EXPERT PTSD TREATMENT IN ASHLAND, KENTUCKY

The Lasting Impact of Traumatic Events

PTSD can leave you feeling constantly on alert, stuck in distressing memories, or overwhelmed by triggers that appear without warning.

At Ultimate Treatment Center in Ashland, Kentucky, we support individuals coping with the emotional and physical impact of trauma whether from violence, accidents, loss, or long-term stress. As experts in addiction treatment, we understand that substances like alcohol, opioids, and stimulants may be used to temporarily numb or avoid traumatic memories, yet they often make flashbacks, nightmares, or mood swings worse over time. When these symptoms persist even during periods of sobriety it may indicate PTSD. With compassionate, trauma-informed care, healing becomes possible and safety becomes something you can rebuild.

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Understanding Stress Disorders and When to Seek Help for the Effects of Trauma

PTSD symptoms can overlap with anxiety, depression, ADHD, and the effects of substance use or withdrawal. Trouble sleeping, irritability, emotional numbness, difficulty concentrating, or feeling disconnected can appear in several conditions, not just trauma-related ones. At Ultimate Treatment Center in Ashland, Kentucky, our team helps patients understand what is trauma-driven, what may be related to another mental health concern, and what may be influenced by substances. This clarity helps us guide you toward the right form of support so you can feel more stable, grounded, and understood as you begin your healing process. Learn about Stress and Trauma related disorders below:

  • PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, abuse, disaster, or serious injury. It’s not a sign of weakness—it’s the mind and body’s ongoing reaction to overwhelming stress.

    Common symptoms include:

    • Flashbacks or distressing memories

    • Nightmares or trouble sleeping

    • Avoiding reminders of the trauma

    • Feeling detached or emotionally numb

    • Irritability, anger, or hypervigilance

    • Difficulty concentrating or feeling constantly “on edge”

    • Negative thoughts about yourself or others

    PTSD can affect anyone and often coexists with anxiety, depression, or substance use. With therapy, medication, and supportive relationships, many people find stability, safety, and recovery.

  • Acute Stress Disorder occurs in the days or weeks after a traumatic event. It shares many of the same symptoms as PTSD but is shorter in duration—lasting from 3 days to 1 month after the trauma.

    Common symptoms include:

    • Intrusive memories or flashbacks

    • Feeling emotionally detached or in a daze

    • Avoiding reminders of the event

    • Trouble sleeping or concentrating

    • Feeling tense, irritable, or easily startled

    For some, ASD resolves naturally with time and support. For others, early treatment such as trauma-focused therapy or coping skills training, can prevent symptoms from developing into PTSD. Healing begins with understanding that these reactions are normal responses to an abnormal event.

Screening for PTSD

The PC-PTSD-5 is a short, five-question screening tool that helps identify symptoms related to past traumatic experiences. It asks about common reactions—like unwanted memories, avoidance, feeling on edge, numbness, or guilt—that can affect your daily life after a stressful or harmful event.

By answering “yes” or “no” to each question, you get a clearer sense of whether these experiences may be connected to trauma. The PC-PTSD-5 helps screen for possible post-traumatic stress and gives insight into how often these symptoms show up and how they’re affecting you. It’s a simple and reliable way to understand your emotional responses and decide whether additional support or treatment may help you feel safer, more steady, and more in control.

PC-PTSD-5 Screening Tool

In the past month, have you experienced any of the following in relation to a stressful or traumatic event?

1. Had nightmares about the event(s) or thought about the event(s) when you did not want to?
2. Tried hard not to think about the event(s) or gone out of your way to avoid situations that reminded you of the event(s)?
3. Been constantly on guard, watchful, or easily startled?
4. Felt numb or detached from people, activities, or your surroundings?
5. Felt guilty or unable to stop blaming yourself or others for the event(s) or any problems the event(s) may have caused?

We Can Help.

If you or a loved one can is struggling with past trauma, we are here to help.

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