Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a serious mental health condition that develops after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events, such as combat, natural disasters, or personal assaults. For many individuals with PTSD, alcohol becomes a common coping tool.
However, alcohol use can intensify PTSD symptoms and lead to harmful cycles of addiction and mental health struggles. Understanding the relationship between PTSD and alcohol is essential for finding effective treatment and support.
The Relationship Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
PTSD and substance abuse frequently go hand in hand. In fact, research shows that people with PTSD are significantly more likely to develop substance use disorders (SUDs), including alcohol use disorder (AUD). Studies estimate that about 30-60% of individuals with PTSD also struggle with substance abuse. This dual diagnosis, known as co-occurring disorders, presents unique challenges because each condition can worsen the other.
Alcohol is one of the most commonly abused substances among people with PTSD. Unfortunately, while it may seem to offer temporary relief from symptoms like anxiety, insomnia, and flashbacks, it often exacerbates the very symptoms people are trying to escape.
How Alcohol Affects the Brain and Body in PTSD?
Alcohol has a significant impact on the brain and body, particularly for those living with PTSD. Both PTSD and alcohol affect similar areas of the brain, including the amygdala (which processes fear and emotion), the hippocampus (responsible for memory), and the prefrontal cortex (which manages decision-making and impulse control).
For someone with PTSD, these brain regions are already under strain. When alcohol is introduced, it further disrupts normal functioning. Alcohol depresses the central nervous system, leading to slowed reactions, impaired judgment, and lowered inhibitions. Over time, alcohol use can cause chemical imbalances that worsen mental health, making PTSD symptoms more intense and difficult to manage.
Why Do People with PTSD Turn to Alcohol?
For many individuals with PTSD, alcohol becomes a coping mechanism. Living with constant anxiety, hypervigilance, nightmares, and emotional numbness can feel unbearable. Alcohol offers a temporary escape by numbing emotions and helping people feel detached from their trauma.
Some of the common reasons why people with PTSD turn to alcohol include:
- To fall asleep or prevent nightmares
- To reduce anxiety and hyperarousal
- To manage depression and feelings of emptiness
- To avoid intrusive memories and flashbacks
- To feel more socially comfortable or connected
Unfortunately, while alcohol might provide short-term relief, it often leads to long-term consequences that make PTSD symptoms more severe.
The Short-Term Effects of Alcohol on PTSD Symptoms
In the short term, alcohol may appear to soothe PTSD symptoms. After drinking, individuals might experience:
- Reduced anxiety or stress
- Temporary feelings of relaxation
- Easier social interactions
- Numbing of emotional pain
However, these effects are fleeting. As alcohol leaves the system, anxiety and mood disturbances often return stronger than before. Alcohol can also impair judgment, making it more likely for individuals to engage in risky behaviors or find themselves in dangerous situations. This can trigger new trauma or intensify existing PTSD symptoms.
Long-Term Effects of Alcohol Use on PTSD
While short-term alcohol use might seem helpful, chronic alcohol consumption can have devastating long-term effects on people with PTSD. Prolonged alcohol use can lead to:
- Worsened depression and anxiety
- Cognitive impairments, such as memory problems
- Increased risk of suicidal thoughts and behaviors
- Physical health issues, including liver damage and heart problems
- Development of alcohol dependence or addiction
Over time, alcohol rewires the brain’s reward system and can make it difficult to feel pleasure or relaxation without drinking. This makes recovery from both PTSD and alcohol use disorder more challenging.
How Alcohol Can Worsen PTSD Symptoms?
Alcohol not only fails to heal PTSD but can actively worsen its symptoms, creating a dangerous feedback loop. Its effects may include:
- Disrupted sleep: This can lead to increased nightmares, night sweats, and insomnia, which are already common struggles for people with PTSD. Poor sleep further weakens emotional resilience and makes daily functioning more difficult.
- Lowered emotional regulation: This can cause heightened irritability, mood swings, and anger outbursts, which can strain relationships and lead to feelings of isolation.
- Increased impulsivity: This can make people more prone to self-harm, risky behaviors, or reckless actions, which can result in new traumatic events or legal trouble.
- Withdrawal symptoms: Alcohol withdrawal symptoms like anxiety, tremors, and agitation, can mimic or intensify PTSD symptoms. This can make it hard to tell whether distress is coming from trauma or alcohol use itself.
Over time, this combination of effects adds another heavy layer of stress on the body and mind, making it harder to process trauma, maintain emotional balance, and manage daily life. Instead of finding relief, people often end up trapped in a cycle of worsening mental health, increased drinking, and deepening PTSD symptoms.
