PTSD and Binge Drinking

In a recent epidemiological survey conducted on a community in the U.S., it was discovered that about 90% of those responding reported that they had suffered at least one traumatic event in their lifetime. Frequent traumatic events included physical or sexual assault, a car accident, a natural disaster and other acts of violence or life threatening events. A significant percentage of those surviving such a trauma may develop Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD).

Common Symptoms of PTSD:

• Re-experiencing the trauma through flashbacks and nightmares
• Avoiding people and situations related to the traumatic event
• Emotional numbing
• Increased arousal and being overly vigilant
• Increased anger

It’s not surprising that those surviving a traumatic event and diagnosed with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder would have an increased rate of alcohol use:

• Of those with PTSD in the past year, 3.7% - 8.8% suffer from alcohol abuse or alcohol dependence during the past year.
• Of those suffering from a lifetime of PTSD, 6.5% - 28.1% reported that abuse alcohol, including binge drinking, or are dependent on alcohol.

Frequently a traumatic event may result in PTSD and developing problems with alcohol. This is referred to as a co-occurring disorder or dual diagnosis disorder, because both a psychological and substance abuse disorder co-occur.  This is quite common for those in the military who seek treatment for their problems with alcohol and drug abuse, often co-occurring with Post Traumatic Stress Disorder.
Percentage of those seeking treatment for alcohol abuse or substance abuse with histories of experiencing trauma:

• 61% of adult men
• 30% - 59% of adult women

The clinical definition of Binge Drinking:

• For men – Drinking 5 or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion.
• For women – Drinking 4 or more alcoholic beverages on one occasion.

The clinical definition of Hazardous Drinking:

• For men – Drinking at least 14 drinks a week or consuming more than 4 alcoholic beverages per occasion.
• For women – Drinking at least 7 drinks a week or consuming more than 3 alcoholic beverages per occasion.

When someone consumes alcohol in excess of these amounts they are more likely to have a diagnosable alcohol use disorder. There is evidence that shows that in the U.S., having symptoms of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder after experiencing a traumatic event (man-made or natural) is linked to binge drinking and/or hazardous drinking.
A recent national study involved 31,487 participants of which 54.6% were female.
The respondents’ exposure to trauma was as follows:

• No exposure to a traumatic event in their lifetime
• Trauma was experienced in their lifetime
• Having PTSD prior to the past year
• Having PTSD in the past year

The results of the study showed that:

• Exposure to trauma and the resulting PTSD was linked to:

Binge drinking
Hazardous drinking
Any mood disorder
Any anxiety disorder
A dependence on nicotine
Drug-use disorders

• For both women and men – Lifetime exposure to trauma or PTSD were linked to binge and/or hazardous drinking in the past year.
• For both women and men - Alcohol abuse and hazardous drinking were more common among women and men with exposure to trauma or PTSD in the past year.
• For both women and men – Exposure to trauma without developing PTSD was linked to  different levels of binge and hazardous alcohol use.

The results of this national study shows that among adults, both men and women, exposure to trauma, even without developing PTSD, is linked with an increase in binge and hazardous drinking.
Because our alcohol abuse treatment center relies on evidence based practices, our Substance Abuse Intensive Outpatient Program shares many common methods with other successful rehab programs.  The foundations of our dual diagnosis treatment program for substance abuse and PTSD also rely on the principles of harm reduction, motivational interviewing, stages of change and cognitive behavioral therapy to promote recovery from alcohol abuse and drug treatment.  In fact, our Intensive Outpatient Program in Memphis, TN that has been proven to be effective in the alcohol abuse treatment and drug abuse treatment in peer reviewed treatment outcome studies.   Our PTSD 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, or needs drug treatment rehab, they should be assessed by a trained mental health professional who can help design a substance abuse treatment plan that can result in recovery.  Treatment for alcohol abuse and PTSD    can be highly successful.  Call us at 901-682-6136 to schedule an appointment.