Premier Trauma & PTSD Treatment at Sierra Tucson

Learn About PTSD & the Effects of Trauma 

Posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can arise after a person experiences, learns about or witnesses a traumatic situation and suffers a great deal of turmoil as a result. Some people are able to cope with the effects of trauma without having any significant disruption to their daily life or their ability to function. Others, however, may find that the effects of trauma have had a severe negative impact on them, the way they view the world, the way they interact with those around them and their ability to function appropriately. When this is the case, the individual may have developed posttraumatic stress disorder. 

When someone has PTSD, they may consistently feel like they are reexperiencing the trauma. They may go to great lengths to avoid certain people, places or things that remind them of the trauma. They may respond with heightened emotional or anxiety-driven responses to seemingly mundane situations. For these people, their distress can continue to worsen over time if they do not receive appropriate treatment.  

Fortunately, there are more options for effective PTSD treatment than ever before. At Sierra Tucson, our expert treatment team understands how PTSD impacts people, and we create unique treatment experiences that reflect each person’s strengths and presenting symptoms so that they can begin living the healthy life they deserve — one no longer marked by the fears and triggers that accompany PTSD.  

Signs & Symptoms of PTSD

The signs and symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder vary from person to person; however, some of the more common ones are: 

• Intrusive thoughts and memories of the event 

• Avoidance of people, places or things that are reminders of the trauma 

• Withdrawal from family and friends 

• Loss of interest in things that were once enjoyable 

• Inability to experience positive emotions like happiness and satisfaction 

• Engaging in reckless or self-destructive behavior 

• Irritability 

• Quick temper 

• Aggressive verbal or physical behavior 

• Changing behaviors to avoid reminders of the traumatic event 

• Heightened sensitivity to potential threats 

• Tightness in chest 

• Exaggerated startle responses  

• Nightmares and other types of sleep disturbances 

• Trouble concentrating or retaining information 

• Depersonalization (out-of-body experiences) 

• Persistent feelings of dread 

• Recurring feelings of being in danger 

Effects of Posttraumatic Stress Disorder

If you fail to receive proper care for posttraumatic stress disorder, you run the risk for a variety of negative consequences. The longer a person goes without professional intervention, the more severe the effects of PTSD can be.  

Some of the most common effects of posttraumatic stress disorder are: 

• Damaged or broken relationships 

• Inability to maintain employment 

• Financial concerns 

• Homelessness 

• Legal problems due to reckless or violent behaviors 

• Abuse of alcohol or other drugs 

• Suicidal thoughts and behaviors 

• Onset of symptoms of other disorders 

Types of Treatment for PTSD & the Effects of Trauma 

At our residential treatment center in Tucson, Arizona, we provide focused support for individuals who are living with posttraumatic stress disorder and the effects of trauma. Each resident receives care that reflects their personal history, needs and treatment goals and truly aligns with where they are in their healing process. 

Treatment at our residential center includes a wide range of therapeutic approaches and healing experiences. The specific interventions a person participates in are determined by their individualized treatment plan, which is created by our on-site clinical team. You can explore our full selection of evidence-based therapies by clicking here and learn more about our integrative treatment options by clicking here.  

Benefits of Getting Treatment for PTSD 

Directly experiencing, witnessing or otherwise being exposed to a traumatic event can cause significant distress. Individuals who need but do not receive professional treatment to address the effects of trauma may struggle to maintain healthy relationships, make appropriate progress at work and otherwise fully engage in a productive and satisfying independent lifestyle.  

The exact benefits of trauma treatment will vary for each person depending on their unique circumstances. In general, however, when someone gets individualized care at a respected treatment center like our residential facility in Tucson, Arizona, they can identify and address the specific ways in which their life has been affected by the effects of trauma and symptoms of PTSD.  

When they work together in close collaboration with a team of trauma treatment professionals, individuals have an opportunity to process their experiences, develop better coping skills and learn to manage the impact trauma has had on their lives.

Service Resiliency Unit at Sierra Tucson

Veterans and first responders face unique challenges that are far beyond what most people will ever experience. The nature of their professions frequently forces them to confront traumatic circumstances that can have a lasting, often devastating, impact on their lives.  

For this reason, we offer tailored programming specifically designed for Veterans and first responders in our Service Resiliency Unit (SRU). Here, compassionate professionals work closely with members of this population, offering support and guidance as they process their experiences and work toward achieving healing. 

You can learn about our specialized programming for Veterans and first responders by clicking here. 

Whole Person, Integrative Care

People who are living with posttraumatic stress disorder and suffering from the effects of trauma often face additional difficulties, such as drug or alcohol abuse, chronic physical pain, heightened anxiety or various symptoms associated with mood disorders. At Sierra Tucson, our collaborative clinical team is able to address any combination of concerns a person may be struggling with. Through a blend of traditional therapies and integrative, research-supported practices, our experienced professionals create a treatment experience that is tailored to each person. 

We offer whole-person care that nurtures emotional, physical and spiritual well-being. This comprehensive approach aims to reduce a person’s suffering while providing them with exceptional medical and psychiatric support. 

Our goal is to make sure that when your time at our Tucson, Arizona, residential treatment center comes to an end, you leave having learned practical skills and meaningful strategies that empower you to maintain your progress and continue walking a stable, long-term path to healing.