PTSD and Alcoholism: How Does Alcohol Affect Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?

Quality sleep and well-balanced meals improve a person’s physical health and, in turn, can enhance their overall wellbeing. To be diagnosed with PTSD, someone generally experiences at least one symptom from each of the categories of symptoms for a period of 30 days or more, the National Institute of Mental Health reports. Symptoms may not appear right away either, but rather a few days or weeks may go by before someone starts to have PTSD symptoms after being involved in or witnessing a traumatic event. PTSD https://ecosoberhouse.com/ symptoms affect personal relationships, work and school output, and make everyday life tasks seem difficult to manage. Animal and human research has implicated this cascade in the pathophysiology of both substance use disorders and PTSD. Following a traumatic experience, the brain’s chemical balance is impacted, and it produces fewer endorphins. To improve their symptoms and combat depressed mood, some people with PTSD might turn to substances of abuse that impact chemicals like endorphins and dopamine.

Many people turn to alcohol to cope with their PTSD, as drinking can temporarily reduce symptoms and emotional stress. Drinking with PTSD can lead to co-occurring alcohol use disorder, which is a dangerous combination that needs proper dual diagnosis treatment.

Causes and Symptoms of PTSD

Developing PTSD after experiencing a traumatic event increases the risk of an individual having substance abuse issues. Many people with PTSD use drugs or alcohol as a means to numb feelings and reduce symptoms. In fact, up to 75 percent of people with PTSD also have a problem with drugs or alcohol, and women are more likely than men to drink or use drugs after experiencing trauma. Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, commonly referred to as PTSD, is a common psychological disorder. Debilitating and emotionally intense, PTSD can stem from repeated negative emotions regarding specific events in one’s life. PTSD can create many difficult side effects that make everyday life hard to cope with.

Intrusive thoughts, memories, dreams, and flashbacks force you to relive the trauma and can be terrifying. Continuing to drink despite having a physical or psychological problem that is likely the result of your alcohol use. Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks, PTSD and Alcohol Abuse distressing thoughts, dreams, or nightmares. Working with your doctor on the best way to reduce or stop your drinking makes cutting back on alcohol easier. This section provides an overview of commonly used definitions and how they have changed over time.

Dual Diagnosis Treatment For AUD & PTSD

Post-traumatic stress disorder develops after a person experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. In many cases, the symptoms of traumatic events do not start to show until years later.

Additionally, the conditional nature of the disorders, based on the exposure to an event or a substance, makes this a complex relationship for analysis, interpretation, and intervention for treatment. The consistent association between PTSD and AUD has led to debate about which condition develops first. One theory is that individuals with PTSD use alcohol and other substances to numb their symptoms and later develop AUD or SUD. Treatment for individuals who have been diagnosed with both PTSD and drug or alcohol addiction must integrate both disorders in the treatment plan. Just as the two conditions have become intertwined, treatment and recovery must be also. Treatment for co-occurring disorders is often more complicated than treating just one, however, there are many rehabilitation centers that are equipped and experienced in treating individuals suffering from two or more disorders. Finding the right treatment facility in California can lead to long-term, successful recovery.

Combat Veterans With PTSD Are More Likely To Drink To Cope.

You may drive under the influence or involve yourself in physical altercations. The unpleasant side effects of alcoholism eventually take over the person. They suffer from memory loss, inability to make decisions, and mood alterations. Likewise, a child who was sexually abused by a relative may have persistent feelings of helplessness as an adult. Among women, sexual abuse is one of the most common causes of PTSD and alcoholism. Some common causes of PTSD include military combat and a violent assault.