PTSD And Addiction Strong Connection

What Is PTSD And Addiction Correlation?

There’s reason to consider a causal relationship between many mental disorders and substance use disorders.  For instance, according to a study published on substance use among veterans, 11 % of veterans who visited a VA treatment facility for the first time matched the criteria for a substance use disorder.  Veterans are also more inclined to suffer from mental illnesses such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), leading to alcohol abuse and opioid prescriptions that lead to substance abuse.  On this page, you’ll learn more about the powerful connection between PTSD and addiction.

A summary published by the National Institute on Drug Abuse implied that there is a reason why people with mental disorders are up to two times possible to develop substance use disorders:

• Certain drugs can cause abusers to suffer one or more symptoms of another mental disorder.
• Mental disorders may accelerate or hasten substance abuse.  An individual struggling from symptoms of a mental disorder may endeavor to self-medicate.
• Drug use disorders and mental illnesses are caused by overlapping determinants: genetic, deficits, and otherwise.

PTSD “Post Traumatic Stress Disorder”

PTSD is a condition caused by a traumatic event or period in one’s life.  As the name refers, (post-traumatic stress disorder) fits of stress come, often triggered by stimuli correlated to their trauma, producing a surge of emotions and unpleasant memories linked with the event.  PTSD patients report that they seldom suffer from insurgent anxiety, sleepless nights, and unrealistic dreams, such as nightmares, by nature.   This can lead to short-term memory loss, which may cause long-lasting psychological issues.

It is highly advisable to treat those having undergone a traumatic encounter as early as possible to avoid complications.  When it is proved that the affected person is behaving dangerously, it is crucial to address the issue so the traumatic event will no longer impact the sufferer.  To deal with the rounds of stress brought on by PTSD, many individuals start self-medicating with depressants to numb their pain or any other drug that enables them to find an ‘escape’ from their experiences.

Signs & Symptoms of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)

PTSD indications are commonly grouped into four types:  Intrusion, avoidance, negative changes in thinking and mood, and changes in physical and emotional reactions.  Symptoms can differ over time or vary from person to person.

Intrusion

Intrusive thoughts such as repeated, involuntary memories;  distressing dreams such as nightmares; or flashbacks of the traumatic event.  Flashbacks may be so vivid that people feel they are re-living the traumatic event or seeing it before their eyes.

Avoidance

Avoiding reminders of the traumatic experience may include avoiding people, places, activities, objects, and conditions that may trigger distressing memories.  People may attempt to avoid remembering or thinking about the traumatic event.  They may oppose or despise talking about what occurred or how they feel about it.

Adverse Changes In Thinking And Mood, And Changes In Physical And Emotional Reactions [2] May Include:

Addiction “Substance Use Disorder”

The original development of addiction may have come about as a response to a mental health issue.  Unfortunately, without proper diagnosis, many endeavors to control their disorders by self-medicating—alcohol or tranquilizers for anxiety, amphetamines or cocaine for depression, etc.—and the short-term comfort or diversion make the experiment look like a success.

The unhealthy routine can lead to dependency, and a substance use disorder is set when one beforehand might not have been.  In addition, substance abuse can worsen mental illness, And mental illness can hinder long-term sobriety.  This cyclical impact of dual diagnosis (co-occurring disorder) makes it complicated to treat without the proper support.

Treatment For PTSD And Addiction

Addiction, once fully developed, becomes a dangerous disease in the brain.  But if we view it as a symptom, we can trace it back to its origin.  Substance abuse may have started as a remedy for esteem issues, improving social status, or stemmed from a need to self-medicate due to previous burdens or trauma.  These root causes are precise, like past events trauma, but some may have to do with a pre-existing chemical imbalance.

Many mental disorders, like addiction, are better treated when you fully understand what you are suffering from.  Likewise, like diabetes, one must familiarize themselves with its causes, symptoms & conditions for safely living with the disease.  Understanding PTSD, depression, other disorders and their effects on you goes a long way to knowing your own treatment needs.

Our dual diagnosis treatment center in New Jersey is one facility that has professionals equipped and qualified to help treat co-occurring disorders concurrently.  This type of tandem treatment provides some of the best success rates.

Get treatment for individuals struggling with substance abuse and mental health disorders, such as PTSD and addiction. Contact us today here at We Level Up New Jersey!