Combat-related post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) affects countless veterans and active-duty service members, making the transition to civilian life challenging. Exposure to life-threatening situations, combat stress, and witnessing traumatic events can profoundly impact mental health, often resulting in PTSD.
At The Raleigh House, we provide compassionate, evidence-based combat-related PTSD treatment designed to help veterans and military personnel regain control, find peace, and achieve long-term recovery.
To learn more about our treatment options for combat-related PTSD, contact our admissions team or continue reading.
What is Combat-Related PTSD?
Combat-related PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after exposure to traumatic events during military service.
These events may include combat exposure, witnessing death or injury, surviving life-threatening situations, or experiencing military sexual trauma.
While feeling fear, stress, and anxiety after such experiences is natural, PTSD in veterans occurs when these symptoms persist and interfere with daily life. This condition can affect emotional well-being, relationships, and the ability to reintegrate into civilian life.
The Connection Between Trauma and Combat
Military combat places individuals in situations where survival instincts are constantly triggered. Repeated exposure to danger can rewire how the brain processes fear and stress, making it difficult for the mind and body to return to calm after service.
How Combat-Related PTSD Affects Daily Life
Combat-related PTSD can disrupt every aspect of life. Veterans may experience difficulties maintaining relationships, holding jobs, or feeling safe in everyday environments. They may also withdraw from loved ones, avoid crowds, or struggle with anxiety and hypervigilance, making reintegration a significant challenge.
Recognizing the Signs and Symptoms
Recognizing the symptoms of military-related PTSD is the first step toward recovery. These symptoms can vary but often include:
- Re-experiencing symptoms: Flashbacks, nightmares, or intrusive thoughts about combat experiences.
- Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding reminders of military service, such as specific locations, people, or conversations.
- Negative thoughts and mood changes: Feelings of guilt, shame, hopelessness, or detachment from others.
- Hyperarousal symptoms: Difficulty sleeping, irritability, anger outbursts, and being easily startled.
- Cognitive disruptions: Trouble concentrating and making decisions.
Veteran mental health is important to us. Professional treatment is essential when these symptoms persist for over a month and interfere with daily functioning.
What Causes Combat-Related PTSD?
While anyone who experiences trauma can develop post-traumatic stress disorder, certain factors associated with military service increase the likelihood of developing combat-related PTSD.
The Impact of Trauma on Brain Function
Traumatic experiences in combat can change how the brain processes fear and danger.
The amygdala, which governs the body’s fear response, may become hyperactive, while the prefrontal cortex, responsible for rational thinking, may function less effectively.
This imbalance can lead to persistent fear and anxiety even when the danger has passed.
Why Some People Experience Dissociation with PTSD
Some individuals with combat-related PTSD experience dissociation, feeling disconnected from their thoughts, bodies, or surroundings.
Dissociation is a defense mechanism that allows the mind to escape from overwhelming stress. However, it can interfere with daily functioning and relationships if not addressed.
How Unprocessed Trauma Leads to PTSD Symptoms
When traumatic combat experiences remain unprocessed, the mind may replay these memories, resulting in intrusive thoughts, nightmares, and flashbacks.
Avoidance of these memories may provide temporary relief but ultimately prevents healing, leading to persistent PTSD symptoms.
Diagnosing Combat-Related PTSD
A proper diagnosis is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.
At The Raleigh House, diagnosing combat-related PTSD involves:
- Comprehensive assessments: Evaluations of trauma history, symptom patterns, and daily functioning.
- PTSD-specific diagnostic tools: Standardized questionnaires designed to assess the severity of PTSD symptoms.
- Differential diagnosis: Distinguishing combat-related PTSD from other conditions such as traumatic brain injuries (TBI), depression, or anxiety disorders.
Accurate diagnosis ensures that treatment plans address each individual’s unique needs, including co-occurring conditions.
The Connection Between Combat-Related PTSD and Substance Use Disorder
Substance use is a common coping mechanism among veterans with combat-related PTSD.
Alcohol or drug use may temporarily numb emotional pain or help manage symptoms like insomnia and anxiety. However, this often leads to substance use disorders, creating a cycle where addiction and PTSD feed each other.
At The Raleigh House, our integrated approach offers specialized services that treat both PTSD and substance use disorder simultaneously.
Addressing the underlying trauma while providing effective treatment tools is essential for long-term healing and stability.
The Raleigh House Approach to Combat-Related PTSD Treatment
Our comprehensive approach combines evidence-based therapies, holistic healing practices, and personalized treatment plans to support veterans and military personnel on recovery journeys.
Evidence-Based Therapy for Trauma Recovery
Our therapeutic methods are proven to help clients process trauma and reduce PTSD symptoms:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT): Helps reframe negative thought patterns and develop healthier coping strategies.
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy: Encourages clients to gradually confront trauma-related memories and triggers in a safe setting.
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR): Assists in processing traumatic memories without re-traumatization, reducing their emotional impact.
Holistic Approaches to Healing from PTSD
In addition to traditional therapy, holistic treatments support emotional balance and overall well-being:
- Yoga and Meditation: Promotes relaxation, reduces anxiety, and enhances self-awareness.
- Equine-Assisted Therapy: Builds trust, confidence, and emotional resilience through meaningful interactions with horses.
- Rock Climbing Therapy: Encourages physical activity that fosters confidence, resilience, and stress management.
Personalized Treatment Plans for Long-Term Recovery
At The Raleigh House, we recognize that each veteran’s journey is unique.
Our team collaborates with clients to create personalized treatment plans tailored to their individual experiences, symptoms, and recovery goals. This approach ensures that care is comprehensive and effective, addressing both trauma recovery and long-term mental health stability.
Visit The Raleigh House for PTSD Treatment in Colorado
At The Raleigh House, we provide specialized combat-related PTSD treatment at two supportive Colorado locations:
- The Ranch at The Raleigh House: Nestled in the peaceful Colorado countryside, The Ranch offers a serene space for those recovering from trauma, mental health conditions, and addiction. With nature-inspired therapies and a nurturing community, it’s the ideal place to find peace and begin healing.
- The Center for Integrative Behavioral Health: Located in the Denver Tech Center, our newest facility offers the same clinical excellence and unique healing experiences for trauma, mental health, and addiction. It’s an excellent setting for those seeking treatment close to home, providing physical accessibility support in a beautiful and nurturing environment.
You don’t have to face combat-related PTSD alone. Contact our admissions team today and take the first step toward healing, recovery, and long-term wellness.
