PTSD and Addiction Recovery
Welcome to Into Action Recovery Centers
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a condition in which a person experiences intense, disturbing thoughts and feelings relating to a traumatic event long after the event has ended. Traumatic events that are commonly associated with PTSD include war, natural disasters, accidents, or assaults. Some self-medicate to cope, which can lead to addiction, thus requiring treatment that accounts for mental health and substance use disorders (SUDs).
What is the relationship between PTSD and addiction?
PTSD can lead to drug or alcohol abuse and addiction, as some try to cope with their condition through self-medication, including over-the-counter and illicit drugs or alcohol. This complicates and worsens pre-existing mental health conditions and can exacerbate symptoms, requiring comprehensive treatment that considers the relationship between co-occurring disorders such as PTSD and addiction.
What are the symptoms of PTSD?
There are various symptoms that are associated with PTSD and vary from person to person.
Some of these include:
- Intrusive memories
- Avoidance of trauma reminders
- Negative changes in thinking and mood
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Emotional numbness
- Heightened vigilance
What are the treatment options for PTSD and addiction?
Common treatments for addiction and co-occurring mental health disorders such as PTSD include:
Who can develop PTSD?
PTSD can develop in anyone of any age after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. Not everyone who has PTSD experienced trauma themselves, but are witnesses to trauma that other people have endured, such as observing a friend or family member exposed to danger or harm. Those commonly with PTSD include war veterans, abuse and assault survivors, and survivors of major car accidents.
How common is PTSD?
According to the National Center for PTSD,
- “About 6 out of every 100 people (or 6% of the U.S. population) will have PTSD at some point in their lives…
- About 5 out of every 100 adults (or 5%) in the U.S. has PTSD in any given year. In 2020, about 13 million Americans had PTSD.
- Women are more likely to develop PTSD than men. About 8 of every 100 women (or 8%) and 4 of every 100 men (or 4%) will have PTSD at some point in their life. This is in part due to the types of traumatic events that women are more likely to experience—such as sexual assault—compared to men.”
How is PTSD diagnosed?
PTSD is diagnosed by a comprehensive evaluation according to the criteria established by the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5).
Can PTSD be cured?
Although there’s no certain cure, many of those with PTSD have experienced a significant reduction in symptoms through proper treatment and ongoing support resources.
What is complex PTSD?
Complex PTSD is a severe form of standard PTSD, usually as a result of prolonged exposure to traumatic events, like in cases of chronic abuse and captivity. Additional effects may include difficulty with emotional regulation, self-esteem, and relationships.
Clinical and Holistic Treatments for Depression at Into Action Recovery
Whether you’re seeking understanding, searching for resources, or are simply curious about co-occurring mental health disorders and addiction, we’re here to help.
Understanding PTSD and its relationship to addiction is the first step toward seeking help and improving mental well-being for yourself or your loved one.
If you or someone you know is struggling with any of these conditions, please look into our recovery services and connect with one of our team members today.
