Self-Medication and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

People suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) frequently turn to drugs and/or alcohol abuse. Known as self-medication, this behavior may contribute to the high prevalence of substance use disorders in individuals with PTSD.

PTSD and Substance Use Statistics: - Approximately 6-8% of adults in the United States experience PTSD. - 10-30% of veterans suffer from PTSD. - Among those with lifetime PTSD, roughly 46% struggle with a drug or alcohol use disorder. - Individuals with PTSD are up to 14 times more likely to develop a substance use disorder compared to those without PTSD.

The co-occurrence of PTSD and substance use has prompted researchers to investigate the relationship to develop targeted and effective treatments.

Substance Use as Self-Treatment: - Substance use disorders often follow the onset of PTSD, suggesting that PTSD increases the risk of substance use problems. - One theory is that individuals use drugs or alcohol to escape or numb the distressing symptoms of PTSD, a concept known as self-medication. - Studies have found specific correlations between certain PTSD symptoms and the types of substances used. For instance, the severity of hyperarousal symptoms is strongly linked to the use of depressant or anti-anxiety substances such as alcohol or marijuana.

Other Theories on the Relationship Between PTSD and Substance Use: - It's essential to note that self-medication is not the sole theory explaining the relationship between PTSD and substance use. - Other potential connections may include: - Substance use may increase the likelihood of experiencing traumatic events, potentially leading to PTSD development. - Some individuals may have an underlying genetic predisposition to both substance use disorders and PTSD.

Consequences of Self-Treating PTSD with Substances: - Initially, turning to drugs or alcohol may provide temporary relief from PTSD symptoms. However, long-term self-medication can have severe consequences. - Substance use is a short-term solution. PTSD symptoms may resurface or worsen, leading to increased substance use. - Co-occurring PTSD and substance use disorder elevates the risk of experiencing various negative outcomes, including: - Depression - Relationship issues - Anxiety - Legal problems - Medical conditions - Inpatient psychiatric hospitalization - Suicide attempts

If you have suicidal thoughts, contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 988 for support and guidance from a trained counselor. In case of immediate danger, call 911. For additional mental health resources, refer to the National Helpline Database.

Seeking Help Instead of Self-Treating PTSD: - Individuals with PTSD should seek specialized treatments rather than resorting to self-medication. Effective treatments for PTSD and substance use disorders are available. - A widely used treatment is Seeking Safety, which helps individuals understand the connection between PTSD and substance use. It provides skills for managing distressing PTSD symptoms, reducing the reliance on drugs and alcohol for coping.