Last Updated:

September 5th, 2024

PTSD and Addiction | Links, Symptoms & Treatment

PTSD, or Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder, as defined in the DSM-5, is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. While PTSD can be challenging, it is manageable with the right support with medication and therapy, having the potential to significantly improve a person’s quality of life.

According to PTSD UK, just over 2.6 million people in the UK have PTSD with women aged between 16 and 24 being the most likely to suffer from it.

Are there different types of PTSD?

Understanding that PTSD (Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder) comes in various forms with unique symptoms is crucial for anyone affected, whether directly or through a loved one. Recognising these different types helps in identifying the specific signs and facilitates timely intervention, ensuring that appropriate treatment is sought early on.

Acute Stress Disorder (ASD)

Symptoms occur within the first month after the traumatic event.
Can evolve into PTSD if symptoms persist beyond one month.

Complex PTSD (C-PTSD)

Results from prolonged exposure to traumatic situations, such as ongoing abuse or captivity.
Includes additional symptoms like difficulty controlling emotions, feeling very negative about oneself and problems maintaining relationships.

Delayed-onset PTSD

Symptoms appear more than six months after the traumatic event.
Can be triggered by a subsequent event or stressor.

Secondary or vicarious PTSD

Affects individuals who are repeatedly exposed to others’ trauma, such as first responders or mental health professionals.
Symptoms mirror those of PTSD but arise from indirect exposure.

Do I have PTSD?

If you’ve been involved in a traumatic experience recently or in the past and aren’t sure if you’re experiencing symptoms of PTSD, it can be helpful to reflect on how you’re feeling and what you’re experiencing. Here are five questions that might help you identify if you should seek further assessment:

Do you often relive the traumatic event through flashbacks or nightmares?
Do you frequently avoid places, activities or people that remind you of the trauma?
Do you find yourself feeling constantly on edge, easily startled or having difficulty concentrating?
Are you experiencing negative changes in your mood, such as feeling detached from others or losing interest in activities you once enjoyed?
Do you have trouble sleeping or experience insomnia as a result of distressing thoughts or feelings related to the trauma?

Answering ‘yes’ to any of these questions does not mean you have PTSD, but it could be an indication that you should contact a local medical healthcare professional for further screening and support. This is not a diagnostic tool but rather an initial springboard to help you determine if seeking professional help might be beneficial.

How can PTSD occur?

PTSD can occur in an individual who has experienced even just one of the following traumatic experiences:

Combat exposure
Natural disasters
Serious accidents
Violence
Medical incidents
Childhood trauma
Sudden loss

There is also research that suggests that PTSD is heritable from family members who’ve been subjected to trauma in their lifetimes.

Some research suggests that children can develop PTSD due to their parent’s symptoms, a phenomenon known as “intergenerational transmission of trauma.” This has been observed in families of WWII Holocaust survivors and combat veterans. Here’s how it happens:

When a family silences a child or discourages talking about disturbing events, the child’s anxiety increases. They might worry about causing their parent’s symptoms and imagine scenarios worse than reality.
Parents sharing too many traumatic details can lead to children experiencing their own PTSD symptoms in response to these vivid images.
A child may mimic their parent’s symptoms as a way to connect with them.
Children might repeat aspects of the trauma because they see their parents struggling to separate past events from the present.

It’s important to note that others have criticised this type of research in the field, but it still serves a purpose in understanding more about PTSD and its effects on others.

Is there a link between PTSD and addiction?

Understanding the connection between addiction and PTSD can be complex, as each person’s situation is unique. However, exploring this link reveals some common patterns and underlying factors.

People with PTSD often experience intense, distressing symptoms such as flashbacks, nightmares and severe anxiety. To cope with these overwhelming emotions and numb the pain, individuals may turn to substances like alcohol or drugs. While these substances can provide temporary relief, they ultimately lead to dependency and addiction.

Research also indicates a significant overlap in the brain regions involved in both fear processing and addiction. Specifically, the Ventral Tegmental Area (VTA), through its connections to the amygdala, hippocampus and prefrontal cortex (PFC), may serve as the common link in this circuitry. This overlap helps explain why PTSD and SUD often co-occur.

What types of addiction have been linked to PTSD?

Many different types of addictions have been linked to PTSD, especially as the initial substance taking could have begun as a coping method for dealing with PTSD symptoms.

In fact, a study comprising 587 participants found alarmingly high rates of lifetime dependence on various substances;

39% were dependent on alcohol
34.1% were dependent on cocaine
6.2% were dependent on heroin/opiates
44.8% were dependent on marijuana

Notably, the level of substance use, especially cocaine, was strongly correlated with experiences of childhood physical, sexual and emotional abuse, as well as current PTSD symptoms.

The study found that the more types of childhood trauma a person experienced, the stronger their history of cocaine dependence predicted current PTSD symptoms. Importantly, this effect was independent of any trauma experienced in adulthood, underscoring the profound impact of childhood experiences.

These findings reveal strong links between childhood traumatisation and Substance Use Disorders (SUDs), highlighting their joint associations with PTSD outcomes.

How does Linwood House treat PTSD and addiction?

Linwood House has a strong track record of treating addiction in individuals with co-occurring disorders like PTSD. However, your PTSD symptoms need to be stable enough for you to engage fully in the rehabilitation process.

Before starting rehab at Linwood House, consult with medical and mental health professionals to manage your PTSD symptoms. This may involve therapy, medication or both. Once your PTSD symptoms are under control, you can begin the rehabilitation process.

Several effective rehab therapies at Linwood House can also help alleviate your PTSD symptoms:

Dialectical Behaviour Therapy (DBT): DBT is great for managing intense emotions that you may experience alongside PTSD. It equips you with tools to cope with stress, regulate emotions and enhance relationships. DBT can help you manage triggers and combat unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as substance use and addictive behaviours.
Group therapy: If you’re dealing with both PTSD and addiction, group therapy offers many benefits. It creates a sense of community among people facing similar challenges, providing essential emotional support. As you share experiences and coping strategies, you’ll gain insights and practical advice from others.
Mindfulness: Practising mindfulness can be a powerful tool in managing both PTSD and addiction. Mindfulness helps you stay grounded in the present moment, reducing anxiety and stress. By focusing on your breathing and being aware of your thoughts and feelings without judgement, you can better manage your emotions and reduce the impact of triggers.

What’s next?

If you’re dealing with PTSD and addiction, Linwood House is here to support you. Our comprehensive treatment programme offers personalised care to address both issues together. With our experienced team and holistic therapies, you’ll receive the support and healing you need. Take the first step toward a brighter, healthier future with Linwood House. Your path to recovery and well-being starts here.

(Click here to see works cited)

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