Survivors of domestic violence-related PTSD often live in fear, dis-empowerment, anxiety, and depression. Between constantly reliving the acute physical and psychological trauma they received and feeling shame for allowing themselves to become victims, domestic violence victims are vulnerable to a whole host of mental health issues, many of which can lead to substance abuse and eventual addiction.

If you or someone you care about is struggling with domestic violence-related PTSD, and have begun self-medicating with alcohol or other drugs, it’s important to take a holistic approach to heal the origins, triggers, and consequences of the problem to achieve balanced recovery and peace of mind.

PTSD, Mental Illness & Addiction: What’s the Connection?

There are volumes of research dedicated to illustrating the correlation between domestic violence-related PTSD. One comprehensive study from the University of Tennessee indicates that domestic female violence victims, who represent a clear majority of victims overall, experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) at a rate of 51 to 75 percent. Around 35 percent to 70 percent of these women experience depression; over 13 percent become addicted to alcohol and nearly 23 percent experience past-year illicit drug use to cope with their mental health issues.

There is a clear relationship between intimate-partner violence, mental health issues, and substance use disorder, but everyone’s journey is different. Even those who don’t turn to alcohol and other drugs need help to regain their peace of mind, mental health, and their overall quality of life.

It’s Not Your Fault: Dealing with Self-Blame and Guilt

As unthinkable as it may be, many domestic violence victims become convinced that they brought the abuse on themselves. Part of any effective domestic violence-related mental health treatment should be reinforced self-compassion and a therapeutic component to help mitigate self-blame. These types of therapies can also increase overall self-acceptance and worth. People often stay trapped in an abusive relationship because they feel they deserve the abuse, or they feel they’re tied to their abuser for safety reasons. Self-compassion not only offers validation, it also empowers domestic violence victims to take an active role in their recovery and their everyday lives.

You Don’t Have Anything To Be Ashamed Of: Addressing Shame & Stigma in Domestic Violence

An unfortunate reality of domestic violence is that so many cases go unreported. This is often because victims are too ashamed to admit that they’ve fallen victim to an abusive relationship dynamic, whether they’re currently living in it, or it’s part of their past. They don’t know where to go with these feelings of shame and often wind up committing self-harm or abusing alcohol or other drugs to dull the pain. Comprehensive domestic violence-related PTSD treatment must address these deep-rooted feelings of shame, exploring both how they played a role in the abuse itself, as well as the emotional aftermath that followed.

Addressing Domestic Violence & PTSD-related Substance Abuse

Helping domestic violence victims overcome substance use disorder goes way beyond withdrawal management and three weeks of rehab. These individuals are plagued by deep trauma, as well as emotional issues that may have predated the abuse they experienced. It’s also worth noting alcohol and drugs are involved in an overwhelming number of domestic violence cases, according to data from the World Health Organization, which means that domestic violence and PTSD-related addiction treatment should include behavioral coping mechanisms to help break the cycle of addiction and abuse, particularly for those who are already vulnerable to substance use disorder by virtue of their dysfunctional relationship.

Treatment for PTSD-related addiction should include medically supervised detox to address the immediate medical needs associated with prolonged and untreated substance use, along with group therapy, individualized counseling and supplemental behavioral therapies to address the root causes and sustaining factors of addiction.

The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reports that over eight million Americans struggle with co-occurring substance use disorder and mental illness, such as PTSD, depression, or anxiety, and may be best served by dual-diagnosis treatment programs. These programs allow you or your loved one to simultaneously address your addiction and underlying trauma in one treatment setting for balanced mental health.

Resources for Domestic Violence Survivors

• National Domestic Violence Hotline
• Women’s Resource Center
• Domestic Violence Resource Center

Ohio’s Governor, Mike DeWine, is working to address the drug problem in the state, and he is asking for the help of the court system, treatment professionals, residents, and other organizations to help him accomplish his goals. Governor DeWine recently created the RecoveryOhio initiative to improve how the state addresses mental health and substance use disorders, including better treatment options, prevention campaigns, advocacy, and support services. Residents are finding out just how the new initiative can benefit their friends and loved ones who are addicted to drugs, particularly those who have been convicted of drug crimes.

Governor Mike DeWine recently released his proposed budget for Ohio which includes asking for $7.5 million over two years to create 30 new drug courts in the Buckeye State. The proposal is Ohio’s latest in a series of moves to combat the opioid epidemic in a state that has seen more deaths and overdoses per capita than any other but West Virginia. The new courts would add to the current 150 drug courts already in the state. The proposal is the first major move from the governor’s desk against the crisis.

Does Ohio Have A Drug Epidemic?

When Governor DeWine created the RecoveryOhio Initiative in January of this year, he stated that “Ohio is facing the worst drug epidemic in my lifetime and is losing 13 or 14 people a day from accidental drug overdoses. Every county in Ohio and every city, town, and village – urban and rural – are affected. The human toll, the increased crime, and the economic and societal damages caused by this epidemic are devastating; and the cost consequences of this epidemic reach every part of Ohio’s communities: schools, jails, businesses, health care, foster care and more. One study indicates the cost of the drug epidemic is nearly 9 billion dollars a year in Ohio.”

