Addiction and PTSD: How Are They Connected?

How Are Addiction and PTSD Connected?

What Is PTSD?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that occurs after an individual experiences or witnesses a traumatic event.

This may be a natural disaster, an act or violence, war, and more. Individuals with PTSD suffer from anxiety, depression, fear, stress, and agitation.

The symptoms cause mental anguish and impair daily functioning.

Many individuals with PTSD turn to drugs or alcohol to manage the stress and pain.

Addiction and PTSD

Both addiction and PTSD change brain chemistry in similar ways.

Thus, the two disorders feed off each other. Additionally, trauma can fuel both disorders.

In fact, those seeking treatment for PTSD are approximately 14 times more likely to receive an SUD diagnosis. Additionally, 50% of people seeking treatment for SUD meet the criteria for PTSD.

Thus, the two disorders are very closely connected, and have a significant impact on each other.

Of the various ways in which addiction and PTSD are connected, two ways stand out.

We’ve discussed both below:

Self-Medication 

Individuals with PTSD may have panic attacks, anxiety, and even violent outbursts.

Fear and guilt can lead to self-medication which can then lead to addiction. When people take drugs or alcohol over and over, they develop a tolerance, and may not be able to give them up.

They develop an addiction and become dependent on the substance. Self-regulating to ward off symptoms like intrusive memories leads to addiction and further problems.

Reinforcement and Worsening the Disorders

While drugs and alcohols may temporarily provide relief, they aren’t a solution.

In fact, they make PTSD much worse. Alcohol and drugs like opiates are depressants and work on the central nervous system as such.

They worsen anxiety and depression and even interfere with sleep patterns.

The Importance of Dual Diagnosis Treatment

Since the two disorders are connected, it’s essential to use dual diagnosis treatment.

Both conditions must be treated in order to become sober and manage PTSD symptoms. To undo the damage caused by these diseases, they have to be treated simultaneously.

Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) can be used to manage PTSD symptoms while addiction is treated at the same time. 

Simply treating the trauma doesn’t necessarily get rid of addiction since tolerance and withdrawal continue the cycle of abuse.

Additionally, simply treating the addiction doesn’t tackle the root of the problem and PTSD can lead to relapses. 

Summary

If you or a loved one are suffering from SUD and PTSD, please do not lose hope.

Addiction recovery and managing PTSD are possible.

At Pathways Recovery Centers, we believe in dual diagnosis and treating all conditions. Each patient has an individualized treatment plan, and our experts are well-versed in different disciplines.

If you’re ready to tackle your diseases and start your recovery journey, call us at 1-888-744-6597 or reach out to us here.