Stress is part of everyday life for most people. While many people manage everyday stress with healthy coping mechanisms, some stress exceeds a person’s coping abilities.

People who experience extraordinarily distressing or frightening events may develop a condition called post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). People with PTSD can face challenges in daily life and are at higher risk for substance use disorder (SUD).

This article will explore the connection between PTSD and addiction.

If you struggle with post-traumatic stress disorder and substance abuse, you are not alone. Contact the specialists at The Best Treatment to learn about our treatment and recovery support programs. Reach out with questions or to set up an intake appointment.

What is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition. It is a type of anxiety disorder. People may develop PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event. Some examples of traumatic events that may lead to PTSD include:

• Car accidents
• The death of a loved one
• Being the victim of a crime
• Physical or sexual assault
• Living in a war zone
• Military combat
• A difficult birth experience
• Surviving a natural disaster
• Car accidents
• Severe injuries or medical diagnosis

This list is not complete. Any intensely frightening or highly stressful events may cause someone to develop PTSD. Certain risk factors can increase the risk of developing PTSD, but anyone who experiences trauma may live with symptoms of this condition.

People with PTSD may develop symptoms right away or long after the traumatic event. According to the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), the symptoms of PTSD include:

• Difficulty sleeping
• Feeling “numb” or lacking emotions
• Avoiding places, people, and other situations that remind you of the traumatic event
• Having nightmares
• Experiencing “flashbacks” of the event (mentally re-living the traumatic event)
• Mood swings
• Outbursts of anger
• Difficulty with concentration or focus

The symptoms of this mental health disorder can impact a person’s quality of life. In many cases, those living with PTSD develop disruptive symptoms that affect their daily functioning. They may have acute stress or chronic anxiety. People with untreated PTSD may also have higher rates of drug and alcohol use disorders.

What is the Relationship Between PTSD and Addiction?

Living with ongoing post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) symptoms can make life much more challenging. People with PTSD may feel anxious, isolated, or fearful much of the time. They may make significant changes in their daily routines to avoid triggering places or situations. Nightmares and flashbacks can be exhausting and distressing.

Living with high levels of stress puts people at higher risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD). Without healthy coping mechanisms to manage stress and other symptoms, people may turn to drugs or alcohol for relief. Medical and mental health specialists refer to this as “self-medication.”

While drugs and alcohol may provide temporary relief from the pain and stress of PTSD, ongoing substance abuse can result in physical dependence and addiction. Studies show that up to 46% of people with PTSD meet the criteria for a substance use disorder and about 22% are physically dependent on drugs and alcohol.

People with PTSD have high rates of SUD. People with PTSD and SUD require comprehensive dual-diagnosis treatment programs. These specialized treatment programs provide effective treatments and compassionate care for those living with co-occurring disorders.

How are PTSD and Addiction Treated?

Treatment for PTSD and substance abuse includes evidence-based and holistic therapies. This combination of therapies can help people identify and address the sources of their mental health condition and substance abuse.

Here is an overview of the therapies used to treat PTSD and addiction.

Medications

Certain medications can reduce the symptoms of PTSD. Doctors may prescribe selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) like Paxil, Zoloft, or Effexor.

Therapies

Specialized therapies can help people identify unhelpful behavior and thought patterns. People can learn new skills and increase their ability to cope with symptoms without drugs and alcohol.

Some therapies used in the treatment of PTSD and addiction include:

• Exposure therapy
• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT)
• Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)

These therapeutic approaches can help people explore and address the roots of their mental health symptoms and gain control over their substance use.

Recovering from PTSD and substance abuse is not a one-size-fits-all process. There are several levels of care available to treat these conditions. People may spend a period of time in an inpatient detox or rehab program before transitioning into outpatient care.

Getting comprehensive care and ongoing support can help people manage their symptoms and move forward into a healthier future.

Find Treatment for PTSD and Substance Abuse Now

If you or someone you love struggles with PTSD and addiction, you are not alone. Contact The Best Treatment specialists to explore our treatment programs or schedule an intake appointment.

References:

1. American Psychiatric Association (APA): What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?
2. National Institute of Health (NIH): DSM-5 Diagnostic Criteria for PTSD
3. NIH: Posttraumatic Stress Disorder and Co-Occurring Substance Use Disorders: Advances in Assessment and Treatment
4. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs: Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA