HARRISONBURG, Va. - The women of Afghanistan typify a "ticking emotional time bomb" and, if not treated, will exhibit the classic symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder - symptoms likely to intensify.

This warning from a James Madison University associate professor of social work is supported by his clinical findings that show domestic violence can be physically addictive for the abused as well as for the abuser. This physiological addiction to abuse is treatable using what the professor calls "replacement therapy."

Craig Abrahamson, who has worked with sufferers of post-traumatic stress and addiction disorders for more than 30 years, said the end of the Taliban will most likely be followed by a recognizable increase of PTSD symptoms among Afghan women who were brutalized by the Afghan regime.

"The body responds to extreme traumatic threat, in part, by releasing physiological chemicals that tell the body to get prepared - chemicals that have been shown to have addictive properties," Abrahamson said.

"Because the mind and body become dependent upon this release of chemicals, very often the person returns to an abusive relationship because he or she unconsciously 'needs' the physiological rush."

When the "rush" isn't there, he said, victims can experience classic symptoms of PTSD. Some of these behaviors may include overt anger, flashbacks, a sense of emotional numbness, suspicion and startled responses.

Abrahamson said regular "replacement activities," that include team sports, exercise or adventure activities such as whitewater rafting or mountain climbing, can replace the output of addictive chemicals and help maintain the stability of the victim.

These activities combined with traditional treatment approaches, such as discussion and support groups, can recreate a healthful alternative for the victims of domestic abuse - whether in this country or wartorn Afghanistan.

"In order to return to a more balanced emotional life, Afghan women have to find some sort of substitute for the chemical release they experienced while being repressed by the Taliban," Abrahamson said.

"Obviously, activities like team sports and whitewater rafting aren't available to them. However, utilizing positive, emotion-inducing activities that are already part of their culture - combined with forming support groups - would be very helpful.

"It is imperative that these women get together in a formal, regularly scheduled setting to talk about what happened to them," he added. "Otherwise, their emotional well-being and physical health are at risk."

Abrahamson's findings form the basis of his forthcoming book, "When Domestic Violence and Abuse Become Addictive: A Replacement Approach."

"The primary objective of this work is to help the general public understand that victims often continue to live with domestic violence and abuse because they can become physically addicted to the violence," Abrahamson said.

---James Madison University

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