When it comes to addiction, no two cases are similar. Sometimes those struggling with substance use also have a mental disorder, in what is known as a dual diagnosis. One of the most common examples of this is when post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) coexists with addiction. This creates complex challenges for those seeking recovery.
For individuals struggling with these dual diagnoses, traditional addiction treatment methods on their own may not suffice. That’s where Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) comes in. ART offers a promising approach to addressing both conditions simultaneously, with much better treatment outcomes than addressing each on their own.
As the premier addiction treatment center in Indiana, Evolve Indy is committed to addressing the intertwined issues of PTSD and addiction. That’s why we embrace innovative, evidence-based treatment methods such as ART. But exactly what is ART and how can it help individuals battling these two conditions?
What is Accelerated Resolution Therapy?
Accelerated Resolution Therapy is a form of psychotherapy that’s designed to achieve rapid and effective resolution of traumatic memories and related psychological issues. Developed in 2008 by Laney Rosenzweig, ART combines principles from various therapeutic approaches, including cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR). It works by enabling clients to quickly process and resolve traumatic experiences by helping them reprogram the way their brains store distressing memories and images.
ART has the following key components:
Voluntary image replacement
ART encourages and empowers clients to voluntarily replace distressing images associated with traumatic memories with more positive ones, thereby helping to improve their overall mental health and reduce their emotional pain.
Eye movement techniques
In a similar way to EMDR, ART uses guided eye movements to help individuals process and desensitize traumatic memories. This technique triggers the brain’s natural mechanisms to reduce the intensity of traumatic memories.
A rapid and direct approach
ART is typically brief and shows results quickly, with many clients reporting significant improvements after just a few sessions. This makes it an appealing option for those seeking quick relief from their symptoms.
Who Can Benefit from Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART)?
ART is a versatile treatment method that can be beneficial to a wide range of individuals experiencing various mental health issues. It’s particularly effective for:
- Individuals struggling with PTSD: Since ART helps individuals sort out and work through traumatic memories that trigger symptoms, it’s highly effective in treating PTSD.
- Addiction recovery: ART can aid those in addiction recovery by addressing underlying trauma that may contribute to substance use disorders.
- Anxiety and depression: Those dealing with anxiety and depression may find ART helpful especially when these conditions are comorbid with PTSD and addiction.
- Victims of abuse: Survivors of physical, emotional, or sexual abuse can find ART helpful in processing and overcoming their traumatic experiences.
The Intersection of PTSD and Addiction
As far as co-occurring disorders go having both PTSD and addiction can be surprisingly common. Unfortunately, both conditions can fuel each other, creating a vicious cycle that complicates recovery.
Reasons why PTSD and Addiction Co-Occur:
- The self-medication hypothesis: Individuals with PTSD often experience symptoms such as flashbacks, insomnia, and anxiety. They then turn to drugs or alcohol in a bid to manage these symptoms and numb their emotional pain which can eventually lead to addiction.
- Neurobiological changes: Trauma can change brain chemistry, increasing susceptibility to addiction as a means of escape. Both PTSD and addiction impact the brain’s reward system, making individuals more prone to substance use as a coping mechanism.
- Shared risk factors: Factors such as genetic predisposition, environmental stressors, and early life trauma can contribute to the development of both PTSD and addiction.
Who is Affected:
- Abuse survivors – People who have gone through physical, emotional, or sexual abuse often develop PTSD and may turn to substances to cope with the trauma.
- Veterans – Military personnel exposed to combat and other traumatic experiences are at high risk for developing PTSD and subsequently, substance use disorders.
- First responders – Firefighters, police officers, and EMTs frequently encounter traumatic situations, making them highly susceptible to both PTSD and addiction.
- People with chronic stress – Individuals living in high-stress environments or experiencing ongoing traumatic events are at an increased risk for both conditions.
How ART Addresses Co-Occurring PTSD and Addiction
ART’s unique approach makes it particularly effective for individuals struggling with both PTSD and addiction. Here’s how this method helps address PTSD and addiction:
Addressing trauma at its core
ART helps those in recovery to tackle traumatic memories that trigger PTSD symptoms. Once the emotional intensity of these memories is reduced, the need for self-medication through substance use is diminished. Clients can then go on to replace distressing images with more positive ones, breaking the cycle of trauma and addiction.
