Data from theDepartment of Veterans Affairsindicates that as many as 63 percent of veterans diagnosed with alcohol use or other substance use disorder also meet the diagnostic criteria for PTSD. While PTSD does not result solely from trauma experienced with military duty, PTSD and alcohol abuse in veterans are occurring at higher rates than in the general population. Seeking treatment for a substance use disorder and PTSD have increased at least 300 percent in recent years. According to American Addiction Centers, more than one in 10 veterans who visit a VA medical facility for the first time are diagnosed with a substance use disorder, which is slightly higher than the general population. These challenges are compounded by social stigma, lack of access to care, and barriers to employment or housing.

The Connection Between PTSD and Substance Abuse

Ultimately, embracing an integrated, trauma-informed paradigm is essential to breaking the cycle of re-traumatization and addiction, fostering hope for a healthier, more resilient future. Studies that compare other outcomes related to treatment retention and symptom improvement, such as sleep, mood symptoms, somatic medical conditions, and safety ptsd and alcohol abuse profiles (including violence and suicidality), would also be helpful. The literature currently lacks studies that examine the association between premorbid functioning and the ability to engage in manual-guided, evidence-supported therapies. Also needed is examination of how adding PTSD-focused treatment to AUD treatment will be feasible in terms of treatment costs, training requirements, and staff workload.

PTSD and Alcohol Abuse in Veterans

Start by creating a list of your “whys.” Why do you want to change your relationship with alcohol? It’s a good practice to keep this list at the back of a notebook, allowing you to add to it over time. Initially, your “whys” might be rooted in the negative aspects of drinking – feeling low, disliking your behaviour when you drink, or financial concerns. However, as you make the adjustment to drinking less or going alcohol-free, you’ll notice a transformation in your “whys.” You’ll find yourself sleeping better, feeling more in control, and experiencing a deep sense of pride in your journey. They possess the expertise to guide you safely through the process what is alcoholism of reducing your alcohol consumption while monitoring your well-being.

Support Services: Peer Groups, Counseling, and More

Nonetheless, relapse is not failure – each attempt https://www.sowovo.org/2022/05/05/how-alcohol-impacts-the-brain-northwestern/ at sobriety can build coping skills and strengthen resilience. Pinpointing when individuals typically begin substance use underscores the need for early intervention strategies. Historical inequities in healthcare, cultural stigma, and location-based barriers drive these disparities, highlighting the importance of culturally informed treatment and policy. Overall, many individuals initiate substance use in the mid-teen years, and the young adult window (late teens into early 20s) consistently shows the highest prevalence rates for most substances.

• This high overlap signifies a serious concern, as the substances that are often used as self-medication, such as alcohol, can actually exacerbate PTSD symptoms and impair judgment, creating a vicious cycle of dependence.
• For about 8 percent of the population, however, the consequences of experiencing trauma do not abate and may indeed get worse with time (Breslau et al. 1991; Kessler et al. 1995).
• Addiction is a chronic relapsing condition, with various drugs carrying different probabilities of post-treatment return to use.
• Individuals who have a history of anxiety, depression, or other mental health conditions may be more susceptible to developing PTSD after a traumatic event.
• Combining specialized treatment approaches with community support and efforts to reduce stigma is key to helping veterans overcome substance abuse and rebuild fulfilling lives.
• Nearly a third of people who have gone through serious accidents, illnesses, or natural disasters develop drinking problems.

• VA research aims to improve Veterans’ quality of life by increasing the number and type of evidence-based treatments and identifying additional personalized approaches for treating PTSD.
• According to recent data, the prevalence of alcoholism among civilians with PTSD is 42%.
• It causes symptoms that disrupt your life, but it can also cause significant complications.

Addressing trauma through various therapeutic approaches, including trauma-focused therapy, EMDR, and motivational interviewing, can effectively reduce PTSD symptoms and substance misuse. Information about treatment-seeking Veterans comes primarily from VA administrative data. For example, in a study of veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan it was found that among those with a lifetime diagnosis of PTSD, 34.2% of men also had an AUD, and 17.3% had a SUD (4). COPE (Concurrent Treatment of PTSD and Substance Use Disorders Using Prolonged Exposure) is a therapy that blends trauma-focused PTSD treatment with substance use treatment. Studies of COPE with Veterans and civilians have shown this integrated treatment improves PTSD symptoms. For example, although some people use alcohol to help them sleep, in reality, alcohol can make sleep less restful.