DYSTHYMIA AND SUBSTANCE ABUSE
DEFINING DYSTHYMIA AND ITS ROLE IN ADDICTION
Also known as persistent depressive mood disorder in the DSM 5, dysthymia affects about 3.3 million American adults. That’s about 1.5 percent of people 18 and older in the U.S. in any given year. A long-term form of depression, for most people it feels never-ending. The truth is that it can take over large chunks of someone’s life. Nothing is safe— not careers, relationships, or quality of life.
Mental illnesses can drive many to use drugs for escape. We all know that drugs change the brain’s chemistry. Many drugs give users feelings of happiness because of this. It can be easy to pop a pill and convince yourself that the habit is keeping you “happy.” For those struggling with long-term feelings of depression, using can feel like the only way to escape the hopelessness. Recovery Unplugged is here to let you know that isn’t the case.
When dysthymia is paired with substance abuse, it’s considered a dual-diagnosis. At Recovery Unplugged, we want to get you the help you need for both of your disorders. Your mental health is important to us. Treatment is closer than you or your loved one may realize. Get the help you need today.
PTSD affects many populations, and can develop from a variety of factors from armed combat to school bullying. PTSD targets people of all ages and can take many years to overcome. It can also keep sufferers from actively moving forward in their lives. Some of the more common causes of PTSD include:
- Rape or Sexual Assault
- Physical or Emotional Abuse
- Bullying Death of a Loved One
- Storm or Natural Disaster
- Domestic Violence
- Financial Trouble
- Abandonment or Neglect
- Military Service
- Car Crash and Other Types of Accidents
It’s incredibly common for PTSD sufferers to internalize their trauma and mediate with drugs and alcohol. We’re ready to help you break the cycle of trauma and substance abuse.
SYMPTOMS OF PTSD
While each person’s PTSD symptoms will vary according to their unique care needs and type of trauma, there are some universal symptoms for which loved ones can watch out. Friends and families are uniquely positioned to recognize PTSD symptoms and help sufferers get help. Some of the more common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Agitation
- Irritability
- Hostility
- Hypervigilance
- Self-Destructive Behavior
- Social Isolation
- Flashback
- Fear
- Severe Anxiety
- Mistrust
Individuals noticing these symptoms in themselves or a loved one should seek help immediately before their PTSD gets any worse or endangers themselves or others.
