According to the Substance abuse, memory, and post-traumatic stress disorder review, up to 40% of people living with addiction also meet the criteria for PTSD. These conditions don’t just coexist — they drive each other. PTSD symptoms like avoidance, arousal, and flashbacks can lead to increased reliance on alcohol or drugs. Meanwhile, substance use can interfere with memory, heighten anxiety, and make trauma symptoms worse. 
We use evidence-based methods, including EMDR, trauma-focused therapy, and relapse prevention strategies that support long-term change.
- Begin with medical detox in our Geelong hospital, where trauma symptoms are monitored and stabilised in a safe, supportive setting
 - In Essendon, daily structure and trauma-informed therapy help reduce anxiety, manage triggers, and support emotional regulation
 - The 90-day program offers time to heal, reprocess trauma safely, and build tools for long-term recovery without relying on substances