Medical Providers:
Dr. Michael Vines, MD
Alex Spritzer, FNP, CARN-AP, PMHNP
Clinical Providers:
Natalie Foster, LPC-S, MS
Last Updated: December 31, 2022
Almost 50% of individuals with long-term Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) also face challenges with substance abuse. Many turn to drugs or alcohol as a form of “self-medication” to temporarily ease PTSD symptoms. Without proper support, this can lead to physical dependence and addiction, creating a cycle of struggling with both conditions at the same time.
If you or a loved one are facing PTSD and substance abuse, reach out to our addiction specialists today for guidance and support.
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that affects about 8% of people at some point in their lives. It can significantly disrupt daily life, often lasting months or even years. PTSD can trigger recurring memories of trauma, along with strong emotional and physical responses that make everyday activities challenging.
PTSD often develops after experiencing an event that involves an actual or perceived threat of death, injury, or violence. However, people of any age can develop PTSD from a wide range of situations, including the sudden loss of a loved one, the end of an important relationship, and other significant life stressors.
Like many mental health conditions, PTSD can significantly impact daily life. It can disrupt work, social interactions, and emotional well-being, often leading individuals to make major adjustments in their routines and lifestyle to cope with the challenges it brings.
Re-experiencing symptoms involve repeatedly reliving the traumatic event, often through flashbacks. These episodes can trigger physical and emotional responses such as a racing heart, sweating, recurring nightmares, distressing thoughts, and other signs of heightened stress.
Avoidance symptoms occur when a person deliberately steers clear of places, events, or objects that remind them of the traumatic experience. This can also include avoiding thoughts or emotions connected to the event.
For example, someone might refuse or feel uneasy about driving a car after being involved in a car accident.
In some cases, PTSD can cause changes in thinking and mood. These symptoms may include:
PTSD can also cause hyperarousal symptoms, which affect a person’s alertness and behavior. These may include being easily startled, feeling constantly tense or “on edge,” struggling with concentration, engaging in risky behaviors, and more.
The type and intensity of symptoms can vary widely between individuals, depending on their unique trauma experiences.
Adverse Childhood Experiences (ACEs) refer to traumatic events that occur during childhood. These can include emotional or sexual abuse, household mental illness, emotional neglect, and other forms of early-life trauma.
Research shows that the more trauma a person experiences at a young age, the higher their risk for certain physical and mental health issues, including:
Post-traumatic stress disorder is one of the most common co-occurring conditions among people with substance use issues. In fact, more than 46% of individuals with lifetime PTSD also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder. When someone struggles with both, it’s called a dual diagnosis, and effective treatment requires specialized care addressing both mental health and substance abuse.
Research shows that the brain pathways involved in processing pain overlap with those that respond to PTSD symptoms. As a result, many patients seek medical help to manage pain or ease PTSD symptoms, and doctors may prescribe benzodiazepines for anxiety or opioids for pain relief.
Since the underlying trauma is not being addressed, even when taken as prescribed, these medications can lead to physical dependence. Stopping them may trigger withdrawal symptoms, creating a cycle that, if left untreated, can develop into addiction.
After a traumatic event that may trigger PTSD, many individuals turn to alcohol to ease their symptoms. This is a form of self-medication, as alcohol’s depressant effects can temporarily relieve emotional distress.
For those with chronic or recurring PTSD, alcohol may be used repeatedly to create a numbing effect, offering short-term relief from trauma. While it may feel helpful temporarily, it does not address the underlying issue and can lead to dependence, increasing the risk of developing an addiction.
In addition to therapy, medications are available to help treat PTSD. These medications work by increasing serotonin levels in the brain, which can help regulate mood, appetite, and sleep, as well as improve communication between brain cells, reducing anxiety and improving overall mood. The most common medications for PTSD are selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs).
If you’re seeking treatment for a mental health condition like PTSD, online resources can help you find qualified therapists. Psychology Today, for example, offers a comprehensive database of therapists available in your area.
For those in Arizona looking for specialized care, particularly for co-occurring substance abuse and mental health disorders, Arizona IOP in Scottsdale provides treatment for dual diagnoses, offering support for both conditions simultaneously.
