Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Contributing to My Substance Use?

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental disorder that develops after prolonged exposure to traumatic events or from a single event of trauma. According to a study on PTSD in 2015, it is unclear why or when some individuals develop the disorder. The constant for those who experience PTSD is exposure to traumatic events, specifically those that create exceptional threat or horror.

Who Experiences PTSD?

Why some people will develop PTSD and when is unpredictable. Some individuals are more susceptible to internalizing trauma, and others are more resilient and able to let it go easily. Experiencing PTSD has nothing to do with strength or weakness. It is experienced by about 3% of the adult population at any given time. Populations affected by conflict have a doubled rate, and those who have survived rape have a more than 50% chance of developing PTSD.

Other risk factors for PTSD include:

• Having a personal or family history of mental illness or substance misuse
• Feeling horror, extreme fear, or helplessness in a situation
• Being exposed to prior trauma, especially in childhood
• Suffering physical injury or being a witness to the injury or death of another person
• Lacking social support after the trauma
• Experiencing added stress after the trauma, such as the death of a loved one or the loss of your home

How Do I Know if I Have PTSD?

If you suspect you have PTSD, the only way to receive a diagnosis is to seek out a mental health professional at an accredited facility. Some strong indicators of PTSD include experiencing the following as a result of witnessing or experiencing a traumatic event or series of traumatic events:

• Intrusive Memories: You may experience distressing memories, vivid nightmares, or flashbacks where you feel like you are reliving the trauma.
• Avoidance: Sometimes, you might go out of your way to avoid people, places, or conversations that remind you of the event, or actively block out thoughts and feelings related to it. Know that this is a normal response to unpleasant feelings, but it can lead to habits that escalate into negative behaviors.
• Negative Changes in Mood and Thinking: You might find yourself feeling emotionally numb, detached from others, losing interest in activities, or experiencing distorted feelings of blame and guilt.
• Memory Gaps: Some individuals find it difficult to remember important parts of the traumatic event(s). This can create a sense of confusion or frustration, contributing to mood variability.
• Hyperarousal and Reactivity: This looks like being easily startled, constantly on guard (hypervigilance), having angry outbursts, or struggling with sleep and concentration.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, seek out a mental health professional to help you learn how to address the trauma to begin your recovery.

How Does PTSD Contribute to Substance Use?

The development of PTSD can contribute to substance use disorder (SUD) when individuals use substances to mask mental health symptoms. This includes using drugs or alcohol to help alleviate anxiety or to avoid dealing with or reliving the trauma. While some substances may temporarily reduce symptoms, they tend to make them worse over time because they further dysregulate your central nervous system. An effort to mask the new or worsened symptoms can contribute to the development of a SUD.

Symptom avoidance is not a contributor to substance use. PTSD results in changes in the brain, which may enhance the rewarding effects of some substances. This makes it more likely that the individual will continue to use substances. Additionally, some of the factors associated with an increased risk of SUD are the same as those associated with an increased risk of PTSD. These include genetic vulnerabilities, acute stress, and trauma.

In a reversal of the relationship, substance use disorders may lead an individual to participate in risk-taking behaviors, increasing their chances of experiencing a traumatic event that results in PTSD.

How Can I Get Help for PTSD and SUD?

Lantana Recovery offers dual-diagnosis treatment for clients experiencing PTSD and substance use. To better understand the relationship between your co-occurring conditions, you will be screened to assess symptoms and severity. This tracking system is outlined in a 2013 study on PTSD and SUD, which states that the quick feedback system in place through screenings allows for flexibility in treatment.

At Lantana Recovery, flexible treatment allows us to meet clients where they are, creating programming that meets their unique needs. We utilize several evidence-based modalities to address and treat PTSD and SUD. These include cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), which support the identification and replacement of thoughts and behaviors that do not serve wellness.

We also offer medication-assisted treatment (MAT) and trauma-informed and experiential therapies through which clients can begin to rebuild hope via positive experiences. Our facility provides case management by a full-time provider, a high level of community engagement, aftercare planning, multiple pathways to recovery, and a high client-to-staff ratio.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops after exposure to one or more traumatic events. It is accompanied by symptoms of anxiety, depression, and irritability that can contribute to the development of substance use disorder. This happens when individuals turn to substances to mask their PTSD symptoms. If you or someone you love is experiencing co-occurring PTSD and SUD, Lantana Recovery offers dual-diagnosis treatment by utilizing evidence-based modalities such as medication-assisted treatment, experiential therapies such as art, adventure, and equine therapy, CBT, DBT, EMDR, and trauma care. Contact the admissions team at Lantana by calling (866) 997-2870 to begin your recovery journey today. We believe that community-based integrative treatment gives clients the best chance for achieving sustained recovery. Hope exists here.