If you’re wondering, “what is acute stress disorder?” you or a loved one may be exhibiting signs of a clinically significant response to stress. Many people develop acute stress disorder, or ASD, as a response to trauma, such as witnessing a death or seeing violence. People who suffer from this experience the brain’s attempt to protect them by dissociating from the world around them. If you’re looking for an acute stress disorder treatment program in Tacoma WA that specializes in substance abuse, Bayview Recovery’s caring staff is here to help.

While not everyone who has ASD experiences horror, hopelessness, or fear, it’s common that these feelings were associated with the traumatic event. To be classified as acute stress disorder, the symptoms must stem from witnessing the direct or threat of grave physical harm to oneself or others.

Symptoms Of Acute Stress Disorder

No two cases of ASD are the same, which can make it hard to answer the question of “what is it definitively?” The following symptoms are commonly associated with the disorder:

– Dissociative amnesia. Meaning that the person is unable to remember parts of or all of the traumatic event. This can be especially frustrating if law enforcement asks the person to come forward as a witness to the event.

– A reduction in awareness, commonly known as being in a daze, or seeming “checked out.”

– Depersonalization. When a person depersonalizes, they have the sense that they’re witnessing an event from outside of their body. Ofter referred to as an out of body experience.

– Lack of emotional responsiveness. People who see a traumatic event sometimes do not have an emotional reaction to the event that others would expect. Leading others to believe that the person in question is cold or callous. In actuality, this symptom serves to protect the brain from the trauma.

– Re-experiencing the event. Involving several specific symptoms, such as flashbacks and night terrors, that help to bring back painful reminders of the event.

Acute Stress Disorder And Substance Abuse

It’s incredibly common for people who have ASD to develop a substance abuse problem. When the brain is working hard to protect itself from trauma, it’s hard to function in other areas of life. Flashbacks and nightmares can make stress levels feel unbearable. Understandably, people who struggle with these issues would turn to alcohol or drugs to deal with their pain. This coping mechanism can quickly escalate into addiction. While addiction can be scary, help is available. A qualified rehab center that treats clients with dual diagnosis (a mental health diagnosis in addition to a substance abuse issue) can be a lifeline for people struggling with substance abuse and ASD.

What Is Acute Stress Disorder Treatment When Substance Abuse Is Involved?

If you’re wondering, “what is acute stress disorder?” and “how can I get help with my substance abuse problem?” you’re in the right place. At Bayview Recovery, we’re here to help you overcome mental health issues and substance abuse issues at the same time. Located in the beautiful Pacific Northwest, we offer our clients a place to unwind and come to terms with the life events that led them to addiction. We understand the delicate nature of addiction and mental health, and we pride ourselves on helping our patients get well. If you’re ready to take the first step toward change, we’re excited to support you. Call Bayview Recovery at 855.478.3650 to talk to one of our compassionate counselors about the next steps for you to begin your journey to a sober life.