Both post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcoholism are progressive diseases that negatively impact an individual’s life. Unfortunately, these mental health conditions often go hand in hand. According to research, between one-half and two-thirds of people with addictions also suffer from PTSD. Also, about the same proportion of people with PTSD (1/2 to 1/3) develop an addiction.

When two mental health conditions co-occur, this is known as dual diagnosis, co-occurring disorders, or comorbidity. Dealing with co-occurring disorders like PTSD and alcoholism is extremely difficult, as the two conditions may exacerbate symptoms of the other.

Individuals diagnosed with both PTSD and alcoholism, or alcohol use disorder (AUD), are at an increased risk for suicidal thoughts and emotional extremes. Additionally, they are more likely to suffer from physical health issues due to the effects of their AUD. As a result, individuals coping with PTSD and alcohol addiction must seek professional dual diagnosis treatment to make a full recovery.

What is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)?

Post-traumatic stress disorder is a mental health condition that may develop after a person experiences a traumatic event. A traumatic event is known as a frightening or dangerous situation that threatens the life or security of an individual or someone close to them.

Common causes of PTSD include:

• Childhood trauma
• Emotional, physical, verbal, mental, or sexual abuse
• Abusive relationships
• Natural disasters
• War
• Accidents
• Neglect
• Stress
• Depression
• Childhood trauma
• Death of a loved one
• Job loss
• Divorce
• Military combat
• Health challenges
• Financial challenges

It is important to note that experiencing trauma does not guarantee the development of PTSD. However, certain risk factors may contribute to an individual’s emotional and physical reactions to trauma. Some people’s brains may remain in the “fight-or-flight response”, causing them to repeatedly relive their trauma memories. On the other hand, individuals who receive prompt and effective trauma-informed therapy may be able to avoid the development of PTSD.

Abusing Alcohol to Relieve Symptoms of PTSD

Unfortunately, it’s common for individuals suffering from untreated PTSD to self-medicate with substances like alcohol. Oftentimes, individuals with PTSD drink alcohol to numb memories or escape from trauma triggers. Individuals dealing with PTSD experience an array of negative emotions that make daily functioning difficult.

After experiencing a traumatic event, it is common for survivors to experience helplessness, suicidal thoughts, aggression, self-harm, depression, and anxiety. Individuals dealing with PTSD might endure hallucinations, nightmares, and flashbacks. Once a person experiences a traumatic event, they might also develop guilt and shame which may manifest in alcohol and/or drug dependency. Alcohol dependency typically worsens PTSD symptoms and creates uncomfortable side effects.

Common symptoms of PTSD include:

• Nightmares
• Flashbacks
• Dissociation
• Angry or violent outbursts
• Avoidance of people, places, or things that remind the individual of the traumatic event
• Feeling numb, joyless, or depressed
• Feeling paranoid or anxious
• Difficulty with the memory of the event
• Insomnia

When individuals drink alcohol as an attempt to alleviate negative symptoms or feelings, they make the problem worse. For example, individuals suffering from PTSD-induced insomnia who attempt to drink alcohol to fall asleep will experience a worsening of symptoms. This is because alcohol consumption disturbs restful sleep. Also, individuals who frequently abuse alcohol are likely to suffer from mood swings, emotional outbursts, or symptoms of depression. With that being said, the depression and emotional outbursts associated with PTSD will begin to worsen as an individual abuses alcohol.

Individuals suffering from both PTSD and alcoholism must receive professional dual diagnosis treatment to effectively recover. During dual diagnosis treatment, patients will be treated for their alcoholism and PTSD simultaneously, to ensure the two conditions will not interfere with the treatment of one another. If you or a loved have experienced symptoms of PTSD, alcohol addiction, or a combination of both, you must seek professional dual diagnosis treatment.

Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD in Women

Statistics have shown that men are exposed to a higher number of traumatic events than women. However, women are twice as likely to develop PTSD and are 2.4 times more likely to struggle with alcoholism as a result.

While men are more likely to experience traumas such as combat threats and life-threatening accidents, women are more likely to experience traumatic events such as rape and sexual abuse. As a result, many women turn to alcohol or other substances to cope with the untreated symptoms of their PTSD.

Alcohol Addiction and PTSD in Veterans

Individuals serving in the military are exposed to trauma at high rates, such as being threatened, high-stress environments, death, severe injuries, violence, and sexual trauma. As a result, veterans are often deeply impacted after combat. This may lead to the development of PTSD symptoms, such as flashbacks and intrusive memories of war, causing veterans to self-medicate with the use of alcohol.

Statistics related to veterans, PTSD, and alcoholism report:

• 68% of Vietnam veterans who sought help for PTSD suffered from alcoholism.
• 1 in 3 veterans currently getting help for substance abuse suffers from PTSD.
• From 2003 to 2009, there was a 56% increase in veterans receiving treatment for alcoholism.
• 23% of female veterans have reported experiencing sexual assault while in combat.

Treatment for PTSD and Alcoholism

If you or a loved one suffer from the effects of PTSD and attempt to cope with the use of alcohol, it is vital that you receive treatment as soon as possible. PTSD and alcoholism are two conditions that commonly co-occur. However, the symptoms of both conditions often lead to a worsening in one another. Because of this, receiving treatment for both disorders simultaneously is imperative to one’s success in recovery.

At Rehab Recovery Centers, we understand the complex relationship between PTSD and alcohol use disorder. Our experienced and compassionate staff can help you or your loved one recover mentally, emotionally, physically, and spiritually. Contact us today for more information on how to get started with a dual diagnosis rehab in your state.