PTSD & Addiction: Symptoms & Treatment in Spokane, Washington

By We Level Up WA | Author Susan Egbert, PharmD | Editorial Policy | Research Policy

Living with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) while struggling with addiction can feel like being caught in a relentless storm. These two conditions often intertwine, creating a complex web that can be difficult to escape without specialized help. When trauma occurs, the mind and body seek relief, and sometimes, substances become that temporary escape. But this relief comes at a cost, often deepening both conditions over time.

The journey to healing isn’t linear. That’s why our approach combines evidence-based therapies, compassionate support, and individualized treatment plans designed to address your specific experiences with trauma and addiction. 

Whether you’re seeking help for yourself or a loved one, understanding how these conditions connect is the first step toward lasting recovery.

How PTSD and Addiction Interconnect

The relationship between trauma and substance use is both profound and scientifically documented. When someone experiences trauma, their brain chemistry changes, often leading to persistent symptoms like flashbacks, nightmares, and hypervigilance. These symptoms can be overwhelming, pushing many toward substances as a form of self-medication.

According to the National Center for PTSD, people who have PTSD often battle with substance use disorders (up to 44.6%). This isn’t coincidental. Alcohol and drugs temporarily numb emotional pain, suppress nightmares, or help manage the intense anxiety that comes with PTSD. But this relief is fleeting and often makes both conditions worse over time.

The cycle typically works like this: trauma leads to distressing symptoms, substances provide temporary relief, but then tolerance builds, requiring more substances to achieve the same effect. Meanwhile, the underlying trauma remains unaddressed, often intensifying when the substances wear off.

What makes this particularly challenging is how each condition reinforces the other. PTSD symptoms trigger substance use, while substance use can worsen PTSD symptoms and even create new trauma. Breaking this cycle requires addressing both issues simultaneously, which is exactly what dual diagnosis treatment aims to do.

Holistic Healing Approaches

Traditional therapies can be complemented with holistic practices that support whole-person healing:

• Mindfulness-Based Relapse Prevention: Combining mindfulness practices with relapse prevention techniques
• Trauma-Sensitive Yoga: Gentle movement practices that help reconnect with the body in a safe way
• Art and Expressive Therapies: Non-verbal approaches to processing trauma when words aren’t enough
• Nutrition and Exercise Support: Rebuilding physical health as a foundation for mental wellness

Integrated treatment approaches for PTSD and addiction typically show significantly better outcomes than sequential treatment.

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Treatment at We Level Up WA

PTSD and addiction recovery are built on the understanding that lasting healing requires addressing the root causes of both conditions while providing tools for sustainable recovery.

Our treatment philosophy centers on several core principles:

• Trauma-Informed Care: Every aspect of our program acknowledges the impact of trauma. From our physical environment to our therapeutic approaches, we create spaces where clients feel safe, understood, and empowered.
• Integrated Treatment: Rather than treating PTSD and addiction as separate issues, our clinicians address them concurrently, recognizing how they influence and exacerbate each other.
• Evidence-Based Practices: We utilize therapies proven effective for both trauma and addiction, including Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), and Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT).
• Individualized Planning: No two trauma stories are identical, which is why we create customized treatment plans based on your specific experiences, symptoms, and recovery goals.

What sets our approach apart is our multidisciplinary team. Our staff includes psychiatrists specializing in trauma, addiction medicine physicians, licensed therapists with extensive trauma training, and recovery support specialists—many of whom have personal experience with trauma recovery.

We also recognize that healing happens in the community. While individual therapy forms the backbone of trauma treatment, we’ve found that group work provides unique benefits: reducing isolation, building connection, and allowing clients to learn from others with similar experiences.

The journey through PTSD and addiction recovery isn’t quick or easy, but with the right support, it’s absolutely possible. Our approach aims not just for symptom reduction but for post-traumatic growth, helping clients not only recover but emerge stronger and more resilient than before.

About We Level Up WA

Choosing the right treatment center for PTSD and addiction recovery is a crucial decision that can significantly impact your healing journey. We Level Up Washington stands out in several important ways:

Specialized Expertise in Trauma and Addiction

Our clinical team includes professionals with advanced training and certification in trauma treatment modalities. Many of our staff members have dedicated their careers to understanding the intersection of trauma and addiction, bringing decades of combined experience to your care. This specialized knowledge allows us to address even the most complex cases with confidence and precision.

Comprehensive Continuum of Care

Recovery isn’t a one-size-fits-all process, which is why we offer a complete spectrum of services:

• Pre-admission assessment to determine the right level of care
• Seamless transitions between treatment intensities as your needs change
• Comprehensive aftercare planning that begins from day one
• Alumni community that provides ongoing support and connection

What to Expect During Treatment

Beginning treatment for PTSD and addiction may feel overwhelming, but at We Level Up Washington, we’ve created a clear, supportive process to guide you through each step of your recovery journey.

Initial Assessment and Planning

Your journey begins with a thorough evaluation conducted by our clinical team. This comprehensive assessment includes:

• Detailed trauma history (conducted with sensitivity and at your pace)
• Substance use patterns and history
• Physical health screening
• Psychological evaluation
• Assessment of support systems and resources

Using this information, we develop your personalized treatment plan, identifying specific therapies, interventions, and goals tailored to your unique situation.

Core Treatment Phase

Once stabilized, you’ll engage in the intensive work of healing:

• Individual trauma therapy sessions
• Group therapy focusing on both trauma and addiction recovery
• Family sessions to rebuild support systems
• Skill-building groups for emotion regulation and stress management

During this phase, you’ll work through trauma processing at a pace that feels manageable while simultaneously developing strategies to maintain sobriety and manage triggers.

Transition and Aftercare Planning

As you progress, treatment gradually shifts toward preparing for continued recovery outside our facility:

• Developing a comprehensive relapse prevention plan
• Connecting with community resources and support groups
• Arranging appropriate follow-up care
• Practicing recovery skills in increasingly real-world situations

Stabilization Phase

For many clients, the first phase of treatment focuses on creating safety and stability:

• Medical detoxification if needed, with clinical monitoring and comfort measures
• Medication evaluation for symptom management
• Establishing healthy sleep and nutrition patterns
• Learning initial grounding techniques for managing trauma symptoms

Ongoing Support

Recovery continues long after formal treatment ends. Our aftercare services include:

• Regular check-ins with your primary therapist
• Alumni support groups and events
• Refresher sessions when needed
• Crisis support if challenges arise

Throughout this process, we emphasize collaboration and transparency. You’ll be an active participant in treatment decisions, with regular progress reviews and plan adjustments based on your evolving needs.

Begin Your Healing Journey Today

Taking the first step toward recovery from PTSD and addiction can be the most challenging part of the journey. It’s also the most courageous. At We Level Up Washington, we’re ready to walk alongside you, providing expert care, compassionate support, and proven treatments that address both conditions simultaneously.

Don’t let trauma and addiction continue to control your life. Contact We Level Up Washington at (509)-348-4077 today to speak with our admissions team about how we can help. Your path to recovery begins with a single call, and we’re here to answer it whenever you’re ready.

Frequently Asked Questions

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Hotline: (509) 348-4077