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PTSD & Addiction Treatment
PTSD and addiction treatment at Bliss Recovery LA addresses trauma and substance use together in one integrated plan, with medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and PHP/IOP in two private Hollywood Hills residences. Our clinical team stays with you from intake through aftercare, and discretion is built into how we work.
The PTSD Connection
PTSD and substance use disorders often occur together. According to the National Institute on Drug Abuse, many people diagnosed with PTSD also have a substance use disorder, sometimes after using alcohol or drugs to quiet intrusive memories, hypervigilance, or poor sleep. Over time, substance use tends to deepen those symptoms, so we treat both conditions in one plan.
At a glance
Key Takeaways
PTSD and Addiction Together
PTSD and substance use disorders are among the most commonly co-occurring conditions in clinical practice. Each condition tends to worsen the other — substances are frequently used to manage PTSD symptoms, while sustained substance use worsens the underlying condition and makes recovery harder. PTSD also frequently co-occurs with depression and anxiety disorders, conditions that share overlapping neurobiological pathways and often need to be addressed within the same treatment plan.
Treating only the addiction leaves a major driver of substance use unaddressed. That's why PTSD sits within the co-occurring disorders we treat through one integrated clinical plan. For many clients, that work begins in our residential program, where daily structure and around-the-clock support make trauma-focused therapy feel safer to start.
Symptoms and Presentation
PTSD presents alongside addiction in ways that can make diagnosis and treatment more complex. Substance use can mimic, mask, or worsen PTSD symptoms. A comprehensive clinical assessment — conducted after a sufficient period of stabilization — is essential for accurate diagnosis and appropriate treatment planning.
Substances temporarily suppress PTSD symptoms before worsening them. Alcohol increases the frequency and intensity of trauma-related nightmares over time.
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Our admissions team is available around the clock — confidentially, and without pressure.
How We Treat PTSD and Addiction
EMDR Therapy
Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing that processes traumatic memories without requiring detailed narration, reducing re-experiencing symptoms.
Somatic Experiencing
Body-centered trauma therapy that releases stored survival energy, reducing hypervigilance and the physical drive to self-medicate.
Medication Support
Prazosin for nightmares, SSRIs for mood stabilization, and sleep aids that don't carry abuse potential — all coordinated with recovery goals.
"You cannot outrun trauma. But you can process it — and when you do, the need for substances fades."
Addictions We Treat Alongside This
Four Pillars of PTSD and Addiction Care
Trauma-Focused Therapy
EMDR — Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing — processes traumatic memories without requiring detailed narration, reducing re-experiencing symptoms and the physical drive to self-medicate. Sessions are paced to match each client's readiness.
Somatic Experiencing
Body-centered trauma therapy releases stored survival energy, reducing hypervigilance and the physical craving to self-medicate. Breathwork, grounding, and nervous-system regulation techniques are woven throughout the program.
Integrated Dual Diagnosis Care
You cannot outrun trauma. But you can process it — and when you do, the need for substances fades. Our unified plan targets PTSD and substance use simultaneously within one clinical framework.
Medication Support & Aftercare
Prazosin for nightmares, SSRIs for mood stabilization, and sleep aids without abuse potential are coordinated with recovery goals. Our step-down PHP/IOP programming sustains stability long after residential discharge.
Start Your Recovery from PTSD and Addiction Today
You don't have to face trauma and addiction alone. Our team of compassionate clinicians is available around the clock — confidentially, and without pressure — to guide you toward lasting recovery.
FAQ about PTSD and Addiction
Can PTSD and addiction be treated at the same time?
Yes. We treat PTSD and substance use together within one dual-diagnosis plan, so trauma symptoms and cravings are addressed side by side. Treating both at once is the approach NIDA describes as usually better than treating them separately.
What does PTSD and addiction treatment look like at Bliss Recovery?
Care starts with a full assessment once you are medically stable. From there, your plan may include medically supervised detox, residential treatment, and PHP/IOP, along with trauma-focused therapy such as EMDR, somatic work, and psychiatric medication management, all led by the same clinical team.
Does EMDR require talking about the trauma in detail?
No. EMDR doesn't require you to describe the traumatic event at length. Your therapist guides you to briefly hold a memory in mind while using bilateral stimulation, such as guided eye movements, and sessions are paced to what you are ready for.
How long does PTSD and addiction treatment take?
It depends on your clinical needs. Medical detox, when needed, typically lasts 5 to 10 days, and residential treatment often runs 30 to 90 days. Many clients then step down into PHP and IOP. Your assessment at admissions helps determine whether residential or outpatient care is the right starting point.
Does insurance cover PTSD and addiction treatment at Bliss Recovery?
We work with most major PPO plans and are in-network with First Health, HealthSmart, MultiPlan, PMCS, and TriWest. Out-of-network and private pay are welcome; we aren't in-network with HMOs or Medi-Cal. Coverage depends on your plan, so our admissions team can verify your insurance benefits at no cost.
Do you offer PTSD and addiction treatment for veterans?
Yes. Through our rehab for veterans program, veterans receive the same integrated dual-diagnosis care, including trauma-focused therapy and the full continuum of care. We're in-network with TriWest, and our admissions team can walk you through eligibility.
Related Conditions & Programs
Mental health and addiction treated together.
Co-occurring disorders reinforce each other. We treat both simultaneously — with psychiatric support, therapy, and medication management.
