Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is most often associated with military veterans, but this serious mental health condition can develop in any person who has experienced a traumatic event. Many people with PTSD turn to drugs and alcohol to self-medicate their symptoms, which can lead to the development of a co-occurring substance use disorder (SUD).

If you’re worried about a friend or family member who seems to be struggling with their mental health, it’s important to understand that effective treatment options are available. With proper support, your loved one can learn to manage their PTSD and co-occurring SUD to move toward a brighter future. 

Risk Factors for PTSD

PTSD can affect people of all ages and backgrounds. However, the following risk factors are well-established: 

• Severity and duration of trauma. Repeated or chronic trauma, such as the type of trauma related to abuse, carries the highest PTSD risk. 
• Pre-existing mental health conditions. People with a history of mental health disorders, such as depression or anxiety, are more vulnerable to developing PTSD after a traumatic event.
• Family history of PTSD. PTSD has a genetic influence, so having blood relatives with the condition puts a person at a higher risk.
• Lack of social support. A lack of support from friends, family, or the community following a traumatic event can increase a person’s risk of developing PTSD. 
• Gender. Studies have shown that women may be more likely to develop PTSD than men, possibly due to differences in the types of trauma experienced as well as hormonal factors.
• Age at the time of trauma. Children and young adults may be more vulnerable to the long-term effects of trauma, including the development of PTSD.

The Difficulty of Diagnosing Substance Use Disorders in People With PTSD

It can be challenging to spot the signs of a substance use disorder in a person with PTSD because of the overlap in symptoms. For example:

• Intrusive thoughts and memories. Both PTSD and SUD can involve intrusive thoughts or memories. In PTSD, these are often related to the traumatic event, while in SUD, they may revolve around cravings for the substance.
• Mood disturbances. Individuals with both PTSD and SUD can experience mood disturbances like depression, anxiety, and irritability.
• Impaired daily functioning. Both conditions can lead to impaired social, occupational, and interpersonal functioning. People with PTSD may struggle with daily tasks due to their symptoms, and those with SUD may have difficulty maintaining responsibilities and relationships.
• Avoidance. People with PTSD often try to avoid situations, people, or places that remind them of the traumatic event. Similarly, individuals with SUD may avoid situations where they can’t use their substance of choice to prevent withdrawal symptoms or cravings.
• Emotional detachment. People with PTSD often show signs of emotional numbness or detachment from others. This emotional numbing can resemble the behavior seen in some individuals with SUD.
• Hyperarousal. PTSD can lead to symptoms of hyperarousal, such as irritability, angry outbursts, and difficulty sleeping. Some substances, like stimulants, can also produce these symptoms.

If you think your loved one might be suffering from PTSD and a co-occurring substance use disorder, a good first step is to encourage them to contact their primary care provider. Even though primary care providers do not specialize in treating mental health concerns, they can help your loved one evaluate treatment options and determine their next steps.

How St. Joseph Institute Can Help Your Loved One Move Toward a Brighter Future

If your loved one’s primary care provider recommends residential addiction treatment, St. Joseph Institute can help them find lasting recovery. Our Pennsylvania residential addiction treatment center provides a full continuum of care for men and women with substance use disorders and co-occurring mental health conditions such as PTSD. Our programs are personalized to fit each client’s unique needs but typically include the following: 

• Trauma-informed care. We approach clients with compassion and sensitivity to the potential underlying trauma that may have contributed to the development of their addiction. 
• Individual therapy. Our clients with co-occurring addiction and PTSD often benefit from individual therapy sessions. Our therapists use evidence-based approaches such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), eye movement desensitization and reprocessing (EMDR), or prolonged exposure therapy (PE) to address both trauma-related symptoms and addictive behaviors.
• Group therapy. We believe group therapy sessions can be beneficial for clients with dual diagnoses, as this provides an opportunity to connect with others who may be experiencing similar challenges. Group therapy also fosters a sense of community and support to reduce feelings of isolation.
• Family therapy. Family dynamics can play a significant role in addiction and recovery. Family therapy sessions help our clients and their loved ones better understand and support each other.
• Holistic support. Our program encourages clients to find healthy ways to deal with triggers and cravings related to both addiction and PTSD. This can include mindfulness, relaxation exercises, and emotional regulation strategies.
• Medication management. Some clients may benefit from medications to manage their symptoms. Our team of medical professionals can assess the need for medication and monitor its effectiveness.
• Aftercare planning. After graduating from residential treatment, our clients are connected with community resources, ongoing therapy, and support groups to maintain their recovery and continue to manage their PTSD symptoms. 

Want to learn more? We encourage you to visit our FAQ page or contact our admissions representatives to discuss how we can help your loved one move toward hope and healing.