It is estimated that roughly 6% of the U.S. population suffers from some form of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Even if you don’t have PTSD, there’s a good chance that you know someone who does. And while PTSD is not always linked to drug addiction, the two conditions are often intertwined. For this reason, it is vitally important to seek out treatment for PTSD and, if you’re already struggling with a dual diagnosis of PTSD and substance abuse, to seek out treatment for both conditions at the same time.
In this guide, we’re going to take an in-depth look at the relationship between PTSD and drug addiction. And remember, if you or someone you love is struggling with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and addiction, you don’t need to suffer alone. You can reach out to Wellbrook Recovery for help. In the meantime, continue reading to learn more about the connection between PTSD and drug addiction.
Table of Contents
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a psychiatric disorder that is the result of a traumatic event in one’s life. In some cases, PTSD is not the consequence of a single moment, but a series of highly stressful circumstances. For example, a military veteran may suffer from PTSD after spending months in a dangerous warzone. Alternatively, a person may experience PTSD after suffering from childhood abuse or a single instance of sexual trauma.
The causes of PTSD can be wide-ranging and look different for everyone. Entire groups of people could suffer from PTSD as a result of a natural disaster, while an individual could suffer from PTSD after witnessing a violent crime or car accident. It’s important not to dismiss any form of trauma, as you can never really know how certain events or circumstances impact an individual.
So what does PTSD look like? While different people may have varying symptoms based on the nature of the underlying trauma and the presence of any other mental health issues, there are a few symptoms that commonly occur among people suffering from PTSD. For instance, most people with PTSD experience intense and uncomfortable thoughts about a traumatic experience in their lives. This could take the form of flashbacks, nightmares, or even just moments of strong emotions.
Some other common symptoms of PTSD include:
- Feelings of fear, anger, sadness, guilt, or resentment
- Detachment from friends, family, or people in general
- Avoidance of triggers
- Extreme sensitivity to loud noises or physical contact with others
- Intrusive thoughts
- Difficulty remembering past events
- Poor self-esteem
- Self-destructive behavior or self-harm
It’s important to note that many of the symptoms above are common in people who have recently experienced a traumatic event. But the presence of these symptoms over a short period does not necessarily mean that someone has posttraumatic stress disorder. In order to be diagnosed with PTSD, some or all of these symptoms must be present for more than a month and make it difficult for the person to go about their daily lives. How and when the symptoms begin can vary. For example, someone may repress memories of childhood trauma, only to show signs of PTSD years later. On the other hand, someone could begin experiencing PTSD within days of the traumatic event.
Complex PTSD
Complex PTSD refers to a condition that may involve additional symptoms. Along with those outlined above, people suffering from complex PTSD may experience:
- Emotional instability
- A lack of trust in others
- Persistent feelings of hopelessness and worthlessness
- An inability to relate to other people
- Dissociation
- Headaches
- Chest pain
- Intestinal problems
- Suicidal ideations
It’s not always easy to see exactly how PTSD and complex PTSD differ, as there is a significant overlap in the signs and symptoms. That said, complex PTSD often involves more intense symptoms that make it even harder to function on a day-to-day basis.
For example, someone with complex PTSD may have more vivid flashbacks that make it difficult to distinguish between the past and the present. This, in turn, can cause intense emotional reactions to triggers or even seemingly unrelated circumstances. Since the symptoms of complex PTSD can be significantly worse, it also increases the likelihood that the individual will struggle with drug or alcohol abuse.
How PTSD Leads To Substance Abuse
PTSD is frequently linked to substance abuse because both conditions can have similar effects on the chemistry of the brain. Additionally, many people with PTSD use drugs or alcohol as a way to cope with their symptoms. While it may seem as though drugs or alcohol offer a temporary respite from PTSD, substance abuse ultimately exacerbates the condition.
Research indicates that as many as 3 out of every 4 people with PTSD also suffer from a drug or alcohol use disorder. The reason for the connection comes down to how the brain deals with stress and trauma. During a traumatic event, the brain produces fewer endorphins than usual. Endorphins are part of what allows humans to feel happy. If this reduction in endorphins continues after a traumatic event is over, it greatly increases the chances that someone will turn to drugs or alcohol to try to feel better.
Can Drug Addiction Cause PTSD?
The connection between PTSD and drug addiction is not always a one-way street. Though it is true that PTSD often leads to substance abuse, the two conditions can arise at the same time. For instance, if a person experiences something traumatic, they may immediately turn to drugs or alcohol to try to “forget” the incident. As the symptoms of PTSD set in, they may continue to abuse drugs or alcohol to try to mitigate the negative feelings and symptoms.
It’s also important to note that drug addiction can be traumatic enough on its own to lead to PTSD. This is a particularly dangerous cycle, as drug abuse could cause PTSD, which would then increase the chances of abusing drugs further. PTSD caused by drug abuse is often linked to specific experiences or circumstances related to the addiction. For example, experiencing an overdose, witnessing a violent crime as a direct result of addiction, or struggling with mental health issues while abusing drugs could all potentially cause PTSD.
How To Get Help For PTSD & Substance Abuse
PTSD is serious enough on its own, but the consequences of having PTSD and a co-occurring addiction can be dire. Not only can drugs or alcohol make the symptoms of PTSD worse, but they can also lead to an increased risk of suicide. This is why it is so important to seek out help if you or someone you love has a dual diagnosis involving PTSD. Fortunately, at Wellbrook Recovery, we have the experience and compassion to help you overcome these obstacles.
At Wellbrook Recovery, we offer enhanced residential drug rehab with special programs for dual-diagnosis patients. This means that we can immediately begin treating your PTSD and your addiction simultaneously. If you only seek out treatment for one condition at a time, it greatly reduces your chances of overcoming either. But with comprehensive care for both PTSD and substance abuse, you can move beyond the trauma of your past without depending on toxic and addictive drugs.
Don’t let PTSD and addiction control your life or the life of a loved one any longer. Contact our confidential alcohol and drug treatment facility at Wellbrook Recovery today. Our expert staff is dedicated to helping you regain control and attain a new lease on life.
