Living with Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) can feel overwhelming, isolating, and emotionally exhausting. In the search for relief, some people turn to substances like alcohol or drugs to cope. While it may offer short-term escape, this path often leads to substance abuse, creating a difficult cycle of pain and dependency.
Understanding the link between PTSD and substance abuse is the first step toward breaking free—and moving toward healing.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD is a mental health condition that can develop after someone experiences or witnesses a traumatic event. These events may include:
– Military combat
– Physical or sexual assault
– Serious accidents
– Natural disasters
– Childhood abuse or neglect
Symptoms of PTSD often include:
– Flashbacks and nightmares
– Anxiety and panic attacks
– Avoidance of reminders of the trauma
– Feeling numb or disconnected
– Hypervigilance (constantly being “on guard”)
According to the National Center for PTSD about 6% of the U.S. population will experience PTSD at some point in their lives. Among veterans, the rate is much higher—about 11–20% depending on the conflict [1].
The Connection Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Substance use doesn’t cause PTSD—but for many people, it becomes a way to cope with the symptoms. This pattern is so common that it has a name: co-occurring disorders, or dual diagnosis, where someone has both PTSD and a substance use disorder (SUD).
📊 Studies show that 46% of people with PTSD also meet the criteria for a substance use disorder [2].
Why is the connection so strong?
Why People with PTSD Turn to Substances
Contents
1. To Numb the Pain
People with PTSD often feel overwhelmed by emotions like fear, anger, or sadness. Alcohol or drugs can offer temporary relief by numbing emotional pain. However, the effects are short-lived and often followed by more distress.
2. To Sleep or Escape Nightmares
Sleep problems are common with PTSD. Nightmares, insomnia, or night sweats can make rest nearly impossible. Substances like alcohol, marijuana, or sleeping pills may be used to fall asleep—but they disrupt sleep quality and can worsen symptoms over time.
3. To Avoid Triggers
Avoidance is a core symptom of PTSD. Some individuals use substances to avoid reminders of their trauma or to feel less anxious in social settings. Unfortunately, this can lead to dependence and interfere with real healing.
How Substance Abuse Makes PTSD Worse
What starts as a coping mechanism can quickly become another problem. Substance use may offer temporary relief, but in the long run, it:
– Increases anxiety and depression
– Disrupts memory and emotional regulation
– Intensifies PTSD symptoms, especially during withdrawal
– Makes therapy less effective or harder to engage in
– Strains relationships and increases isolation
📊 According to research published in The American Journal on Addictions, people with PTSD and substance use disorders are more likely to experience suicidal thoughts, homelessness, and legal troubles compared to those with PTSD alone [3].
A Vicious Cycle
PTSD and substance abuse feed into each other in a destructive loop:
- Trauma leads to emotional pain
- Substances are used to numb that pain
- Substance abuse creates new problems—guilt, shame, health issues
- These problems trigger more PTSD symptoms
- The cycle repeats
Breaking this cycle takes courage—but recovery is possible.
What Recovery Looks Like
Healing from both PTSD and substance use requires a holistic and trauma-informed approach. Thankfully, many treatment centers and mental health professionals now specialize in treating co-occurring disorders.
1. Integrated Treatment
The most effective approach treats PTSD and substance abuse at the same time. Treating only one issue can leave the other unchecked, increasing the risk of relapse.
2. Evidence-Based Therapies
Several therapies have been proven to help with both PTSD and addiction:
– Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) – Helps change negative thought patterns
– EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) – Helps process trauma without becoming overwhelmed
– Trauma-Informed Care – Focuses on creating safety and trust in therapy
– Medication-Assisted Treatment (MAT) – For substance use, often paired with counseling
3. Support Systems
Recovery is hard to do alone. Support groups, such as AA, NA, or PTSD peer support groups, provide understanding, encouragement, and accountability.
Finding Hope After Trauma
If you or someone you love is living with both PTSD and a substance use disorder, it’s important to know:
– You are not alone
– You are not broken
– You can heal
It may feel like your trauma defines you, but it doesn’t. With time, support, and the right tools, it’s possible to build a life where you feel safe, connected, and in control again.
📊 In a 2020 study from Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, people who received integrated trauma-focused treatment reported greater reductions in both PTSD symptoms and substance use than those receiving standard treatment [4].
Final Thoughts
The link between PTSD and substance abuse is strong, but it doesn’t have to be permanent. These struggles are not signs of weakness—they are responses to deep pain. But healing is possible.
By recognizing the connection, seeking help, and taking one step at a time, individuals can begin to break free from the cycle and rediscover strength, hope, and meaning after trauma.
References
[1] National Center for PTSD. (2023). PTSD: National Center for PTSD. https://www.ptsd.va.gov
[2] Jacobsen, L. K., et al. (2001). “Substance use disorders and PTSD.” Clinical Psychology Review, 21(6), 853–875. https://doi.org/10.1016/S0272-7358(00)00067-7
[3] Ouimette, P. C., et al. (2010). “PTSD and substance use disorders in clinical populations.” The American Journal on Addictions, 19(5), 409–416. https://doi.org/10.1111/j.1521-0391.2010.00065.x
[4] Mills, K. L., et al. (2020). “Integrated treatment for PTSD and substance use.” Substance Abuse Treatment, Prevention, and Policy, 15(1), 60. https://doi.org/10.1186/s13011-020-00289-2
