PTSD and Substance Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and Treatments
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder stemming from witnessing or experiencing traumatic events. This disorder is often associated with flashbacks, intense fear and anxiety, emotional numbness, severe distress avoidance, and nightmares. PTSD is a disorder that can profoundly affect daily life and can result in issues with relationships, work, and daily living. Untreated PTSD may also lead to the development of other disorders, such as Substance Use Disorder (SUD).
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PTSD, Trauma, and Addiction
The relationship between Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorders (SUDs) is complex. Those with PTSD may turn to drugs, alcohol, or both to alleviate intense emotional pain and distressing memories or to cope with flashbacks, night terrors, or the feeling of being in a constant state of fight-or-flight.
Although those suffering from PTSD may feel as if they are self-medicating, and PTSD symptoms may be temporarily quelled by drugs or alcohol, substances can exacerbate the effects of trauma. Substances can impair cognitive function and emotional regulation as well as numb the individual enough to avoid processing the trauma, creating a vicious cycle.
Concurrent treatment is the best way to address both PTSD and substance abuse disorders. This approach to integrated treatment can help you heal from both and take back control of your life.
Who is at Risk For Developing PTSD?
Any person who has experienced a life-threatening or violent event is at risk for developing PTSD. However, some groups are at higher risk than others. High-risk groups include military veterans, abuse survivors, first responders, and those who have experienced life-threatening events such as natural disasters or accidents.
Women[1] and younger demographics are more vulnerable to developing PTSD than other groups.
What is the Difference Between PTSD and C-PTSD?
Both PTSD and Complex PTSD (C-PTSD) are rooted in trauma, and there are key differences between the two. The development of PTSD is typically linked to a single traumatic event. At the same time, C-PTSD is caused by prolonged or repeated trauma such as an abusive relationship or a toxic childhood.
While both PTSD and C-PTSD share many of the same symptoms, treatment plans for the respective disorders may vary.
Understanding PTSD and Addiction
Experiencing both PTSD and addiction is, unfortunately, common. Here’s what you need to know if you or a loved one is affected by these co-occurring disorders.
PTSD and Substance Abuse Disorders as Co-Occurring Disorders
Often, those who have experienced a traumatic event turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to self-medicate and cope with the distressing symptoms of PTSD. This, however, creates a vicious cycle where substance abuse worsens PTSD symptoms and PTSD drives further substance abuse.
Why Treat PTSD and Addiction Concurrently?
A dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD makes treatment complex and requires an integrated approach to break the cycle. Trauma-informed therapies in conjunction with modalities that address SUD may be combined to best approach. Common modalities used in the treatment of a dual diagnosis of PTSD and SUD include Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) and Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), along with other holistic treatments.
PTSD and Addiction: Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment
PTSD and substance abuse can profoundly affect every part of your day-to-day life. Here’s what to look for if you or a loved one believes they may be suffering from PTSD and addiction, and what treatment can look like.
Signs and Symptoms of PTSD and Alcohol or Drug Use
The signs and symptoms of PTSD include:
- Intrusive thoughts and memories: This can include flashbacks, nightmares, or consistent thoughts about the traumatic event.
- Hypervigilance: Feeling as if you are in a constant state of “fight or flight,” or that you can never relax.
- Avoidant behavior: Avoiding places, people, activities, and even objects or experiences, such as certain movies or music, that serve as reminders of the traumatic event.
- Emotional detachment or numbness: Feeling distant from others, difficulty with interpersonal communication, and struggling to feel positive emotions are all symptoms of PTSD.
- Unstable moods: Feelings of extreme sadness, anger, shame, hopelessness, or irritability.
- Negative beliefs: Persistent feelings of guilt and shame, as well as negative thoughts about yourself and others.
- Trouble sleeping: Difficulty sleeping due to anxiety or thoughts related to the traumatic event.
- Difficulty concentrating: Trouble focusing on simple tasks due to persistent distressing or intrusive thoughts.
The presence of these signs and symptoms doesn’t automatically mean you are experiencing PTSD, nor does one need to have every symptom listed here to qualify for a PTSD diagnosis. If you or a loved one feels as if you may be experiencing symptoms of PTSD, speak to a medical or mental health professional right away.
Signs and Symptoms of Substance Use Disorders (SUD)
- Cravings: Intense desire or urge to use substances despite adverse consequences.
- Loss of control: Feeling unable to reduce or control substance use even with repeated attempts.
- Tolerance: Increased need for higher dosage or ingesting substances more often to achieve the “high.”
- Withdrawal: Symptoms such as anxiety, sweating, and shaking may occur when not taking the substance.
- Risk-taking: Engaging in dangerous behaviors such as unsafe sex, driving while intoxicated, or getting into fights while under the influence.
- Interpersonal issues: Conflicts with family, friends, and other relationships due to substance abuse..
- Neglecting obligations: neglecting work, school, or other responsibilities as a result of drug or alcohol use disorders.
PTSD and SUD have overlapping symptoms, which require treating both conditions simultaneously using a holistic approach.
What Are The Treatments For PTSD and Substance Use Disorders?
PTSD rehab requires integrated, holistic treatment. Some of the most effective treatments for PTSD and SUD include:
- EMDR Therapy: Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR) therapy helps individuals process traumatic memories by using bilateral stimulation such as eye movements, sounds, or tapping. This technique enables the brain to reprocess traumatic memories, helping to reduce emotional distress.
- DBT for PTSD: Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) is often applied in the treatment of PTSD and SUD. This type of therapy focuses on developing the skills necessary for emotional self-regulation, reducing self-destructive behaviors, and enhancing interpersonal effectiveness. DBT’s balance of acceptance and change techniques allows clients to process traumatic memories while building healthy coping skills.
- Group Therapy for PTSD: Connection is key when healing from addiction, and is especially important for those struggling with processing trauma. In a group setting, clients can connect with others who share similar experiences, offering support, sharing coping strategies, and holding one another accountable. Group therapy sessions for PTSD are facilitated by a licensed therapist, clinician, or other psychotherapy provider, and often include CBT or DBT techniques as well as mindfulness to help groups process trauma in a safe, supportive environment.
- PTSD Treatment Programs for Veterans: Veterans have unique experiences that those who haven’t served cannot fully relate to. Evidence-based PTSD treatment for veterans often involves combining traditional therapies with trauma-informed treatments, peer support groups, and other holistic modalities. At Southeast Addiction, the goal of our veteran-focused programs is to help clients regain a sense of purpose and safely reintegrate back into civilian life.
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