If someone is experiencing severe PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and struggling with alcoholism, it's crucial to seek immediate help from professionals.
Here are several steps and resources that can assist you in finding the right support for them: - Emergency Services: If the situation is life-threatening
or the person is at risk of harming themselves or others, call emergency services immediately by dialing 911 or your local emergency number.
- **Local
Hospitals**: Hospitals usually have psychiatric departments with facilities for emergencies and can provide immediate interventions or refer you to specialized
services.
- Mental Health Crisis Hotlines: There are national and local crisis hotlines that offer immediate counseling and crisis intervention over the
phone. In the U.S., you can contact: - National Suicide Prevention Lifeline: 1-800-273-TALK (1-800-273-8255) - Crisis Text Line: Text "HELLO" to
741741 4. Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA): SAMHSA’s National Helpline (1-800-662-HELP) provides treatment referral and
information service (in English and Spanish) for individuals and families facing mental health and/or substance use disorders.
- Veterans Affairs: If the
person is a veteran, the VA has specialized resources to address PTSD and substance abuse. Contact the Veterans Crisis Line by dialing 1-800-273-8255 and
pressing 1, or text to 838255.
- Specialized Treatment Facilities: Look for treatment facilities that specialize in dual diagnosis or co-occurring
disorders (PTSD and substance abuse). These centers offer tailored treatments that address both conditions simultaneously.
- Local Support Groups:
Organizations like Alcoholics Anonymous (AA) or PTSD support groups can be beneficial. While these are not emergency services, they provide critical long-term
support.
- Therapists and Counselors: Seeking help from licensed professionals who specialize in PTSD and addiction can be crucial. They can offer therapy
such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), which is effective in treating these conditions.
- Online Resources: Various online resources and telehealth
services can provide support and treatment options without requiring immediate physical presence. This can be particularly useful for ongoing, long-term
treatment scenarios. When seeking help for someone else, it’s important to encourage them to participate in the decision-making process as much as possible,
respecting their autonomy and promoting their recovery journey. If they are not in a state to take these steps on their own, act with their best interests in
heart, ensuring their safety is the priority.