Following a traumatic experience, you may develop symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). PTSD is a mental health disorder that can interfere with the quality of your life. PTSD can also cause you to develop a dependence on substances to cope, which can lead to substance use disorder.
PTSD is often associated with individuals who served in the military. Although active service contributes to PTSD, this disorder can affect you even if you never served in the military. PTSD can be tied to traumatic events such as sexual assault, car accidents, or experiencing the loss of family members and friends.
Dealing with mental illness while struggling with substance use disorder can be difficult. The best thing to do is establish what kind of PTSD you have and what event it might stem from. An appropriate diagnosis will lead to a better understanding of why you avoid certain people and places and use substances to cope.
As mentioned earlier, the best way to learn about your PTSD is by seeking a proper diagnosis. A qualified professional will help you understand your symptoms and the experiences that trigger these symptoms. When you are able to understand why you are feeling these overwhelming emotions, it makes coming up with a plan to combat them much easier.
Once you have figured out the reasoning behind your PTSD, you can take the steps needed to move forward with a mental health plan. The best way to do this is by finding beneficial coping methods catered to your needs. Some helpful coping methods can include:
There are many ways to help you work through your PTSD symptoms and, in doing so, help you through your recovery process.
There are many different reasons why you might use substances. Stress, anxiety, and depression are common contributors to why they are abused. PTSD is another common contributor to why you might develop substance abuse. Since living through daily life with this mental illness can cause a strain on your mental well-being, substances provide a temporary escape from the traumas of PTSD.
PTSD can make daily life hard enough as is, and there are many times when you feel like there is no escape from those feelings. This is where substance use and abuse can come into play. Substance use allows you to feel free of your trauma and can make life seem easier. In the long run, using substances will only perpetuate symptoms. There are healthier ways to help you cope with your PTSD, and many resources are readily available.
For military veterans, a study in the journal Addict Behavior found that treating the PTSD symptoms lowers your chance of having substance use disorder. This then proves the correlation between the two disorders. To properly treat one is to help treat the other. This can be done in a variety of different ways, such as by joining a recovery group or going to therapy.
A study in J Anxiety Disorder found similar findings for those with PTSD who did not serve military time. Therefore, treating PTSD will lower your chances of substance use disorder. The study also mentions that if there is no follow-up after intervention for the substance use disorder or the PTSD conditions, the disorders will worsen.
It is understandable you might consider using substances to escape the trauma and overwhelming emotions you are experiencing. Having any mental illness can hinder your ability to work through substance use disorder.
If you are suffering from PTSD and substance abuse, it is vital to seek professional help. A qualified professional can help guide you through the difficult parts of these disorders. They will even help with diagnosing and addressing the co-occurring disorder. Having this kind of support will ensure that you are treating your disorders simultaneously.
You may feel like going to seek help means you are weak, but it does not. It means that you are incredibly courageous in facing the demons that keep you from living your life to the fullest. Treatment will allow you to overcome your trauma and create a life of people and activities you enjoy being around.
While PTSD and substance use disorder creates challenges, seeking treatment and support will help. The ultimate goal in life should be maintaining your health and happiness.
Using substances to cope with PTSD can make life hard. Something to keep in mind is that whether you are facing mental illness or substance abuse, there are many resources to help you cope, and it is always a good idea to ask for help. At NorthStar Transitions, located in Boulder, CO., we can help. Our experienced staff provides the diagnosis and treatment you and the ones you care about need. We utilize CBT and DBT therapy models to address the root of trauma and substance abuse. Our location provides a diverse landscape o help you cultivate a balanced treatment plan to face life's hardest challenges. We will also work with your family to educate them about your disorder. Whether it is your first time in treatment or if you're recovering from a relapse, we can help. To learn more about our programs, contact us today by calling (303) 558-6400.
