PTSD And Addiction, Treatment Options Available

PTSD And Addiction Symptoms

PTSD And Addiction Avoidance Symptoms

• Avoid external factors (such as locations, conversations, people, or activities) that remind the person of the traumatic event and cause terrifying thoughts, feelings, or memories
• Avoidance of painful memories, thoughts, or feelings associated with the trauma [3]

Negative Mood And Thought Changes

• Amnesia surrounding components of the traumatic event
• Negative thoughts or beliefs about the world, others, or oneself
• Distorted thinking leads to blaming oneself for the event
• A chronic negative state of emotions (such as shame, anger, guilt, or fear)
• Lack of interest in hobbies or activities
• Feeling estranged or detached from other people
• Consistently unable to feel positive emotions [3]

PTSD And Addiction Reactive Symptoms

To receive a formal diagnosis of PTSD, they must display at least one of the intrusion symptoms, avoidance symptoms, at least two of the negative mood and thought changes, and at least two of the reactive symptoms more than once a month.

Substance Abuse And Co-Occurring PTSD

Substance abuse and addiction are commonly connected to co-occurring disorders like PTSD, depression, and anxiety. People seeking treatment for PTSD are 14 times more likely to be diagnosed with a substance abuse disorder (SUD). Attempting to self-medicate can be a cause of why many people with PTSD also abuse a substance. The thought is using substances a person with PTSD to null or avoid PTSD symptoms. Those with PTSD with a SUD are more likely to abuse alcohol over drugs, such as cocaine. Service members and veterans with heavy drinking tendencies are more likely to have PTSD and depression. War veterans with PTSD who drink alcohol tend to be diagnosed with binge drinking. 

PTSD And Addiction

People with PTSD may use drugs to fall asleep, avoid memories, or numb emotions.

Trauma can negatively impact the brain in countless ways. A normal stress response involves activation of the hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis – a network connecting the brain and body through hormonal messages and the hippocampus, amygdala, and medial prefrontal cortex in the brain[4]. In addition, stress activates the release of cortisol and norepinephrine, which increase arousal and help us take necessary action.

After a normally stressful situation, we can “turn off” this stress response. However, in traumatic stress, these processes remain stuck “on,” causing a prolonged release of cortisol and norepinephrine. People with PTSD can remain chronically hyperaroused in this state or “shut down” their nervous system, leading to many symptoms described above. PTSD can also create lasting problems with learning and memory, immune system function, psychological well-being (e.g., anxiety, depression), relationships, and other social responsibilities [3][4].

Use Of Drugs And Alcohol To Cope With PTSD

Because of the profound distress and impairment in the lives of those affected by PTSD, many people abuse drugs or alcohol to cope. Alcohol addiction and PTSD, coupled with drug addiction and PTSD disorders, can be found more and more often today. Below are some reasons why victims of trauma often abuse substances to inhibit their emotional pain [5]:

• To fall asleep due to the sleep dysfunction caused by PTSD
• To avoid traumatic memories or dreams
• To forget about their problems
• To deal with mood disturbances associated with PTSD
• To numb themselves from extreme emotions

Abusing drugs or alcohol can exacerbate these problems over time and decrease functioning across many areas of life. However, proper treatment can help people with PTSD to recover healthily and positively.

PTSD And Addiction Risk Factors

Certain factors can increase someone’s risk of developing post-traumatic stress disorder. These include:

Conversely, a strong support system can be a protective factor against PTSD and decrease the risk of developing it.

Risk Factors For Addiction

Some early risk factors for substance abuse, such as behavioral problems, can be treated once identified. Treatment can reduce the chances of later complications. Risk factors for substance abuse include:

Drug Addiction and PTSD Treatment

If you suffer from an addiction to drugs or alcohol and post-traumatic stress disorder, seek a recovery center specializing in treating people with a dual diagnosis. We Level Up can develop treatment plans that address both PTSD and addiction simultaneously, which can help prevent relapse. Some rehabs are more experienced in treating those with PTSD than others, so ask about the staff’s experience before choosing the program. All recovery programs are different, so your choice will depend on your individual needs.

Below Are Different Types Of Treatment Programs:

• Inpatient Treatment: These facilities require that you live on-site for the duration of your treatment. You can separate yourself from triggers to use and trauma-related triggers. Services include therapy, counseling, detox, medical maintenance, psychiatric and medical treatment, and aftercare planning.

• Outpatient Treatment: You can live at home and still meet your responsibilities at school or work while receiving treatment for PTSD and addiction. Outpatient treatment can include recovery services such as relapse prevention, education classes, therapy and counseling, and support groups.

• Group Counseling: A mental health professional will facilitate group therapy sessions focused on different goals, such as improving social skills or developing coping strategies, while sharing stories related to addiction and trauma.

• Individual Therapy: You work one-on-one with a therapist to address issues related to PTSD and addiction and correct problematic behaviors and thought patterns.

• Holistic And Complementary Treatments: Alternative treatments for PTSD and addiction include equine therapy, meditation, yoga, acupuncture, and relaxation techniques. 

Therapies Used To Treat Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder And Addiction

• Prolonged Exposure: Prolonged exposure therapy is used for those who have PTSD. It focuses on re-experiencing the trauma-inducing event through thoughts and memories. The therapist works to reduce the distress and pain the person experiences due to the traumatic event. 
• Eye Movement Desensitization And Reprocessing: Eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR) re-engages the person in the traumatic event while employing an eye-tracking technique designed to reorganize the brain’s processing of the traumatic event. 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Therapy (CBT): CBT focuses on the relationship between your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors while working to fix maladaptive behavior and thought patterns. The therapist will teach and build on positive coping skills to be used in place of drug or alcohol abuse.

PTSD and Addiction Recovery Programs

If you or a loved one would like to learn more about treatment with co-occurring PTSD and addiction, we can help. We Level Up Treatment Center provides world-class care with round-the-clock medical professionals available to help you cope. We work as an integrated team providing support through PTSD, addiction, and other aspects of treatment. Make this your opportunity to reclaim your life. Call today to speak with one of our treatment specialists. Our professionals know what you are going through and will answer any of your questions.

Your call is private and confidential, and there is never any obligation.