist of songs that evoke different emotions and reflect on how each song makes you feel.
  • Drama Therapy: Drama therapy uses role-playing, improvisation, and storytelling to explore and process trauma. Participants may reenact traumatic events or create alternative endings to past experiences. In a group setting, individuals can take turns sharing a brief scene from their trauma narrative and explore different ways to rewrite the script.
  • Dance/Movement Therapy: Dance/movement therapy involves using movement and dance to help with self-expression. Activities may include guided movement exercises, dance improvisation, or expressive movement sequences. An example exercise is to use a piece of music to guide a movement exploration, focusing on how different movements relate to different emotions.
  • Creative Writing Therapy: Creative writing therapy allows individuals to express themselves through writing, poetry, and storytelling. Activities may include journaling, free writing, or guided writing prompts. A group exercise is to create a collective poem or story where each participant contributes a line or paragraph based on a shared theme or prompt.
  • Journaling: Journaling is a form of self-expression that can be done individually or in a group setting. Individuals can write about their thoughts, feelings, and experiences related to trauma, using prompts or freewriting to guide their reflections. An example prompt is to write a letter to your younger self, offering words of comfort and encouragement.
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What Other Trauma Treatment Options Are There?

In addition to trauma-informed expressive arts therapy, there are several evidence-based treatment options available. These treatments are grounded in research and are effective in addressing the symptoms and underlying causes of trauma. Let’s explore some of these options:

  • Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT is a widely used therapeutic approach that helps individuals identify and challenge negative thought patterns and behaviors associated with trauma. Through structured sessions, individuals learn coping skills to manage distressing symptoms and improve their overall well-being.
  • Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): EMDR is a specialized form of therapy that helps individuals process traumatic memories by stimulating bilateral brain activity through eye movements, taps, or sounds. This helps individuals reprocess traumatic experiences, reducing their emotional intensity and negative impact.
  • Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT): TF-CBT is specifically designed for children and adolescents who have experienced trauma. It integrates elements of CBT with trauma-focused interventions to help young individuals process their experiences, regulate their emotions, and develop coping skills.
  • Mindfulness-Based Interventions: Mindfulness practices such as meditation, yoga, and breathing exercises can help individuals cultivate present-moment awareness and self-compassion. More relaxation and less stress are helpful in the face of trauma.
  • Psychodynamic Therapy: Psychodynamic therapy explores the unconscious patterns and conflicts that contribute to trauma-related symptoms. By examining past experiences and relationships, individuals can gain insight into their present difficulties.
  • Medication: In some cases, medication may be prescribed to decrease symptoms of trauma such as depression, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. Antidepressants, anti-anxiety medications, and mood stabilizers are commonly used to manage these symptoms and improve overall functioning.

It’s important to note that not all treatments may be suitable for every individual, and a personalized approach is often necessary to address the unique needs and preferences of each person. Additionally, therapy may be provided in individual, group, or family settings, depending on the nature and context of the trauma.

Expressive Arts Therapy for Trauma at Aliya Health Group

Trauma-informed expressive arts therapy is just one piece of the larger puzzle of trauma treatment. At Aliya Health Group, we provide specialized trauma-informed care that addresses all of the comorbid issues clients bring with them into rehab. Depending on your specific needs, we will work with you to create a personalized treatment plan that includes trauma-focused approaches and treatment for co-occurring mental health disorders.

This personalized, trauma-informed approach is provided in a safe and supportive atmosphere found in our treatment facilities. Here, you can heal from your experiences surrounded by compassionate, empathetic clinicians. Through our evidence-based therapies and customized treatment plans, we strive to help you overcome any obstacles and improve your overall well-being.

Ultimately, the journey toward healing from trauma is not a one-way street. Whether you’re a trauma survivor embarking on your healing journey or the loved one of someone who is, we can help you rebuild your life and thrive in the aftermath of difficult experiences. Contact us today to learn more about our programs.

David Szarka
Medically Reviewed by David Szarka, MA, LCADC
Aliya Health Group
Written by Aliya Health Group Writers
Aliya Health Group
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