WICS ABC NewsChannel 20 | June 2024

June is Post-traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) Awareness Month. Mercedes Kent, Program Director at Gateway Foundation, joined ABC NewsChannel 20’s Addicted Illinois segment to bring attention to the complexities of this mental health disorder.

It’s not uncommon to have a co-occurring diagnosis of PTSD and substance use disorder.  46.4% of adults with PTSD also meet criteria for a substance use disorder, according to the National Center for PTSD. This disorder can mimic anxiety and depression and its symptoms are exasperated when combined with substance use.

“It may be a temporary relief to get rid of those feelings or to block them out,” says Kent. “But then in the long term, it just begins that cyclic event of substance use to try and cope with those feelings.”

It’s critical to address both PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously with an integrated treatment model, which is provided at Gateway Foundation. We now offer stand-alone mental health treatment as well, so if you or a loved one are struggling with PTSD contact us today.