The Role of Alcohol in Coping Mechanisms for PTSD
Many people with PTSD develop unhealthy coping mechanisms, and alcohol is a common one. Instead of addressing trauma through therapy, mindfulness, or support, individuals may rely on alcohol to dull their emotions.
This can create a dangerous cycle: PTSD symptoms trigger alcohol use, alcohol worsens PTSD symptoms, and the person drinks more to cope with the heightened distress. Breaking this cycle requires recognizing alcohol as a harmful coping strategy and replacing it with healthier alternatives.
Signs of Alcohol Abuse in People with PTSD
It’s not always easy to identify when alcohol use has become a problem, especially when someone is also coping with the overwhelming symptoms of PTSD. However, there are several warning signs that may indicate alcohol abuse in individuals struggling with trauma:
- Drinking to avoid or numb trauma memories, flashbacks, or intrusive thoughts.
- Needing more alcohol over time to achieve the same effect, also known as building tolerance.
- Struggling to cut back or stop drinking, even when it’s causing problems in daily life.
- Experiencing blackouts or memory gaps, where large portions of time are unaccounted for.
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school, as drinking becomes a higher priority.
- Isolating from friends and family, often due to feelings of shame and guilt or to hide drinking habits.
- Feeling withdrawal symptoms when not drinking, such as anxiety, shaking, sweating, or irritability.
These behaviors can gradually take over, making it harder for someone with PTSD to manage their mental health or maintain stability in their life. If you or someone you love shows these signs, it’s essential to seek professional help. Early intervention can prevent alcohol use from spiraling out of control, and offer healthier ways to cope with trauma.
Treating PTSD and Alcohol Use Disorder Together
Because PTSD and alcohol use disorder are deeply intertwined, treating them together is crucial. This is known as integrated treatment, and it addresses both conditions simultaneously rather than treating one before the other.
Effective treatment for co-occurring PTSD and alcohol addiction often includes:
- Medical detox to safely manage alcohol withdrawal
- Trauma-focused therapies to process and heal from traumatic events
- Medication-assisted treatment (MAT) when appropriate
- Group therapy and peer support
- Long-term aftercare planning to prevent relapse
Integrated treatment improves outcomes and helps individuals build healthier coping strategies for managing PTSD symptoms without alcohol.
Therapies for PTSD: Why Alcohol Should Be Addressed
Therapies designed for PTSD, such as Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing (EMDR), are highly effective. However, alcohol use can interfere with these therapies by impairing cognitive function and emotional processing.
For this reason, it’s important to address alcohol use during PTSD treatment. By reducing or eliminating alcohol from the equation, individuals can fully engage in therapy and make lasting progress in their recovery.
Alternatives to Alcohol for Managing PTSD Symptoms
Finding healthy alternatives to alcohol is key to managing PTSD symptoms and maintaining long-term recovery. Some effective strategies include:
- Engaging in regular exercise
- Building strong social support networks
- Journaling to process thoughts and emotions
- Pursuing creative outlets like art or music
- Practicing mindfulness and meditation
- Developing grounding techniques to stay present during flashbacks
- Seeking professional therapy and peer support
Replacing alcohol with positive coping strategies empowers individuals to regain control over their mental health and wellbeing.
Seeking Help: Finding Support for PTSD and Alcohol Use at Agape Treatment
At Agape Treatment, we understand the complex relationship between PTSD and alcohol use. Our compassionate team specializes in treating co-occurring disorders through personalized, evidence-based care. We provide integrated treatment programs that address both trauma and addiction, helping our clients build the skills and resilience needed for lasting recovery.
If you or someone you love is struggling with PTSD and alcohol use, don’t wait to seek help. Contact Agape Treatment today to learn more about our programs and start your journey toward healing and hope.
Stephanie Robilio is an accomplished Clinical Director at Agape Behavioral Healthcare. With a Master of Social Work degree, LCSW license, and extensive training in Rapid Resolution Therapy under her belt, she brings a wealth of expertise to her role. Her unique combination of education and experience allows her to provide exceptional care to clients and lead her team with confidence. Stephanie’s joy comes from witnessing the moments when her patients creatively connect the dots and bravely move toward reclaiming their power. Her purpose is to help individuals understand their past so they can create a future full of hope, growth, and success. Stephanie attributes a large portion of her success to the supportive culture and strong sense of community fostered by the Agape team.
