Finally, several studies investigated medications that were hypothesized to treat both AUD and PTSD (e.g., prazosin and aprepitant), with no clear benefit on AUD or PTSD outcomes. A number of factors may have influenced the findings noted in this review, including gender differences, veteran vs. civilian status, and the various behavioral platform employed. In summary, Petrakis and colleagues conclude that clinicians can be reassured that medications that are approved to treat AUD can be used safety and with some efficacy in patients with PTSD, and vice versa.
Alcoholism Resources
Luckily, many treatment centers offer specialized programs that address the unique difficulties presented by a dual diagnosis like PTSD and addiction. Reach out to Vertava Health today to learn about our treatment options. Additional interventions that integrate cognitive behavioral and other therapeutic approaches include emotion-focused therapy79 and brief eclectic psychotherapy.80 The empirical literature on these approaches is limited, but the research demonstrates promising findings. For the treatment of PTSD, eye movement desensitization and reprocessing has received empirical support73 and is one of the therapies that has received endorsement in recent U.S. Behavioral interventions are a primary component of the treatment of AUD and can be used as freestanding treatments or as part of a more comprehensive treatment plan that includes pharmacotherapies. Behavioral interventions for AUD include providing psychoeducation on addiction, teaching healthy coping skills, improving interpersonal functioning, bolstering social support, increasing motivation and readiness to change, and fostering treatment compliance.
Causes and Symptoms of PTSD
This knowledge, in turn, can give us the tools to tap into the healing power of neuroplasticity — the brain’s amazing ability to rewire itself. Whether the cause is a physically or emotionally abusive relationship, a catastrophic event such as a war or natural disaster, an accident, or any other trouble that life threw our way, the psychological wounds can persist long after any physical ones have healed. Researchers are working to include studies https://ecosoberhouse.com/ with female participants with AUD. Our free, confidential telephone consultation will help you find the best treatment program for you.
Alcohol Use Only Makes PTSD Symptoms Worse.
Unlike casual drinking, alcohol abuse means losing control over how much you drink, even when it causes harm. This can lead to addiction, where a person relies on alcohol both physically and mentally. One 2020 study found that people who experienced childhood trauma, particularly emotional and physical abuse, had a statistically higher lifetime rate of AUD. Childhood trauma can increase the risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) in adulthood.
- When viewed through the lens of avoidance behaviors, AUD can shape an individual’s response to distressing trauma reminders by dulling the emotional response and promoting disengagement from the traumatic memory.
- While it’s essential to be supportive, it’s equally important not to enable their addictive behaviors.
- Post-traumatic stress disorder is a condition characterized by intense and disturbing feelings and thoughts related to a past traumatic experience.
Childhood trauma, such as abuse, neglect, or growing up in a chaotic environment, can leave deep emotional scars that persist into adulthood. These experiences often create feelings of insecurity, fear, or unworthiness, which many people try to numb with alcohol. Studies show that people who experience childhood trauma are at a higher risk of developing alcohol use disorder (AUD) as a way to cope with unresolved pain. Assisting PTSD alcoholic family members may be especially difficult because people aren’t labels, they’re just a loved one struggling with an alcohol addiction. However, one of the greatest predictors of positive treatment outcomes is social support.
Behavioral Treatments for AUD
Alcohol use also causes its own problem, related to both mental and physical health. These, in turn, may contribute to worsening symptoms in a counterproductive cycle. The researchers also found that males expressed a biomarker that females did not. If you’re interested in learning more about your treatment options, our admissions navigators are available to chat with you 24/7. Today, ptsd and alcohol abuse there’s an array of alcohol-free options available for every taste.
Integrated Behavioral Treatments
While alcohol may offer short-term relief from the emotional toll of PTSD, it ultimately worsens the condition and leads to further addiction. Early intervention, professional treatment, and strong support systems are critical in breaking this cycle. By seeking healthier coping mechanisms and understanding the dangers of alcohol abuse, individuals with PTSD can begin the journey toward recovery and emotional wellness.
