Individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder (SUD) and schizophrenia have a higher risk of experiencing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). According to the Annals of Medicine and Surgery, “The comorbidity schizophrenia-PTSD exists with unavoidable prevalence.” However, as the journal states, “It is often under-diagnosed.” The symptoms and side effects of schizophrenia and PTSD may significantly impact a person’s ability to manage SUD and engage in treatment. Fortunately, Renaissance Ranch offers a continuum of care to help clients effectively navigate recovery while managing complex co-occurring conditions.
Connections Between PTSD, Schizophrenia, and Addiction
The risk factors for schizophrenia, PTSD, and addiction have some overlap. For example, individuals with a family history of mental health disorders have an increased risk of experiencing all three conditions. Many different environmental, social, and physiological factors play a role in determining who may develop these disorders.
Some of the shared risk factors for developing PTSD, schizophrenia, and addictive behaviors include the following:
- Adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) and childhood trauma
- Chronic exposure to high-stress environments
- Genetics
- Neurochemical imbalances
- Early substance abuse, especially the use of mind-altering substances at a young age
- Unstable or dysfunctional family dynamics
People with schizophrenia or PTSD are more likely to be diagnosed with SUD compared to individuals without those conditions. Some people self-medicate with alcohol or drugs to manage their symptoms, or the conditions may develop independently. Treatment programs at Renaissance Ranch consider these factors during care planning and therapy. Clients receive the support and guidance they need to heal and build healthy coping skills for managing co-occurring disorders during long-term recovery.
Addressing Schizophrenia and Co-Occurring PTSD During Rehabilitation
Individualized care plans allow clinicians to address schizophrenia, PTSD, and addiction simultaneously during rehabilitation. Symptoms exist along a spectrum, and the degree of severity will determine the level of care a client needs to manage their condition successfully. Renaissance Ranch uses comprehensive assessments and screening tools to formulate an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.
Clients learn to manage symptoms and side effects of their conditions through the following methods:
- Skill development
- Individual and group therapy
- Peer support
- Family therapy
- Relapse prevention
- Aftercare planning
Renaissance Ranch offers a full continuum of care and multiple levels of treatment to ensure that clients receive the support they need to successfully establish and maintain sobriety while managing complex mental health disorders. Mental health treatment is part of all programs, allowing clients to gain essential knowledge and tools for overcoming challenges in recovery.
How Do Co-Occurring Disorders Impact Symptoms?
The symptoms of SUD, schizophrenia, and PTSD have some overlap, and the presence of all three conditions simultaneously may cause some people to experience more severe side effects. In addition, side effects of one condition may make it more difficult for a person to manage the other disorders. For example, trauma triggers associated with PTSD may make it more difficult for a person to feel comfortable asking for emotional support during difficult moments in recovery.
According to the Community Mental Health Journal, “Recovery from substance abuse and mental health disorders (dual-diagnosis) requires time, hard work and a broad array of coping skills.” Often, clients with complex co-occurring conditions require multiple forms of support to successfully achieve sobriety and maintain good mental health.
The Effects of Schizophrenia and Co-Occurring PTSD on Recovery
PTSD affects how people think about their recovery from addiction and their ability to manage schizophrenia. According to the previously mentioned article in the Annals of Medicine and Surgery, “The association of post-traumatic stress disorder with schizophrenia has an essential impact on the positive and the negative symptoms of schizophrenia.” Addressing PTSD using eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) therapy or other specialized treatments may reduce some of the harmful effects of this co-occurring disorder.
How Renaissance Ranch Addresses Schizophrenia and Co-Occurring PTSD During Treatment
Renaissance Ranch understands the importance of matching clients with appropriate and effective therapies. Every therapy session is carefully tailored to address the unique needs of clients. Some sessions may focus on only one condition or all three.
A few of the treatment options and services at Renaissance Ranch include the following:
- Group, individual, and family therapy
- Complementary treatments
- Community-based education and support
- Peer support
- Prescription medications
Family and social support are essential for individuals with PTSD and schizophrenia. A strong support network and healthy social engagement can mitigate some of the potential side effects of these conditions and provide additional accountability for individuals in treatment or aftercare. Renaissance Ranch encourages families to play an active role in the recovery process.
Individualized Treatment and Aftercare Planning
The tailored care provided by Renaissance Ranch reduces the risk of relapse by ensuring that clients and their loved ones feel confident in their ability to successfully manage sobriety and co-occurring PTSD or schizophrenia.
Some of the primary benefits of individual treatment and aftercare plans for individuals with co-occurring conditions include the following:
- Integrated mental health and addiction treatment
- Improved symptom management
- Consistent care
- Enhanced quality of life
Clients are more likely to remain engaged in treatment and have better outcomes if they have individualized care plans incorporating therapy and medications for all three disorders. People with complex co-occurring conditions can heal and build more fulfilling futures with the help of mental health and addiction recovery specialists.
Cases involving post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), schizophrenia, and substance abuse often require additional support services and comprehensive aftercare planning. Treatment programs use an integrative approach, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based therapies to address the symptoms and side effects of all three conditions. Addressing co-occurring mental health issues during treatment for substance abuse prepares clients for long-term sobriety by helping them develop healthy routines and coping mechanisms. At Renaissance Ranch, we use a combination of evidence-based and holistic therapies to support clients with co-occurring PTSD and schizophrenia. Clients learn the necessary skills to reduce the risk of relapse and maintain positive mental health in long-term recovery. To learn more about our programs, call us at (801) 308-8898.