The Role of Uncontrollable Trauma in the Development of PTSD and Alcohol Addiction

Studies of COPE with Veterans and civilians have shown this integrated treatment improves PTSD symptoms. A 2023 study suggests post-traumatic disorders are among the most common co-occurring diagnoses in people with substance use disorder (SUD). Yes, the VA provides comprehensive treatment options for veterans with PTSD and AUD, including counseling, therapy, and medication management.

Trauma Exposure.

Studies have shown that heavy drinking can increase blood pressure, weaken the heart muscle, and lead to an irregular heartbeat. These factors, combined with the already heightened stress response in PTSD patients, can significantly increase the risk of heart attacks and other cardiovascular complications. By understanding the complex relationship between PTSD and alcohol abuse, alcohol and drug counselors can work towards providing effective interventions and support systems that promote healing and recovery for those affected by these conditions. Moreover, the combination of PTSD and alcohol abuse can have detrimental effects on relationships, work, and overall quality of life. It can lead to social isolation, financial difficulties, and legal problems. The cycle of PTSD and alcohol dependence can be overwhelming and challenging to break without professional help and support.

The Recovery Village

These include psychological and developmental issues that are affected by trauma, as well as neurobiological effects of early trauma that can lead to increased vulnerability to the development of alcohol and other substance use disorders. There is a growing literature on efficacious psychotherapeutic and pharmacotherapeutic treatments for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol dependence. Integrative psychosocial interventions combining efficacious interventions from the alcohol and PTSD fields have shown promise. Evidence suggests that agents targeting alcohol consumption (i.e., disulfiram, naltrexone) can be useful in patients with co-occurring PTSD and alcohol dependence, but additional investigation clearly is needed. Higley and colleagues (1991) found that adult rhesus monkeys raised in peer groups without maternal care showed increased HPA response to stress and increased alcohol consumption during periods of stress (Higley et al. 1991).

The Role of Endorphins in PTSD and Alcohol Drinking

• The authors emphasized that even though AUD was found to be less common in AA women as compared to EA women, AUD is still prevalent and problematic among AA women.
• Perhaps most alarmingly, the co-occurrence of PTSD and alcohol use disorder significantly increases the risk of suicide and self-harm.
• Other mental or physical health problems often accompany PTSD and drinking problems.

The interplay of these factors can create a perfect storm, increasing an individual’s vulnerability to both disorders. Participants are encouraged to obtain a sponsor who will serve as a source of practical advice and support during recovery. The treatment of PTSD patients with alcohol dependence involves simultaneously addressing both disorders, because Sober living house they seem to be intertwined. In therapy, patients learn to cope with their previous traumas and to handle situations that may remind them of the event.

• Over the years, research on PTSD and alcohol (and PTSD and alcohol abuse, in particular) shows constant comorbidity and point sto self-medicating as a reasonable hypothesis.
• To avoid the increase in PTSD symptoms following a bout of drinking, the patient is caught in a vicious cycle in which he or she must continue to drink to avoid the unpleasant reaction following an alcoholic binge.
• These can be extremely distressing and make the individual feel as if they are reliving the trauma repeatedly.
• The VA will use a diagnostic code that best fits based on the symptoms the veteran experiences.

These conditions can cause severe pain, discomfort, and interfere with the absorption of essential nutrients, further compromising the individual’s overall well-being. Many individuals with PTSD turn to alcohol as a way to numb their emotional pain and temporarily alleviate their distressing symptoms. The trauma experienced in PTSD can be overwhelming, causing individuals to seek relief through alcohol consumption. However, self-medicating with alcohol only provides temporary relief and can ultimately worsen the symptoms of PTSD. Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse often occur together, leading to a dangerous cycle that intensifies both conditions.

Evidence indicates that concurrent treatment of PTSD and AUD can be safe and effective.30,39 Before reporting on concurrent treatment approaches, we describe evidence-based treatments targeting either PTSD or AUD. We also discuss the efficacy of these treatments for military and veteran populations. Personal stories and case studies can Sober living house provide valuable insight into the experiences of individuals living with PTSD and alcohol use disorder. These narratives offer hope and inspiration to others who may be facing similar challenges. Furthermore, the nature of the traumatic event itself can influence the development of PTSD.

Veterans, for instance, face a heightened risk of developing both PTSD and substance abuse issues due to their exposure to combat and other traumatic experiences during military service. Similarly, survivors of sexual assault, domestic violence, and natural disasters are also at increased risk for developing both conditions. Several risk factors contribute to the development of both PTSD and alcoholism. These include a history of childhood trauma, exposure to combat or other forms of violence, genetic predisposition to addiction, and pre-existing mental health conditions.

#4. Severity of Symptoms + Occupational and Social Impairment

These calls are offered at no cost to you and with no obligation to enter into treatment. Within each of these programs, specific types of therapy are utilized to teach you the necessary recovery skills to avoid an AUD or PTSD relapse. Treatment options for PTSD and AUD begin with a comprehensive assessment to determine the intensity and types of treatments that will be most beneficial.

The Link Between PTSD and Alcohol Misuse

• By retraining your brain to embrace positive actions during these times, you pave the way for healthier habits.
• Women are more likely to experience trauma in the form of sexual assault or childhood trauma.
• Among veterans, 63% of those first diagnosed with alcoholism also met the criteria for PTSD, and 76% of those first diagnosed with PTSD also met the criteria for alcohol use disorder.
• It’s common for people to increase their drinking after experiencing a traumatic event.

Support them in making healthier choices and engaging in positive activities. Sleep problems, including nightmares and insomnia, are common in people with PTSD. While alcohol might help someone fall asleep at first, it disrupts sleep later, causing people to wake up during the night. Alcohol also interferes with REM sleep, which is important for processing emotions and memories, leading to more nightmares and poor-quality sleep.

In contrast, AA women were more likely than their EA counterparts to experience trauma and to develop PTSD. There were connections between exposure to specific traumas (most commonly sexual and physical abuse) and increased risk of early alcohol initiation and subsequent development of AUD, although these connections were only observed among EA women. Further research is needed to better understand the findings and to identify factors that are related to the development of AUD in AA women. The authors emphasized that even though AUD was found to be less common in AA women as compared to EA women, AUD is still prevalent and problematic among AA women. Furthermore, research shows that AA individuals experience more severe symptoms of AUD as compared to EA individuals (Mulia et al., 2009).