Drug use is terrorizing the state of Ohio, and many of those who have been convicted of drug possession are users who are addicted to the substance. The Ohio Public Defender’s office states that:

• 2,600 people in Ohio are currently in prison for drug possession
• 1 in 8 people in Ohio prisons is there on a drug possession charge
• 1,600 people are locked up for possessing drugs in amounts for personal use only

Better Access To Treatment In Ohio

The answers to Ohio’s drug problem are better prevention and treatment options, as well as more coordinated care for those struggling with addiction. One of the main areas Governor DeWine hopes to focus on is the criminal justice system. According to recommendations by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council, courts should have more options to redirect individuals charged with drug-related crimes into treatment programs instead of sending them straight to prison. Based on recidivism rates and court data, those who simply spend time behind bars for drug crimes are much more likely to go back to using as soon as they are released. Those that get help in the form of addiction treatment programs, on the other hand, are better prepared to remain sober and stay clean even after their sentence is served.

In connection with the Governor’s Council, the Ohio House has passed House Bill 1, which would expand access to treatment programs for non-violent drug offenders rather than prison time. The Bill has experienced non-partisan support so far. “House Bill 1 gives these Ohioans a second chance to start over and have a real shot at reaching their fullest potential,” State Representative Stephanie Howse said during the discussion of the bill on the House floor. Ohio has recently put more emphasis on other addiction treatment programs such as the one bite program for impaired physicians.

Speaker Larry Householder agrees, “Our lawmakers have been working across the aisle to craft legislation that expands opportunities for all Ohioans,” said Householder. “This legislation is proof of that. I’m pleased that we will be able to help those overcoming addiction start a new life and become a productive member of society.” The bill is now headed to the Ohio Senate for further discussion and consideration.

Additional Drug Courts Mean More Opportunities For Treatment

In order to ensure better access to drug treatment, Governor DeWine plans to seek additional funding in the 2020-2021 budgets to create 30 new specialty drug courts throughout the state. “Specialty dockets give judges the flexibility necessary when they encounter someone in the court system who is may benefit more from treatment for substance use disorder rather than serving jail time,” DeWine said. “These specialty courts are a proven way to hold those with substance use disorder accountable and ensure participation in mental health and addiction treatment.”

RecoveryOhio Advisory Council

In addition to recommending the addition of drug courts, the Governor’s Council issued more than 70 recommendations in the areas of stigma, parity, workforce development, prevention, harm reduction, treatment and recovery supports, and data and outcomes measurement.

Recommendations put forth by the Governor’s RecoveryOhio Advisory Council:

• Establish statewide prevention coordination with all state departments and agencies to ensure best practices, consistent messaging, technical assistance, and delivery of prevention services across multiple domains.
• Commission a statewide campaign to address stigma against people with mental illness and substance use disorders.
• Ensure that each patient’s needs and treatment recommendations are determined by a qualified clinical professional and promote insurance coverage of medically-necessary services identified by quality clinical care providers.
• Review and create a comprehensive plan for safe, affordable, and quality housing that will meet the needs of individuals with mental health and substance use disorders and would include supported housing options, transitional housing, recovery housing, adult care facilities, and short-term stabilization options.

Drug Court In Ohio

“Far too many Ohioans have died and too many continue to struggle with mental health and substance use disorders. The recommendations, offered by the RecoveryOhio Advisory Council provide a framework for a new system of prevention, treatment, and support that we will work to implement,” said Governor DeWine. “Ohio should be a state that is a national model for prevention, offers top-notch treatment services, and supports recovery and well-being. Investing in streamlining and improving what we as a state are doing to prevent, treat, and encourage recovery, is truly an investment in Ohio’s future.” Drug rehab in ohio should be easily accessible and highly helpful for detox treatment.

When the time comes to choose the best possible drug rehabilitation center for yourself or an addicted loved one, many overlook some important criteria: namely, the credentials of the program’s caregivers and staff. While some facilities employ people with “Dr.” in front of their names, their degrees are not always in medicine. While they may know how to effectively communicate with and counsel addicts, they lack the knowledge of the medical facts about addiction that physicians have.

Are Drug Rehabs Designed By Doctors More Effective?

Physician-managed care offers a level of effectiveness that can’t be matched in a different kind of substance abuse treatment program. Board-certified Addictionologists, like The Ridge’s physicians, Dr. Whitsett, are specially trained in the physical and mental effects of addiction. They understand the most successful methods of putting an addict’s body and mind back on the path of healing. Care starts with assessing the proper level of care a client requires, their need for appropriately safe detoxification, and delivering extensive 12-step treatment, continuing all the way through aftercare.

Drug and Alcohol Programs Without Doctors

Drug treatment centers without medically-trained physicians and nurses may work for some, but without the level of expertise, a medical doctor brings, the care could be of lesser quality. That’s why, when considering treatment options, it’s essential to know exactly what kind of qualifications potential caregivers have. When trusting others with something as essential as addiction treatment, it’s wise to choose the most senior, capable professionals.

Why Physician-Designed Drug and Alcohol Rehabs Are Important For Professionals

Physician-designed drug and alcohol rehabs are incredibly important for professionals in high-stress positions. It is often too easy to fall into a spiral of self-destructive behavior as a means of coping with the difficulties of the job. Professional counseling, such as that offered through physician-designed rehabs, can give these individuals the guidance they need to recognize and break unhealthy cycles while providing tools to develop healthier techniques for managing their feelings. In addition to more traditional forms of support like therapeutic sessions, clients also gain access to physical activity regimens and nutritional plans that aid in restoring emotional balance. Perhaps most importantly, professional rehab programs provide an understanding atmosphere focused on helping individuals make progress rather than focusing solely on their shortcomings. With these comprehensive rehabilitation services, professionals can maintain their well-being even when dealing with demanding career obligations.

Doctor Designed Rehab In Ohio

The Ridge’s drug rehabilitation center is physician-designed and led by a senior staff of nurses and highly qualified addiction counselors. Contact us now for more information.