PTSD and Substance Abuse Signs, Symptoms, and 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.