The Association Between PTSD and Addiction

Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) and addiction often go hand in hand, and understanding this relationship is key to supporting healing and recovery. While PTSD can develop after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event, addiction frequently arises as an attempt to cope with the overwhelming emotions that follow. 

How PTSD Affects the Brain and Body 

PTSD impacts both the mind and body. Flashbacks, nightmares, hypervigilance, and intense feelings of fear or guilt can make everyday life feel overwhelming. The brain’s stress response system becomes overreactive, leaving individuals in a constant state of “fight, flights, or freeze.” 

For many people, these symptoms are so distressing, leading them to seek immediate relief. Substances like alcohol, prescription medication, or drugs can temporarily dull the pain or quiet intrusive thoughts; however they don’t address the root cause. 

Why Addiction Develops Alongside PTSD 

People with PTSD are at a much higher risk of developing substance use disorders. Research suggests that nearly half of individuals with PTSD also struggle with addiction at some point in their lives. This happens for several reasons: 

• Self-medication: Using substances to reduce anxiety, numb emotional pain, or help with sleep 

• Avoidance: Avoiding memories, thoughts, or feelings tied to trauma by turning to drugs or alcohol 

• Brain Chemistry Changes: Trauma and substances both affect dopamine and stress hormones, making the cycle of use and dependence more likely 
• Isolation: PTSD often leads to withdrawal from others, which can increase vulnerability to addiction 

The Cycle of PTSD and Addiction
Unfortunately, while substances may bring short-term relief, they often make PTSD symptoms worse over time. Alcohol and drugs can: 

• Increase anxiety and depression
• Interfere with healthy sleep patterns 
• Lower impulse control, leading to risky behavior
• Make it harder for the brain to heal from trauma 

This creates a cycle where trauma drives substance use, and substance use intensifies the trauma symptoms - making it feel impossible to break free. 

Healing Requires Treating Both Together 

Because PTSD and addiction are so closely linked, effective treatment needs to address both at the same time. Approaches may include: 

• Intensive skill-based therapies like Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT) in our Adult IOP to improve coping strategies 

• Trauma-informed therapy such as EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing) or trauma-focused CBT 

• Addiction recovery programs that understand and account for the impact of trauma 

• Support networks that reduce isolation and offer understanding 

 

Hope and Recovery

Living with PTSD and addiction can feel overwhelming, but recovery is possible. With the right support, individuals can learn healthier ways to cope, process trauma safely, and build a future that feels stable and fulfilling. 

If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and substance use, know that you are not alone - help is available. 

Hopewell Health Solutions is here to help. To discuss options, reach out to us over the phone at 860-946-0447 or through email at hhs4help@gmail.com.

Notice is hereby given that, pursuant to Connecticut General Statutes Sec. 19a-638, Hopewell Health Solutions, LLC is applying for a certificate of need to establish an outpatient behavioral health care facility for adults at 248 Flanders Road, East Lyme, with an associated capital expenditure of $10,000. Interested persons may contact the State of Connecticut, Office of Health Strategy, Attention: Steven Lazarus, 450 Capitol Ave. MS #510HS, Hartford, CT 06134 or by phone at 860.418.7001 for additional information.