PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) and alcohol abuse are two serious mental health issues that often occur together. People with PTSD sometimes use alcohol to cope with the intense emotional pain and stress caused by their trauma. This can result in a harmful cycle where alcohol consumption exacerbates PTSD symptoms and contributes to increased addiction. In this blog, we will look at the link between PTSD alcohol abuse, why they often go hand-in-hand, and explore healthier ways to cope.
Are veterans seeking treatment for PTSD and alcohol addiction eligible for specialized care?
However, the degree to which coping-related drinking explains this relationship depends on the measurement approach, sample characteristics, and study design. Individuals with greater PTSD symptom severity reported significantly higher alcohol use to down-regulate despondency, anger, and positive emotions, which, in turn, were linked to greater alcohol misuse. PTSD and alcohol are deeply connected, and trying to treat one without the other doesn’t work for most people. If you’ve been using alcohol to cope with trauma, you’re not weak—you’re trying to survive. Taking that first step may feel scary, but it can also change everything.
Why We May Seek Alcohol to Cope with Trauma
For the primary models, continuous measures were standardized to a mean of 0 and standard deviation of 1 to facilitate interpretation of results. For models of PTSD outcomes, the initial model estimated session-level PCL-5 scores as a function of therapy condition, time, the condition by time interaction, and baseline PTSD severity scores as a subject-level covariate. A subsequent model added lagged (i.e., prior assessment) alcohol use as a time-varying covariate, with a final model estimating the alcohol use X therapy condition interaction. A similar sequence of models estimated alcohol use, with baseline percent days drinking (PDD) replacing CAPS scores as a subject-level baseline covariate, and lagged PCL-5 scores replacing lagged alcohol use as a time-varying covariate. Models of alcohol use were fit using the Poisson distribution, as preliminary analyses indicated non-normality in the alcohol use measure.
Meta-analytical Sample Characteristics
PTSD is characterized by extreme anxiety, flashbacks, nightmares, irritability, isolation, and depression. It’s crucial to understand that individuals who are clinically dependent on alcohol may face severe health risks if they abruptly cease drinking. If you find yourself experiencing symptoms such as seizures, trembling hands, excessive sweating, or hallucinations, these could be signs of clinical alcohol dependence. In this case, it’s vital not to suddenly and completely stop drinking. Yes, with the proper treatment and support, individuals can recover from PTSD and alcohol addiction. It’s important to remember that recovery is a process and may require ongoing effort, but many people find renewed purpose and strength after addressing both conditions.
When to seek treatment
This sample included participants who received at least one therapy session and completed at least one in-treatment assessment of PTSD and alcohol use. Rates of retention in therapy were 85% at session 4, 63% at session 8, and 28% at session 12. Participants were self-referred or were referred by a mental health provider at a large urban VA hospital.
Today, there’s an array of alcohol-free options available for every taste. Supermarkets offer a variety of choices, and platforms like The Wise Bartender provide a wide selection. Even many bars now offer more than traditional non-alcoholic beverages like Becks Blue.
Behavioral Treatments for AUD
- Based on previous mediation studies and a recent systematic review, we hypothesized that there would be a significant indirect effect through coping-related drinking.
- Three studies have evaluated medications that were hypothesized to treat both disorders.
- It is essential to continue raising awareness, reducing stigma, and expanding access to integrated treatment services to support those affected by these co-occurring disorders.
- At the same time, she demonstrated a remarkable willingness to examine her enactments of traumatic avoidance.
Studies have shown that PTSD increases the risk for drinking problems. But research has been scant drug addiction on whether combat experience is linked to alcohol use to cope with PTSD. However, combat experience was not strongly linked to drinking to cope when the researchers adjusted for a person’s total number of PTSD symptoms.
- Future research would benefit from further explicating of the relative and unique roles of alcohol use to down-regulate despondency, anger, and positive emotions in PTSD-AUD.
- Boundaries aren’t selfish—they’re necessary when dealing with PTSD and alcohol use.
- By removing traditional stereotypes, we can encourage people to recognise that their relationship with alcohol deserves attention and care.
- Hannah Sumpter, MSW, holds a Bachelor’s degree in Theology, as well as a Master’s degree in Social Work, with an emphasis in Mental Health.
Unfortunately, while it may seem to offer temporary relief from symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and flashbacks, it often exacerbates the very symptoms people are trying to escape. Certain medications can reduce the pleasure of alcohol or drugs, reduce cravings, and also help withdrawal symptoms. Research suggests that for most people who have both PTSD and problems with alcohol or drug use, PTSD develops first. They might use drugs or alcohol to help them relax, feel more comfortable in social settings, or deal with ptsd and alcohol abuse thoughts and feelings they would rather avoid.
Type and Severity of Trauma
PTSD with Alcohol Use Disorder (AUD) involves a scenario where a veteran diagnosed with PTSD also suffers from an alcohol use disorder. The VA recognizes that veterans with PTSD may use alcohol to cope, leading to the development of AUD. When rating disabilities, the VA considers how both PTSD and AUD together affect the veteran’s daily life, work, and relationships.
While it’s essential to be supportive, it’s equally important not to enable their addictive behaviors. Setting clear boundaries can help your loved one understand that they must take responsibility for their recovery. Effective treatment for PTSD focuses on going back to the original trauma and reliving and processing it in a safe environment. Avoidance is a surefire way to make PTSD last longer, and it makes treatment less effective. Unfortunately, while alcohol might provide short-term relief, it often leads to long-term consequences that make PTSD symptoms more severe. Brian Reese is a world-renowned VA disability benefits expert and the #1 bestselling author of VA Claim Secrets and You Deserve It.