Reducing triggers and cravings
Through ART, the brain’s response to traumatic responses is reprogrammed leading to a decrease in the triggers and cravings associated with addiction. Clients undergoing ART learn how to cope with stress and trauma without resorting to substance use, fostering long-term recovery.
Enhancing emotional regulation
ART improves emotional regulation by helping clients process unresolved trauma. This enhances their ability to manage emotions and stressors, reducing the likelihood of relapse and promoting mental well-being.
Encouraging rapid relief
One of ART’s advantages is its rapid effectiveness. Clients often experience significant symptom reduction after a few sessions, making it easier to engage in the rest of their addiction treatment programs. This quick relief can be crucial for individuals in the early stages of recovery.
Complementing other treatments
ART can be easily integrated with other treatment modalities such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), group therapy, and medication-assisted treatment (MAT). This makes for a more holistic approach, ensuring that all aspects of PTSD and addiction are addressed thereby increasing the chances of a successful recovery.
Building resilience
ART helps build resilience by empowering clients to take control of their traumatic memories and responses. This empowerment is crucial for maintaining sobriety and preventing relapse, as clients develop healthier coping mechanisms and a stronger sense of self.
Implementing ART at Evolve Indy
At Evolve Indy, we understand that co-occurring disorders are complex and require innovative and comprehensive treatment plans to treat. We recognize the critical role ART plays in addressing the dual diagnoses of PTSD and addiction and aim to integrate it into our personalized treatment plans. Here’s how we do it:
- Carrying out a comprehensive assessment – Before a client is admitted into one of our treatment programs e.g. intensive outpatient treatment or partial hospitalization, they undergo a thorough assessment. This helps us understand their trauma history, addiction patterns, and overall mental health. The information we gather helps decide if ART is the right approach and how to best integrate it into their treatment plan.
- Individualized treatment plans – Addiction affects people differently, calling for treatment plans that are tailored to address each individual’s unique needs. That’s why we schedule ART sessions alongside other therapeutic interventions within a treatment program, ensuring that all aspects of the individual’s treatment are catered for.
- Experienced practitioners – The treatment team at Evolve Indy is made up of addiction specialists who include ART practitioners skilled in guiding clients through the therapy process. These professionals provide expert, compassionate care and their expertise ensures clients receive maximum benefit from ART.
- Ongoing support – Recovery from PTSD and addiction is an ongoing journey. That’s why we at Evolve Indy provide continuous support, including follow-up ART sessions, even when individuals leave our treatment programs. our outpatient treatment program and aftercare program ensure that these individuals keep receiving the support and therapeutic services they need to achieve lasting recovery.
Change Your Life with Evolve Indy
Understanding and addressing co-occurring PTSD and addiction simultaneously is crucial for effective recovery. To this end, Accelerated Resolution Therapy (ART) emerges as a powerful tool to help individuals process trauma, manage addiction triggers, and build resilience.
At Evolve Indy, our client’s wellbeing is our priority. When it comes to managing and treating dual diagnoses, we make use of ART alongside other treatment modalities to ensure our clients achieve long-lasting sobriety. We also use methods such as cognitive-behavioral therapy and motivational interviewing, among others. Additionally, we incorporate a range of holistic treatment methods including an adventure program, music and art therapy, mindfulness, meditation, yoga, and nutrition education among others. Our goal is to give our clients comprehensive, well-rounded treatment that caters to their physical, emotional, spiritual, and mental well-being.
Evolve Indy continually relies on evidence-based treatment methods that have been found to have the greatest rates of success and low relapse rates. These programs are carried out by compassionate, experienced, and accredited professionals who have helped hundreds of people struggling with drug or alcohol addiction to turn their lives around for the better.
Furthermore, our rehab facility in Indiana is designed with our clients’ comfort in mind. Clients have semi-private rooms with flat-screen TVs in every room as well as a client lounge and library. They also get to enjoy catered nutritious meals and wellness activities that complement their treatment.
If you’re ready to take control of your life and heal from the inside out, Evolve Indy is ready to help you every step of the way. Get in touch with us today and let us guide you on your journey to recovery.