It’s not uncommon for those with PTSD to turn to substances in an attempt to mitigate the distress they may be feeling as a result of the disorder. However, there may also be other reasons that PTSD and substance use disorders are frequently seen together. Let’s take a closer look at what PTSD is, its links to substance ptsd and alcohol abuse use issues, and the treatment options that are available for both conditions. Post-traumatic stress disorder is a serious mental health condition triggered by traumatic events.

Integrated PTSD and SUD treatment

• At the end of treatment, Margaret stated that for the first time in her life she felt “ free” and truly able to put her past behind her.
• Shared decision-making, which uses a patient-centered, collaborative approach that includes the treatment team and the Veteran, should be used to make informed treatment decisions that align with the patient’s goals and values (35).
• The conclusions from this review suggest that there is not one agent that has clear evidence of efficacy in this comorbid group.

Unfortunately, while alcohol might provide short-term relief, it often leads to long-term consequences that make PTSD symptoms more severe. Findings from the current study were disseminated previously as a poster presentation at the meeting of the International Society for Traumatic Stress Studies (Wilson, Krenek, Browne, Yard & Simpson, 2015). Participants were queried regarding the number of standard drinks consumed the day prior (beer, wine, and liquor, respectively).

Alcohol Use Disorder and PTSD: An Introduction

Research has shown that individuals with a family history of mental health disorders may be more susceptible to developing PTSD. This suggests that the disorder may have a genetic component, although the exact mechanisms are still being studied. Re-experiencing symptoms involve intrusive memories, flashbacks, and nightmares related to the traumatic event.

Learn More about Trauma, Stress, and Substance Use Disorders

Social determinants of health for the diagnoses may vary considerably based on likelihood of being exposed to an event or exposure to a substance. Conversely, risk for who later develops a diagnosis, given exposure, may be different as well. For this reason, it is important to evaluate both risk for exposure as well as risk for a disorder among those exposed. Given that PTSD symptom severity data were collected longitudinally over a period of several monitoring days, it was possible Oxford House to disaggregate within-person and between-person effects of PTSD symptom severity on alcohol problems (Curran & Bauer, 2011).