There have been numerous studies that have demonstrated that there is a high comorbidity between PTSD and substance abuse. Specifically, adolescent PTSD has an incredibly strong correlation with substance abuse. According to one source, almost 60 percent of young people with PTSD problems subsequently develop substance abuse problems.
Before we take a look at how PTSD can affect someone’s behavior and lifestyle.
What Is PTSD?
PTSD, or post-traumatic stress disorder, is a disorder that develops in some people who have experienced a shocking, scary, or worrying event. While it is normal for someone to feel in danger or afraid during or after a traumatic or problematic situation. However, if this problem and these gut reactions or consistent for a long period following the actual event, they may be diagnosed with PTSD which can lead to feelings of stress and fright even when they are not in danger.
Symptoms for PTSD are something that will begin early within three months after a traumatic incident, but can also start years afterward. Some of the common symptoms that occur during this is:
- Flashbacks
- Bad dreams
- Frightening thoughts
It can also lead to issues such as being easily startled, feeling tense, trouble sleeping, and angry outbursts. One of the other common side effects of PTSD is substance use disorder.
PTSD And Substance Abuse
As mentioned before, early traumatic experiences, especially in childhood is something that lead to self-medication to work to dampen the symptoms and stress response associated with PTSD.
According to one study, physical abuse correlated with the use of all substances examined.
PTSD can occur for a number of different reasons and can happen at nearly any point in someone’s life. Again, though, when these problems occur for someone in their childhood, it can be something that they may deal with their whole lives.
For these people, it is best to seek out professional help in order to get over and move past these issues. Unfortunately, some may have already fallen victim to substance abuse or addiction. If this is the case, seeking out a national or local treatment center, like an Indianapolis rehab, can help patients overcome and attain long-term sobriety.
Whatever the case may be, it is important to treat these matters seriously and get help if you need it.
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