The Link Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Tuesday, July 14, 2009
(Read Count: 943)
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An emerging body of research has documented a very strong association between Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance abuse. In most cases, substance use begins after the exposure to trauma and the development of PTSD, thus making PTSD a risk factor for drug abuse.
Early intervention to help children and adolescents who have suffered trauma from violence or a disaster is critical. Children who witness or are exposed to a traumatic event and are clinically diagnosed with PTSD have a greater likelihood for developing later drug and/or alcohol use disorders.
Of individuals with substance use disorders, 30 to 60 percent meet the criteria for comorbid PTSD. Patients with substance abuse disorders ...
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Source: National Institute on Drug Abuse
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Types of Therapy
Monday, July 06, 2009
(Read Count: 875)
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Therapy methods abound. But what will work best for you? Here’s a list:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy
Emphasizes the role of thinking in how we feel and what we do. CBT stresses the fact that thoughts, rather than people or events, cause our negative feelings. CBT is a structured collaboration between therapist and client and often calls for homework assignments. Brief and time-limited, CBT includes rational emotive behavior therapy and cognitive therapy.
Eclectic
Many practitioners now take an eclectic approach by using various methods including cognitive behavioral therapy and psychodynamic therapy, fo...
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When Anxiety Emerges and Persists
Monday, July 06, 2009
(Read Count: 792)
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When severe anxiety emerges and persists, our lives seem to take on a pervasive pall. We're convinced we'll never feel like ourselves again, that no one could understand what we're going through. Sometimes anxiety is milder, not so devastating, not so disabling, not so constant--but disturbing and bothersome nonetheless.
Anxiety comes in many forms and in varying degrees, sometimes out of the blue, sometimes after painful or traumatic experiences. But however it manifests itself, help is available--if we seek the proven approaches that research has translated into effective treatments, namely, certain types of psychotherapy, medication or a combination of both.
Yet, many of the nearly 20 million America...
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