In the past, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) was primarily thought about as related to military service, notably war. Today, we know that PTSD is a reaction to trauma and can impact anyone at any time. This broader knowledge and understanding of PTSD has opened doors to accurate diagnosis and treatment for millions.
Can PTSD lead to substance abuse? PTSD can have devastating impacts on the well-being of the affected person and their loved ones. A PTSD treatment program provides a safe space for individuals to process trauma appropriately and achieve symptom reduction.
Gulf Breeze Recovery is a holistic treatment center offering comprehensive treatment for PTSD. Call 833.551.2304 to learn more about our program options.
Can PTSD Lead to Substance Abuse?
Does PTSD lead to substance abuse? They are often interconnected. While it cannot be said that PTSD causes addiction, individuals with PTSD can have an increased risk of developing substance use disorder (SUD).
The relationship between PTSD and substance abuse is complex and can manifest in numerous ways because of the following:
- Self-medication – People with PTSD often turn to drugs or alcohol to relieve distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares, intrusive thoughts, or heightened anxiety. Substance use can provide temporary relief, creating a cycle of self-medication.
- Vulnerability to addiction – Because PTSD alters the brain’s stress response system, persistent stress and emotional dysregulation can contribute to the risk of SUD.
- Common underlying factors – PTSD and SUD share underlying factors, including a genetic predisposition, alterations in brain chemistry, and a history of trauma.
- Increased risk of trauma – SUD can increase the likelihood of experiencing additional trauma, which exacerbates PTSD symptoms already present.
- Biological factors – Evidence suggests that both PTSD and SUD affect similar neurological pathways, particularly those related to stress response and reward systems, increasing the risk for comorbidity.
The co-occurrence of PTSD and SUD presents significant treatment challenges. Dual diagnosis treatment is essential because treating one without treating the other will result in a cycle of chronic relapse.
Understanding the Connection Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Trauma is a reaction to a distressing experience. For most, the effects of a traumatic experience pass over a relatively short time. Still, for many others, the brain does not correctly process trauma, leaving its stress response system stuck in the “on” position.
In addition to PTSD and substance abuse, untreated trauma can lead to the development of anxiety, depression, self-harm, eating disorders, and suicidal ideation. There is a strong connection between PTSD and substance abuse because people self-medicate with drugs and alcohol instead of seeking professional treatment.
That people can experience the same or similar traumas and some develop PTSD while others do not is part of the complexity of the disorder. Examples of traumatic events include:
- Physical, emotional, or sexual abuse
- Serious accidents or life-threatening illnesses
- Living through or witnessing natural disasters
- Witnessing or being the victim of violent acts
- Being the victim of a crime, including physical or sexual assault
- Living in or participating in a combat zone
- Witnessing or being the victim of domestic violence
Events can be perceived as traumatic to the degree that they threaten a person’s sense of safety. Traumatic events trigger our natural fight-or-flight instinct, raising cortisol levels. Usually, this burst of cortisol is short-lived. However, when cortisol levels remain altered, either too high or low, the brain cannot effectively process the trauma, which can lead to PTSD and subsequent substance abuse.
Call Today to Speak to an Admissions Counselor at Gulf Breeze Recovery
While people may be aware that they are struggling with mental health and substance use issues, they often do not recognize that the source of these issues is unresolved trauma. The PTSD treatment program at Gulf Breeze Recovery helps clients identify the source of their challenges and provides a path to holistic healing.
Call 833.551.2304 or complete our online form to talk with an admissions counselor today. We can help you learn more about how PTSD can lead to substance abuse and how dual diagnosis treatment can help.
