Consuming alcohol can make PTSD symptoms worse, especially if someone is already dealing with mental health issues. In any case, dealing with an addiction can complicate treatment for PTSD. Alcohol withdrawal may intensify PTSD-related experiences.
Alcohol can temporarily numb the emotional pain of PTSD, but it ultimately makes symptoms worse. It disrupts sleep, can increase anxiety, and can sabotage the brain’s ability to process trauma.
Many people with PTSD use alcohol to cope with PTSD symptoms, but this can quickly lead to dependence and worsen mental health over time. Instead of helping, alcohol often delays healing. It can interfere with healthy coping mechanisms. Long-term use can intensify flashbacks, mood swings, and feelings of isolation.
What is PTSD?
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition triggered by experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event. It can result from incidents such as combat, natural disasters, accidents, assault, and other experiences.
PTSD can disrupt emotional and psychological well-being, making daily life challenging. Symptoms include flashbacks, nightmares, severe anxiety, and heightened emotional reactions. Individuals with PTSD may feel detached from others, struggle with concentration, or avoid reminders of trauma. These symptoms can persist for months or years if untreated.
Effective treatment options include therapy, medication, and lifestyle adjustments. Early intervention and support from professionals or loved ones can help individuals manage their PTSD.
What are Trauma Disorders?
Trauma disorders are mental health conditions resulting from exposure to distressing or life-threatening events. These disorders can severely impact daily functioning and emotional well-being.
Types of trauma disorders include PTSD, Acute Stress Disorder, and adjustment disorders. Treatment for each can include therapy, medication, lifestyle changes, and support groups. Recognizing symptoms early and seeking appropriate help can improve recovery and overall mental health.
Symptoms of Trauma Disorders
Here are some common symptoms of trauma disorders:
- Intrusive thoughts: Unwanted memories or flashbacks of the traumatic event.
- Nightmares: Disturbing dreams related to the trauma.
- Avoidance behaviors: Avoiding people, places, or situations that trigger distress.
- Emotional numbness: Feeling disconnected or unable to express emotions.
- Hypervigilance: Being constantly on edge or easily startled.
- Mood swings: Intense feelings of sadness, guilt, anger, or anxiety.
- Difficulty concentrating: Struggling to focus on daily tasks.
- Physical symptoms: Headaches, nausea, fatigue, or unexplained pain.
Recognizing symptoms is the first step toward seeking support and recovery. Coping with trauma disorders involves a mix of emotional, psychological, and physical strategies to manage symptoms and promote healing. Effective methods of coping with trauma include:
- Actively Treating the Trauma: Accept that the trauma had an impact, and work to take direct action to improve well-being.
- Social Support: Talk to trusted friends, family members, or support groups to reduce isolation.
- Relaxation Techniques: Practice breathing exercises, meditation, yoga, or spend time in nature.
- Therapy and Professional Mental Help: Seek counseling or relevant therapy to process trauma and develop coping skills.
- Mindfulness and Awareness: Use techniques like the Window of Tolerance to recognize emotional states and manage triggers.
Why Do People with PTSD Develop Addictions?
People with PTSD often seek ways to cope with their overwhelming emotions and distressing symptoms in the moment. The trauma they have experienced can lead to feelings of anxiety, depression, and isolation, pushing them to find relief. Unfortunately, substances like alcohol or drugs can temporarily numb these feelings, offering a fleeting escape from the psychological pain.
The physiological effects of trauma can alter brain chemistry over time, making individuals more susceptible to seeking out substances for comfort. The brain’s reward pathways may become dysregulated, driving those with PTSD to increasingly rely on substances to experience feelings of pleasure or calm they find elusive in their daily lives.
In many communities, stigma still surrounds having troubles with mental health and/or seeking help for it. People may view those with mental health struggles as “crazy,” “broken,” or unable to pull their own weight in society. This can hold back many individuals from seeking the help they need. But without accessing effective treatment and coping strategies, some may turn to substance use as a misguided form of self-medication. This cycle of addiction and trauma reinforces the need for compassionate support and comprehensive treatment options for those suffering from PTSD.
People with PTSD often develop addictions as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. Substances can provide very temporary relief from distressing feelings, including from painful memories and trauma-related triggers. Alcohol and drugs like marijuana are frequently used to manage anxiety, depression, and insomnia. But reliance on substances can worsen PTSD symptoms over time, because they do not provide long-term healthy solutions or address the PTSD. Substance use can create a false sense of pleasure and control, and this impaired judgment can lead to dangerous behaviors.
