Can PTSD cause addiction?
While we see many people struggle with both PTSD and addiction, this is not a simple yes/no answer. Before we get started, it’s important to understand definitions.
First, What are Common Behaviors of Addiction?
If you notice that a friend or loved one is:
Displaying abrupt changes in habits or behavior
Struggling financially
Frequently speaking about partying, drinking or drugs
Changing their social circle
Keeping secrets
Lying
Avoiding responsibility
Blaming others for their mishaps
The more of these you answer with "yes," the more likely your friend or loved one is slipping into addiction.
What is Addiction?
Addiction is a chronic, treatable disease that stems from a complicated interplay between an individuals:
Brain chemistry
Habitat
Life experiences
Genetic makeup
Any or all of these contributing factors can spark behaviors that eventually lead to substance use disorder, aka, addiction.
What is PTSD?
PTSD, or Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, is a psychiatric condition that occurs after a person goes through or witnesses a traumatic or catastrophically stressful event. The ordeal radically impacts their thinking, behavior, and self-concept.
Diagnosis of PTSD
Under the DSM-5, when medical health professionals are considering a PTSD diagnosis, they look for the following eight criteria:
Stressor - the event itself
Intrusion - event persistently reexperienced
Avoidance - of anything related to the event
Cognition/mood - frequent negative thought patterns and/or higher emotional instability
Arousal/reactivity - stuck in fight or flight mode
Duration - symptoms last for a minimum of one month or longer
Impairment - lowered functioning in one or multiple areas of life like social relationships or work
Contributing factors - symptoms cannot be explained through substance use, medication, or any other illness
These traumatic events take the form of death, torture, war, sexual violence, or terrorist attacks. The term PTSD has evolved from the "shell shock" first seen in WWI veterans. However, it is now known that traumatic events can be associated with many types of situations such as witnessing an accident, death of a loved one or being involved in a natural disaster.
The Relationship Between PTSD & Addiction
People living with PTSD may drink or use drugs to escape from the intense reliving of the traumatic event. But, as we've established, addiction has several root causes. A person can develop a substance use disorder, also known as addiction with or without having witnessed or experienced a traumatic event. PTSD, however, can act as a match to kindling. The foundations for possible addiction were in place, and trauma magnified them.
How to Help Someone Struggling with PTSD & Addiction
If you know someone who struggles with addiction and PTSD, you can take several actions to try and help.
The first thing you can do is be there for them. People with traumatic experiences tend to isolate themselves. If they are struggling with addiction on top of trauma, they might stay alone to hide their addiction. The best thing you can do is tell them you are available when they need you, and try to provide social support and face-to-face interaction. Remember, you cannot force them to open up about their emotions, nor should you judge them, try to fix them, make them feel inadequate, or shame them. Create a safe space for them to feel like you are willing to listen when they are ready. Accepting them for who they are is key, and telling them you are there to walk alongside them during their journey is crucial. Helping the individual to seek professional help and knowing that it takes courage to reach out for help can reduce the isolation and increase the likelihood the person engages in treatment.
And remember…
Addiction is treatable.
PTSD is manageable.
Recovery is possible.
If you or a loved one are struggling with addiction, get in touch for a confidential, no-strings-attached conversation with a member of our team today. You can also start by taking this short quiz if you’re concerned about someone you know and you're not sure whether to get help.
Check out our blog if you want more information on addiction, mental health, or recovery.
