The Relationship Between PTSD and Alcohol Abuse
How Alcohol Recovery Programs Can Help
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and alcohol abuse have a strong relationship.
It has been reported that 7.7 million Americans have received a diagnosis of PTSD. Individuals with a history of PTSD, alcohol abuse, and other psychological conditions often possess a family history of alcohol addiction.
PTSD is a diagnostic category describing the debilitating life symptoms a person can develop when exposed to traumatic life events. Traumatic events that trigger PTSD may include rape, natural disasters, physical and emotional abuse, and motor vehicle accidents. Those in the armed forces may also develop PTSD after serving in combat.
The first symptoms of PTSD may occur within three months of the traumatic event. Typically, symptoms must last more than a year to be considered PTSD. Patients can experience such symptoms as:
- Nightmares
- Horrific flashbacks
- Avoidance
The Effect of PTSD Alcohol Abuse-Disorder Expands Beyond War Veterans
When it comes to treating veterans, The National Center for PTSD reports that 60% to 80% of Vietnam veterans who sought PTSD treatment possessed a history of alcohol abuse. However, veterans are not the only ones the ones with conditions like PTSD, alcohol abuse, and other psychological disorders.
Professionals diagnose members of the public with PTSD also. The Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA) reported that of the millions of Americans struggling with addiction and mental illness, 7.9 million suffer from both a mental disorder and substance abuse disorder.
If you know someone who has received a diagnosis of PTSD and has a history of alcohol abuse, they can find alcohol recovery programs at Recovery Centers of America. Our team includes the nation’s leading clinicians, addiction therapists, counselors, social workers, and additional medical professionals in the addiction treatment field.
In addition to receiving medical treatment, patients can utilize other services, such as spiritual counseling, and self-help groups. To begin the healing process, contact us today and learn more about our alcohol recovery programs at 1-800-RECOVERY.
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