Treatment of PTSD and Operational Stress with Addictions

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is linked to traumatic events experienced by a person. A soldier or veteran who suffers from PTSD has probably seen something horrible or has been confronted with intense fear, such as the fear of dying. A traumatic event of this kind can have an impact on the lives of the patient and those around them and can lead to addiction to various substances in the hope of erasing memories. In this case, patients may seek treatment for post-traumatic stress. 

What are the signs of post-traumatic stress disorder? 

Post-traumatic stress disorder is the result of an intense fear affecting the mental health of those who have experienced a traumatic event. The fear is severe enough that the patient develops an anxiety disorder even when the reason for fear is long over.  

 Canadian Armed Forces, members of the Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Veterans and first responders are at high risk of experiencing traumatic events and therefore developing post-traumatic stress disorder. Several signs help us recognize PTSD: 

• The person has constant flashbacks, says that the traumatic scene is constantly being experienced in their head 
• The person is always on alert and is extremely vigilant 
• The person has difficulty feeling emotions 
• The person also has difficulty concentrating 
• The person suffering from PTSD may develop alcoholism, or drug addiction  

It is suggested that people who think they have post-traumatic stress disorder should be assessed as quickly as possible to best deal with related health issues. 

What is the difference between PTSD and Operational Stress (OSI)? 

PTSD is a psychological disturbance that results from a traumatic event related to the duties and functions of those in the Canadian Armed Forces or RCMP. Operational stress is a term that encompasses several types of disorders, such as post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety disorders and depression. 

For example, a veteran in a war zone may have an intense fear of unexpected noises, such as blasting terrain or police sirens. This is called an operational stress injury. 

What are the consequences of an operational stress injury? 

Trauma causes individuals to experience an Operational Stress Injury (OSI). An OSI can interfere with a person’s mental health and daily function. 

An operational stress injury can include: 

• Depression 
• Anxiety disorders 
• Drug and alcohol dependence 
• Post-traumatic stress disorder. 

What is a traumatic event? 

Of course, trauma and an operational stress injury are the result of a significant negative event in the lives of those who are suffering. Several traumatic events can lead to an operational stress injury: 

• Hostage-taking 
• Fights 
• Aggressions 
• Natural disasters 
• Other extreme situations 

Treatment steps 

Clinique Nouveau Départ–EHN Canada has implemented the Trauma Program. This nine-week program is designed to help patients manage the symptoms associated with their post-traumatic stress disorder. 

Before the start of post-traumatic stress treatment, our treatment experts carry out a complete assessment of our patients. The goal is to know: 

• Their addictive substance consumption profile 
• Their detoxification potential 
• Factors that may favour or impair their rehabilitation 

We also analyze the presence of addiction-concurrent disorders, such as anxiety, insomnia, intense fear, etc. We want to know all factors of our patients’ mental health to better treat each person. 

This program, designed exclusively for military and veterans, offers patients individual and group therapeutic sessions. Groups consist of up to eight patients with similar experiences to promote sharing, understanding and collaborative experience. 

As a result of treatment, we offer a residential program of a minimum of six weeks and an  outpatient program designed to provide post-treatment follow-up, which may last up to 12 months. 

The overall steps of the residential program are the same for all patients we then further personalize the treatment according to the situation and the needs of each patient. 

For both programs, the objectives are to promote patient recovery through education. During the healing process, the patient will be able to: 

• Understand that their addiction is the result of their trauma 
• Understand the consequences of addiction and PTSD on their life and on those around them 
• Develop a plan for abstinence and a relapse prevention plan based on each patient’s unique situation 
• Learn to manage the warning signs and triggers of a relapse. 

The outpatient program aims to prepare the patient to reintegrate their living environment with weekly follow-ups with our treatment experts. 

Our team has great expertise in the treatment of addictions and traumas. Our different stakeholders all share the same goal: to offer patients at Clinique Nouveau Départ a peaceful place where they can go through the recovery process at their own pace and with dignity. 

To join the program, a member or veteran must refer to his or her doctor. Admission involves a telephone evaluation completed with an admissions counsellor who will evaluate each patient’s unique situation. 

Note