Trauma and substance use are thoroughly interlinked. About 30% of the population experiences a substance use disorder in their lifetime, and 8% experience post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Researchers estimate that 40% of those with PTSD will also have a co-occurring substance use disorder, with some estimates suggesting even higher rates of co-occurring disorders.¹
The connection between trauma and substance use disorders is complex, and most people will need professional substance abuse treatment approaches combined with trauma-focused therapy in order to recover.
Understanding Trauma
Trauma refers to deeply impactful negative experiences. It could be the loss of a loved one, military combat experience, adverse childhood experiences (ACEs), or abuse from a friend, loved one, or stranger. Experiencing a traumatic event can be incredibly stressful and often leaves people feeling shocked, numb, or unable to control their emotions.
In most cases, people can recover from traumatic events within a few days or weeks. Having visceral emotional reactions to these intense and distressing events is completely normal. However, when people continue to experience negative emotional events related to their traumatic experiences for months or years, they may develop PTSD.
Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD is a disorder characterized by prolonged adverse effects relating to a traumatic event. People with PTSD may experience troubling symptoms like:
- Invasive and unwanted thoughts or memories
- Irritability, hostility, or agitation
- Sleep difficulties, including insomnia or nightmares
- Avoidance of certain areas, people, or things that remind them of traumatic events
- Anxiety
- Depression
PTSD can be an incredibly debilitating disorder. Without seeking appropriate treatment, people with PTSD will often tend toward self-destructive behaviors, lose interest in the hobbies or activities that used to bring them joy, and may fall into a cycle of substance misuse as a way to cope with their distressing symptoms.
Substance Use as a Coping Mechanism
For people who have developed PTSD or those who have recently experienced a traumatic event, the negative mental health symptoms that occur can be devastating. Many will turn to drugs or alcohol to find relief from these symptoms.
For example, people who have trouble sleeping at night may start misusing sleep medications or anxiolytics in an attempt to sleep through the night. People with frequent, invasive flashbacks may turn to alcohol to help them forget the event.
But while substance misuse may temporarily relieve symptoms, it comes at a cost. In time, people can develop a tolerance for the substances they use to self-medicate and withdrawal symptoms if they suddenly stop using substances. This cycle can end up exacerbating the negative symptoms of trauma, leaving people worse off than when they started.
The Cycle of Trauma and Substance Use
When people turn to substance misuse as a form of self-medication, they can face additional challenges. People with PTSD who turn to alcohol, for instance, often develop an alcohol use disorder, which compounds the problems they tried to use alcohol to treat.
People with PTSD will often drink to overcome the anxiety or stressors that PTSD produces. At first, this can provide some temporary relief; alcohol is a central nervous system depressant that forces the brain into a more relaxed state. This can relieve the anxiety or flashbacks of PTSD temporarily.
Yet when the alcohol wears off, the symptoms return stronger than before. Drinking more to cover up these stronger symptoms quickly leads to a buildup of tolerance for alcohol, leading people to drink more to achieve the desired effect.
In a very short time, this can develop into a full-blown alcohol use disorder. This results in withdrawal symptoms when alcohol use suddenly stops. Withdrawal can cause:
- Irritability, hostility, or agitation
- Sleep difficulties
- Anxiety
- Depression
These symptoms directly overlap with the negative symptoms of PTSD. They compound each other to make each symptom worse. When people have reached this point, drinking alcohol no longer relieves the symptoms of PTSD but becomes necessary to prevent the symptoms from getting catastrophically worse.
While each addictive substance has different consequences, the pattern is the same. In time, using substances to cope only leads to more problems, and any relief they provide is fleeting.
Treating Trauma and Substance Use Simultaneously
Thankfully, recovery from trauma and substance use disorders is possible. With dual-diagnosis treatment and trauma-informed care, people can receive effective and evidence-based treatment for both disorders simultaneously and achieve long-term recovery.
If you or a loved one is suffering from both PTSD and a substance use disorder, don’t make the mistake of treating one problem in isolation. The two disorders are interlinked and must be treated concurrently to provide strong, long-term results.
In a dual-diagnosis treatment program, people can expect to receive comprehensive treatments and therapies, all of which are trauma-informed and evidence-based solutions. This includes treatments such as:
- Medical detox
- Relapse prevention strategies
- Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT)
- Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR)
- Motivational interviewing
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Together, these treatment options help people learn healthy coping skills, develop the tools to stay sober and build resilience and healing in a safe and supportive space.
Seeking Professional Help
When you or a loved one is dealing with both trauma and substance use, seeking professional help is the best way to recover. Wolf Creek Recovery offers a comprehensive suite of evidence-based treatment options and can help you to regain control over your life. Contact our team today and start your road to a lasting recovery today.
Overcome Trauma and Substance Use
The connection between trauma and substance use is clear; treating them together is the best way to overcome both disorders. Do not delay seeking treatment any longer. You can recover and start living a better life.
Sources:
[1] https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4928573/
Finding purpose in pain is what Jonathon does best. He is a strong advocate for those suffering from substance use disorders. As a person in recovery, Jonathon knows how important it is to receive empathy and compassion. He recognizes that each person comes from a different set of circumstances and deserves to be valued and respected.
With a fresh perspective and compassionate attitude, Jonathon works closely with clients to help them let go of the past and know when to take necessary risks. The recovery process is ongoing, which means people need to move forward while applying the skills learned in treatment. Jonathon is a great motivator when it comes time for this!
Jonathon also places emphasis on the family unit and how it can make or break the recovery experience. Individuals with active, supportive families have far better outcomes. Jonathon realizes that it’s impossible to move mountains overnight, but with the right support team and positive attitude, anything is possible.
