Everyone experiences some form of stress in their life, whether it’s related to work, school, relationships, or other life stressors. However, stress is different from trauma.
Trauma can take many forms and may refer to a single traumatic event or chronic exposure to abuse or neglect. Common forms of trauma include:
- Childhood abuse or neglect
- Sexual violence
- Surviving an accident (e.g., car crash)
- Wartime combat
- Domestic abuse
- Witnessing a traumatic event
- Serious injury
Most people who survive a dangerous event or form of trauma do not go on to develop Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Those who do develop PTSD often have other risk factors, such as limited support, stress in other areas of their lives, or a history of mental illness or substance abuse.
PTSD can affect a person’s behavior, mood, and ability to function in daily life. To cope with severe symptoms, people may turn to substances like drugs and alcohol.
The relationship between substance use disorders (SUDs) and PTSD is complex and varies for each individual. People often experience and react to symptoms in ways that differ from others. This may include abusing substances or finding other ways to cope.
There are several signs that may indicate whether your substance abuse is linked to PTSD.
- Using Alcohol or Drugs to Numb Emotions: Many people with PTSD use substances like alcohol and sedatives to dull intense emotions such as anger, panic, or depression, providing temporary relief but increasing the risk of addiction.
- Using Substances to Get High: PTSD sufferers may turn to drugs or alcohol to escape unpleasant memories or sensations, seeking temporary pleasure or calm through endorphin release, which can lead to further substance abuse.
- Abusing Substances for Sleep: Sleep disturbances, including nightmares and insomnia, are common in PTSD. People may misuse substances like alcohol to help them sleep, but this can worsen sleep issues over time and negatively impact overall health.
- Reliance on Substances to Cope Daily: Chronic abuse of substances can lead to dependence, causing withdrawal symptoms that overlap with PTSD symptoms, such as irritability, anxiety, and depression, which can trigger flashbacks and distress.
- Lack of Treatment for Trauma: Individuals who haven’t received treatment for their PTSD, or who have stopped treatment, may be more likely to turn to substance abuse to cope with their symptoms. Seeking treatment for both PTSD and substance use is the most effective approach for recovery.
Treating PTSD and Substance Abuse
Getting treatment for one problem without addressing the other fails to provide people with the full help they need. People with PTSD who become sober but aren’t treated for their trauma may be more likely to relapse.
Living with untreated trauma can also be very difficult. It can lead to severe anxiety, isolation, an inability to work, and constant fear and hopelessness.
Dual-diagnosis treatment is the most effective way to treat co-occurring substance use disorders and PTSD. This type of treatment addresses both disorders together through an integrated approach, typically involving various therapies and medications based on the patient’s needs and treatment history.
New Dimensions Can Help!
If you or someone you know is struggling with substance abuse and PTSD, New Dimensions can help. New Dimensions offers programs for adolescents and adults and has locations in The Woodlands, Katy, and the Clear Lake areas of Houston. We also offer online treatment programs for adults who reside within the State of Texas. To learn more about our Partial Hospitalization Programs (PHP) and Intensive Outpatient Programs (IOP) for Dual Diagnosis, contact us at 800-685-9796.