LICR Blog

Alcohol and PTSD, What’s The Relationship

January 24, 2025  |  Category: Alcohol Detox

Alcohol use disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) unfortunately fit together all too well. Like puzzle pieces coming in to perfect alignment, the constructs stemming from each of these disorders piggyback off of one another making the treatment program for these individuals a dual approach but one that can improve and overcome these disorders with time. In this article we will explore what makes these two disorders align so well, why splitting them up is paramount to client’s success, and how to approach either PTSD or alcohol use disorder in the future.

What Makes PTSD and Alcoholism Fit So Well?

To understand why these two disorders overlap at such high rates we must first understand the conditions themselves. Starting with post-traumatic stress disorder, PTSD is a mental health condition that develops after an individual either experiences or witness a traumatic event, such as combat, sexual assault or natural disasters. Some of the symptoms relating to PTSD include intrusive memories, increased anxiety and depression, avoidance behaviors, negative changes in thought patterns, impaired sleep, and heightened arousal or reactivity…all of which can be extremely overwhelming to the individuals and their families/loved ones. This disruption in daily live takes a toll, and many individuals can become desperate in seeking relief, and sadly for most, that relief may come in the form of alcoholism.

Why Alcohol?

Alcohol is an easy fit for two main reasons. The first, alcohol is a depressant that nulls and impairs the senses. Active consumption of course does more damage than any good, but it can suppress reality for individuals dealing with PTSD, giving some momentary relief. The second, alcohol is too easy of an option. It can almost act as a self-medicating over-the-counter approach. You can walk to the nearest liquor store, pick up as much as you want and consume even more. There’s no outside regulation leaving it up to the individual to regulate and track their consumption, which can be a recipe for disaster.

Facts On The Relationship Between Alcohol and PTSD

Is this something overblown? Maybe it happens for a few individuals going through PTSD but majority don’t have an issue with alcohol? These are a similar avoidance constructs, dodging and deflecting what is a clear statistical fact we will now explore. The following statistics on the relationship between alcohol use disorder and PTSD were provided by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs National Center for PTSD:

• 75% of people who survived abuse or violent traumatic events report having drinking problems
• 33% of people who survive a traumatic accident, illness, or disaster report having drinking problems
• Women who have PTSD at some point in their lives are 2.5 times more likely to have alcohol use disorder than women that have never dealt with PTSD
• Men who have PTSD at some point in their lives are 2.0 times more likely to have alcohol use disorder than men that have never dealt with PTSD
• 60% to 80% of Vietnam Veterans seeking PTSD treatment also have alcohol use problems
• Veterans are 3 times more likely to have PTSD, 2 times more likely to enter treatment with an alcohol use disorder, and are 1.5 times more likely to commit suicide than civilians

 Lives are on the line every day despite being home and away from war and other traumas, but adding alcohol is only contributing to a losing battle, and should never be deemed as even a temporary solution.

 

Alcohol Will Only Make Matter Worse For Individuals Dealing With PTSD 

Alcohol use in relation to PTSD and traumatic events simply play’s into the avoidance symptoms of such stress. It’s an unhealthy distraction with compounding factors that will lead to zero progression, positivity, or benefit to future recovery. The way to breakthrough one’s trauma and PTSD is to face the past and build on coping measures that make life palpable. While alcohol will successfully numb some of these feelings it will only negatively contribute to the following:

• Feeling numb and lacking emotions in everyday life
• Being cut off and alienating yourself from individuals that would otherwise support a healthy path to recovery
• Feelings of anger, irritability, lashing out and even unintentional violence to one’s self and/or others
• Feelings of depression are found in both alcohol use disorder and in PTSD, compounding and increasing these extreme lows progressively over time of continued consumption
• Feeling jittery, anxious, and always on guard, untrustworthy of others and one’s surroundings
• Worse sleep and dampened benefits of quality sleep and healing during the bodies recovery

Depending on alcohol will only keep individuals dealing with PTSD locked in a perpetual loop of struggle and strife. The recommended solution for these individuals is to seek treatment at a facility such as Long Island Center for Recovery. Here, clients will be treated for their sobriety, going through the proper detox at our inpatient rehab facility, and following the treatment of their use disorder (either drugs or alcohol) would then begin to address their trauma and PTSD through a variety of therapies. This will prepare clients for a life outside of treatment, where they are not shackled and held back by their disorder, but gain freedom and confidence to enjoy the world around them once again.

 

Should I Get Alcoholism Service Connected To PTSD?

One of the most sought after question relating to alcohol and PTSD (mainly by veterans) is, should I get alcoholism service connected to my PTSD? For veterans and others eligible for benefits, establishing a service connection between PTSD and alcoholism can be vital for receiving the necessary support. Here are some considerations:

1. Eligibility for Benefits: To receive benefits, you’ll need to demonstrate that your alcohol use disorder is secondary to your service-connected PTSD. This means showing that the alcoholism developed as a direct result of coping with PTSD symptoms.
2. Medical Evidence: Documentation from mental health professionals can strengthen your case. This includes diagnoses, treatment records, and statements connecting the conditions.
3. Treatment Options: Accessing benefits for a dual diagnosis can open doors to integrated treatment programs designed to address both PTSD and AUD, such as counseling, medication, and peer support.

We hope you found this information helpful and hope that you now have a better understanding of the relationship between alcohol and PTSD. If you or a loved one needs any additional assistance with addiction treatment services, please reach out to Long Island Center for Recovery at 631-728-3100, and we’d be happy to assist you or your loved ones in any way possible.

References:

U.S. Department of Veteran Affairs: PTSD: National Center for PTSD
https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/problem_alcohol_use.asp

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