PTSD and Alcohol Abuse Treatment for co-occurring Disorders

If someone has PTSD it doesn't necessarily mean that the person will start drinking too much alcohol, but the odds are much greater that this may become a problem.  The question becomes what is the relationship between alcohol and PTSD and how does PTSD increase risk for alcohol abuse?

Many People Susceptible to the Co-occurring PTSD and Excessive Drinking

Some people with PTSD drink too much before the onset of the PTSD and continue or increase their alcohol drinking after the PTSD diagnosis.  Others begin or increase their drinking after the development of PTSD symptoms in an attempt to reduce or numb out the symptoms.  When two problems, such as alcohol abuse and PTSD, occur together, this is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis.  People with PTSD are two to three times more likely to develop alcohol or drug problems compared to those without PTSD.

Drinking Causes More Problems

Many people try to cope with their PTSD symptoms drinking to forget their problems for the short term.  The problem is that alcohol is actually a central nervous system depressant and excessive drinking will just contribute make the current PTSD symptoms worse and likely cause additional problems.  For example, when people are having trouble they often turn to their family for both help and comfort.  However, when people are drinking excessively others may avoid them, including the people closest including a spouse and children.  Alcohol abuse may result in frequent conflicts, failure to fulfill obligations and may cause major strains on relationships.

Some Negative Consequences of Pairing PTSD and Alcohol Abuse

When someone has PTSD the excessive drinking may make the PTSD symptoms worse and in turn increase the amount of drinking.  Some people may not be able to hold a job or make good decisions if they are drinking excessively.  Alcohol drinking also contributes to irritability and depression.  Furthermore the irritability and agitation may disrupt sleep patterns, further contributing to this vicious cycle.  For some people drinking actually increases nightmares and night terrors.  Interpersonal, social, family and occupational problems are associated with alcohol abuse.

Treatment for People with Co-occurring PTSD and Alcohol Abuse

Co-occurring PTSD and alcohol abuse takes a toll on both the person with the problems and on their family and friends.  Ultimately the only way someone can be treated successfully is if they want help.  For a successful treatment you should find a program that treats people who with dual diagnoses, such  as PTSD and alcohol abuse.  Because our treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Dual Diagnosis Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our treatment program for substance abuse and PTSD rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy, relaxation training, prolonged exposure and in vivo desensitization to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and PTSD.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the treatment of alcohol abuse and PTSD in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our treatment center  provides services to those who need more treatment than one hour a week, but less than 24 hour care, by providing three hours of treatment per day, three to five days per week, in an intensive outpatient setting.  If you or a loved one is showing signs of alcohol abuse and PTSD, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for PTSD and substance abuse treatment can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.