People with PTSD often develop addictions as a way to cope with overwhelming emotions. Substances can provide very temporary relief from distressing feelings, including from painful memories and trauma-related triggers. Alcohol and drugs like marijuana are frequently used to manage anxiety, depression, and insomnia. But reliance on substances can worsen PTSD symptoms over time, because they do not provide long-term healthy solutions or address the PTSD. Substance use can create a false sense of pleasure and control, and this impaired judgment can lead to dangerous behaviors.
People with PTSD often experience sleep problems like nightmares, insomnia, and anxiety, which can make getting meaningful rest difficult. To cope, they may turn to substances such as alcohol, sleeping pills, or anti-anxiety benzodiazepines for temporary relief. Unfortunately, this can lead to dependency and addiction, as the body begins to rely on these aids to sleep. The cycle can worsen both PTSD and overall health. Treating both conditions together is essential for long-term healing and restful, healthy sleep.
Signs of Alcohol Addiction
Alcohol addiction, also known as alcohol use disorder, often begins subtly but worsens over time. Early signs include:
- Drinking more or longer than intended
- Needing alcohol to relax or sleep
- Craving alcohol when not drinking
- Experiencing withdrawal symptoms (such as shaking, sweating, or anxiety) when not drinking
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, school, or home
- Mood swings
- Irritability
- Requiring more alcohol to feel the same effects
- Continued use despite negative consequences (such as health issues or relationship problems)
What Actually Helps People with PTSD
Effective PTSD treatment includes medication, healthy routines, support systems, and other stress-reducing practices. Every person going through PTSD is different, and there’s no one-size-fits-all treatment for PTSD. It’s important to work with a medical and/or psychological professional to determine the best course of action for PTSD, and adjust the plan if needed.
Therapy (Especially Trauma-Focused)
Therapy, especially trauma-focused therapy, is one of the most effective treatments for PTSD. It helps individuals process traumatic experiences, reduce symptoms, and develop healthier coping strategies. Trauma-focused therapies are tailored to address the specific effects of trauma on the brain and behavior. These approaches aim to safely confront and reframe painful memories, reduce avoidance, and restore a sense of control.
However, this is not the only type of therapy that may provide relief to someone working through PTSD. Other types of useful therapy for trauma include:
- Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
- Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR)
- Prolonged Exposure Therapy
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)
- Narrative Exposure Therapy
- Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (TF-CBT)
- Group trauma therapy sessions
- Somatic Experiencing Therapy
- Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT)
- Art or expressive therapies, conveyed through a trauma lens
Connecting With People
Connecting with others is essential for people recovering from addiction, especially those also working through PTSD. Addiction often leads to isolation, shame, and withdrawal from loved ones. Rebuilding connections helps reduce loneliness, boosts accountability, and encourages emotional healing.
Supportive relationships remind individuals they are not alone in their struggles and offer motivation during difficult moments. Whether through support groups, therapy, or trusted friends and family, human connection plays a powerful role in recovery and resilience. Making and maintaining these bonds is a crucial step in breaking the cycle of addiction and trauma.
Get Help for PTSD and Addiction at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery
Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery in Nampa, Idaho offers comprehensive treatment for individuals struggling with PTSD and addiction. Our clinically driven programs include medical detox, residential care, and specialized support for dual diagnoses. With a 12-step foundation, we provide a structured approach to healing in a supportive environment.
Located in the scenic Treasure Valley, Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery integrates therapy with adventure-based activities and other proven treatments to help foster personal growth. Our expert team helps individuals regain control over their lives through tailored treatment plans and long-term recovery support. Call us today to get started on your recovery journey.
Clinical Director
Kendall Maloof is the clinical director at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. She is a licensed marriage and family therapist and has held multiple leadership roles before settling here at Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery. Kendall received her master’s degree in marriage and family therapy from the Chicago School of Professional Psychology in 2016. Her career in mental and behavioral health began in 2014 when she took up internships in both the nonprofit and for profit sectors. She interned at multiple reputable companies, such as The Living Success Center and 449 Recovery in California.
In 2019, Kendall became the clinical director of Sunsets Recovery for Woman, a dual diagnosis program in southern California. Kendall is a natural leader. She has an incredible ability to problem solve and stay calm in any situation. Kendall never fails to show up when she is needed, and her calm demeanor makes her team and clients feel at ease. Eagle Creek Ranch Recovery is proud to have Kendall as our clinical director.
