Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and Addiction

Common Symptoms of PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a condition characterized by the development of symptoms following exposure to one or more traumatic events. It is categorized under ‘Trauma- and Stressor-Related Disorders’ in the DSM-5. A traumatic event or experience could include natural disasters, ongoing emotional or physical abuse, or witnessing a tragic death.

A key characteristic of PTSD is a persistent “fight or flight” feeling that continues for weeks, months, or even years beyond the traumatic experience.

There are a variety of signs and symptoms of PTSD. Each person with a PTSD diagnosis has endured unique trauma, which creates a need for an individualized treatment approach.

Symptoms of PTSD may include the following:[1]

• Flashbacks or reliving the traumatic event
• Distressing and intrusive thoughts that occur randomly
• Experiencing physical symptoms of stress, such as excessive sweating or nausea
• Avoiding people, places, or ideas connected to the traumatic experience
• Feeling irritable and easily angered, leading to aggressive behaviors
• Being on guard and easily startled by noise or movements
• Having recurring dreams or nightmares about the traumatic experience
• Having difficulty falling or staying asleep
• Engaging in risky or destructive behavior
• Loss of interest in previous social connections and activities
• Persistent negative feelings and pessimism about the world

PTSD Statistics

Based on recent data, an estimated 1 in 4 adults in the United States reports suffering from any diagnosable mental disorder in any given year. PTSD diagnoses occur in a smaller number of people; however, around one in 20 Americans report having a PTSD diagnosis in any year, with 13 million Americans having PTSD in 2020.[2]

• About 6% of adults will have PTSD at some point in their lives.
• Women are more likely to be diagnosed with PTSD, potentially due to a higher likelihood of experiencing certain types of trauma, including sexual violence. However, both men and women can develop PTSD from a variety of traumatic experiences.

PTSD and Addiction

Studies have demonstrated a significant connection between experiencing trauma and addiction. Many individuals who have endured trauma, such as surviving an armed robbery, a natural disaster, or abuse, turn to drugs and alcohol to cope with the emotional pain connected with their trauma.[3]

The co-occurrence of substance use disorder (SUD) and posttraumatic stress disorder is common, and about 46% of people with PTSD also have a substance use disorder.[4] PTSD is linked to a higher risk of developing addiction, with research suggesting it raises the increased risk of developing addiction by 14 times. Trauma can alter brain chemistry and structure, and changes in stress hormones can help explain why people with PTSD face this risk.

How Substance Use Can Worsen PTSD Symptoms

Substance use may seem helpful at first because it can temporarily quiet anxiety, numb painful memories, make sleep feel easier, or create a brief sense of well-being. However, alcohol and drugs do not resolve the trauma symptoms underneath. Over time, substance use can make PTSD harder to manage by worsening mood, sleep, avoidance, emotional regulation, and the ability to stay engaged in treatment.

This can create a difficult cycle. PTSD symptoms may increase the urge to drink or use drugs, while substance use can make those symptoms feel more intense or less predictable. For example, someone may use alcohol as a way to fall asleep, but disrupted sleep can make nightmares, irritability, and anxiety worse the next day. Someone may use drugs to avoid intrusive memories, but avoidance can keep trauma symptoms active and make therapy feel harder to approach.

People with co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorders often benefit from care that addresses both conditions together, rather than treating substance use without considering the trauma symptoms driving it, since these are often co-occurring conditions.[5]

PTSD and Substance Abuse Treatment

It is essential to treat a substance use disorder alongside PTSD in an integrative manner. From detox and partial hospitalization programs (PHP) to intensive outpatient (IOP) and standard outpatient programming (OP), achieving long-term healing is possible. Treatment modalities utilized frequently to reduce symptoms of SUD co-occurring with PTSD may safely include the following:

• Psychoeducation and psychosocial support groups
• Teaching about the relationship between SUD and PTSD
• Developing healthy coping skills to reduce the impact of symptoms
• Learning how to manage negative emotions that arise
• Healing from the effects of trauma symptoms

If you or someone you love is trying their best to manage their life amidst the effects of PTSD, reach out to our Nashville Mental Health Rehab.

Cost of Treatment for PTSD and Addiction

The cost of dual diagnosis treatment depends on several factors.[6]

• Location of a treatment facility
• Types of services offered (inpatient, residential, or outpatient)
• Health insurance coverage for substance abuse treatment

Your health insurance will often cover some, and possibly all, of the services administered. Most major insurance carriers consider addiction treatment to be an essential service. However, out-of-pocket or private pay will vary depending on the type of treatment needed and the duration required. To verify your insurance, click the button below or call now.