Most of us experience trauma in some form during our lifetimes, and trauma can shape our lives in unseen ways. If trauma leaves a lasting imprint, it can lead to post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)—a mental health condition marked by ongoing emotional distress that can sometimes interfere with daily functioning.
PTSD and substance use often co-occur, affecting many people in silence. If you or a loved one are facing trauma and addiction at the same time, know that you are not alone. Research shows that nearly 60% of individuals with PTSD also suffer from an alcohol and/or drug use disorder.
Yet there is plenty of reason for hope. When we untangle the connection between PTSD and addiction, it is possible to find a path to healing. Let’s take a closer look at these often-interwoven disorders and uncover a few key tips for those seeking a successful recovery.
The link between PTSD and SUD
Psychologists describe trauma as an experience of emotional distress resulting from an event that we’ve had trouble processing. Depending on the impact of what we have witnessed or experienced, we may describe it as trauma with a small t or Trauma with a big T. Either way, trauma and PTSD can be a call for self-compassion, healing, and the expert support of behavioral health providers.
The connection between PTSD and substance use arises when those suffering from trauma turn to alcohol and/or drugs as a form of self-medication. Certain triggers, such as flashbacks or insomnia, can lead to a desire to self-medicate, often creating a cycle of dependence.
While it’s human to seek relief from psychic or mental distress, substances will often provide only short-term relief. However, in the long term, alcohol and drug use tend to worsen mental health outcomes for those with PTSD.
Why integrated treatment matters
When PTSD and substance use disorder (SUD) are intimately entwined, they are challenging to treat independently from one another. The risk of relapse can increase when SUD is addressed alone and the underlying trauma is left untreated. Instead, behavioral health professionals emphasize the importance of integrated treatment and trauma-informed care for the best outcomes.
Evidence-based approaches to integrated care can vary, giving people a range of options. One therapeutic approach that shows promising results is COPE—which stands for Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure. COPE combines SUD treatment with Prolonged Exposure therapy, which allows individuals to walk through painful memories, or to participate in activities they’ve been avoiding, in a supportive and healing environment.
Another intervention with science behind it, called Seeking Safety, may also be effective. A flexible treatment model that offers various delivery methods, Seeking Safety invites individuals to focus on the present while developing coping skills to navigate PTSD and SUD together.
Tips for recovery seekers
If you or a loved one are seeking recovery from co-occurring PTSD and SUD, know that help is available to you.
Start by talking to a professional. It’s key to find a behavioral-health provider with experience in both trauma and addiction. Look for integrated programs with trauma-informed specialists who know how to create a safe and supportive environment.
Remember, you’re not alone. Consider joining a support group or peer network where members can share their experiences with PTSD and substance use.
Try evidence-based therapies. In addition to COPE and Seeking Safety, other modalities include Cognitive Processing Therapy (CPT), a type of cognitive behavioral therapy that can be used to process PTSD and prevent relapses in substance use. EMDR (eye movement desensitization and reprocessing) also shows promise in care settings where trauma and substance use co-occur.
Build small, healthy routines. Explore stress-reduction techniques like mindfulness, journaling, and grounding exercises. Weave exercise into your day. Consider creative outlets like crafts, gardening, or another relaxing interest that promotes self-expression and helps manage symptoms.
We are here for you
At Aware Recovery Care, we treat the whole person on the path to recovery from substance use disorder. If PTSD or another form of trauma coexists alongside alcohol or drug dependency, we have the experts and tools to help address both issues—with compassion and understanding.
Aware’s evidence-based, in-home treatment model offers a full range of modalities, including psych evaluation, medication-assisted treatment, medical and behavioral healthcare coordination, and more.
Recovery from both trauma and addiction is possible—with help. Take the first step toward healing today.
