Exploring the Link Between Alcohol and Trauma

Anyone who experiences negative consequences due to alcohol use deserves support and the opportunity to make positive changes. Dual diagnosis conditions such as addiction to alcohol and PTSD should be treated together for the greatest chance of recovery from both. If you or a loved one needs help with alcoholism, contact a treatment provider today to discuss available treatment options.

• Research demonstrates that people with PTSD have a much higher likelihood of encountering alcohol problems compared to those who do not suffer from PTSD.
• We’re social by nature, and healing from trauma — as well as from alcohol misuse — is much easier with a solid team behind us.
• This knowledge, in turn, can give us the tools to tap into the healing power of neuroplasticity — the brain’s amazing ability to rewire itself.
• If you or a loved one needs help with alcoholism, contact a treatment provider today to discuss available treatment options.
• When trauma occurs earlier in life, the risk for substance use issues increases.

Treatment options

Genetics, existing mental illnesses, and other factors may play a role. If you’ve decided to https://ecosoberhouse.com/ take a break from drinking, it’s wise to adapt your social activities accordingly. Consider alternatives like going out for dinner, brunch, or enjoying non-drinking-friendly activities such as a trip to the cinema or a live sports event.

Alta Mira Recovery Programs

Individuals with CPTSD may use substances like alcohol or drugs to cope with their emotional distress and psychological symptoms resulting from prolonged trauma exposure. Military veterans represent another important population for PTSD and drinking. Between 60–80 percent of Vietnam veterans report alcohol issues when seeking treatment for PTSD. Binge drinking is particularly prevalent among veterans with PTSD as compared to other groups. Women with PTSD are 2.5 times more likely than other women to overdrink or develop an alcohol addiction. People seeking co-occurring PTSD and alcoholism treatment need to work with treatment professionals experienced in PTSD and alcohol treatment.

Treatments for Comorbid AUD and PTSD

Yet avoiding the bad memories and dreams actually prolongs PTSD—avoidance makes PTSD last longer. You cannot make as much progress in treatment if you avoid your problems. You may drink because using alcohol distracts you from your problems for a short time. You should know, though, that drinking makes it harder to concentrate, be productive, and enjoy your life.

Alcoholism Resources

If you or a loved one is struggling with alcoholism and co-occurring PTSD, recovery is possible. The experts at The Recovery Village offer comprehensive treatment for substance use and co-occurring disorders. If a loved one is experiencing co-occurring PTSD and alcohol use disorders it is important to know how to get them the treatment they need. However, please know that you can still take control of your drinking habits and work towards a healthier life. Your first step should be to reach out to a GP (General Practitioner) or your local community alcohol service.

• Those suffering from PTSD can relive their traumatic experiences via flashbacks, nightmares, or distressing memories.
• Veterans over the age of 65 with PTSD are at higher risk for a suicide attempt if they also have drinking problems or depression.
• The findings suggest that these interventions had a small positive effect on PTSD outcomes and didn’t significantly affect SUD outcomes.

Complex trauma typically arises from prolonged and repetitive exposure to traumatic events. A leading theory to explain the strong association between PTSD and drinking is self-medication. If you have PTSD symptoms, you may turn to alcohol to numb them or in an attempt to avoid or forget traumatic memories and intrusive thoughts. PTSD is a disorder caused by trauma, although trauma is not the only factor.

For example, people with PTSD have more problems with alcohol both before and after they develop PTSD. Having PTSD increases the risk that you will develop a drinking problem. Also, drinking problems put ptsd and alcohol abuse people at risk for traumatic events that could lead to PTSD. Led by Michael P. Bogenschutz, MD, this double-blind, randomized, proof-of-concept study is designed to assess the feasibility and contrast effects of cannabidiol treatment to those of placebo on drinking-related outcomes in patients with alcohol use disorder. Researchers are evaluating the safety of extended daily cannabidiol, assessing the impact of cannabidiol on neuropsychological domains implicated in alcohol use disorder, and generating preliminary data on the impact of cannabidiol on alcohol consumption.

Center for the Study of Alcohol Use Disorder & Traumatic Stress Research

It is also possible for alcohol use to intensify the negative feelings that are already experienced. Having PTSD and drinking to excess may be a form of avoidance symptoms. Someone with PTSD may experience mood swings or an overall depressed mood. Drinking alcohol, especially to excess, is likely to have similar effects on mood.

Treatment providers are available 24/7 to answer your questions about rehab, whether it’s for you or a loved one. Submit your number and receive a free call today from a treatment provider. Women who have PTSD at some point in their lives are 2.5 times more likely to also have alcohol abuse or dependence than women who never have PTSD.