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Understanding Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Signs, Symptoms, and Treatment for PTSD and Substance Abuse
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a mental health disorder that can occur after experiencing or witnessing a traumatic event such as violence, abuse, accidents, military combat, natural disasters, or the sudden death of a loved one. While most people will experience emotional distress from experiencing trauma, PTSD occurs when symptoms persist and start to interfere with your daily life, relationships, and level of functioning.
Many people with PTSD will use alcohol or other drugs as a way to manage intrusive memories, emotional distress, hyper-arousal, or sleep problems. When this self-medication becomes a pattern, both your PTSD symptoms and substance use may worsen, making the need for professional care a necessity.
Key Points
- PTSD can occur from one traumatic event or repeated traumatic experiences.
- Common symptoms of PTSD include flashbacks, avoidance behavior, emotional disconnection, and hyper-arousal.
- PTSD and substance use disorders frequently co-occur.
- Evidence based and trauma informed therapies are the foundation of effective treatment for PTSD.
- Long-term recovery from PTSD is possible with appropriate care and support.
What Is Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder?
Post-traumatic Stress Disorder is a recognized psychiatric disorder in the DSM 5. It occurs when there has been a traumatic experience, and the brain and nervous system continue to remain in a hyperactive state long after the trauma has taken place.[1]
Instead of having processed the trauma and returning to a baseline state, the traumatized person develops ongoing intense fear responses (via reactions to the trauma they are re-experiencing) and difficulty regulating their emotions. These responses are not a sign of weakness. Rather, they represent a permanent change to how one’s brain works in terms of reaction to stress, memory, and perceived threats.[2]
PTSD can occur at any age from childhood to adulthood, and may develop immediately following a traumatic incident or even weeks or months later. Symptoms can and often do worsen over time without proper treatment, negatively impacting an individual’s quality of life.
Common Signs and Symptoms of PTSD
PTSD symptoms are generally grouped into four categories [3]:
Intrusive Symptoms
- Recurrent, distressing memories or flashbacks
- Nightmares related to the traumatic event
- Intense emotional or physical reactions to reminders
Avoidance
- Avoiding people, places, or situations associated with the trauma
- Suppressing thoughts or emotions related to the traumatic event
Negative Changes in Mood and Cognition
- Constant feelings of guilt, shame, or hopelessness
- Emotional numbness or detachment
- Difficulty trusting others or having ongoing relationships
Hyperarousal and Reactivity
- Heightened startle response
- Irritability or anger outbursts
- Sleep disturbances and difficulty concentrating
These symptoms can vary over time, especially when stressed or if using substances.
Risk Factors for PTSD
Anyone can develop PTSD; however, the risk factors listed below increase the likelihood of developing PTSD when a person has experienced a traumatic event:[4]
- Experiencing prolonged or severe trauma
- Abuse or neglect when they were children
- Limited or no social support after a traumatic experience
- History of mental health issues (especially anxiety or depression)
- Substance use following the trauma
Biological factors, including changes in stress hormones and brain function, also contribute to PTSD development.
PTSD in Veterans and First Responders
Post-traumatic stress disorder is more prevalent in veterans and first responders than it is in other populations due to repeated exposure to extreme stress, life-or-death circumstances, and traumatic situations.[5] Military members, law enforcement officers, firefighters, EMT’s, and other emergency responders frequently experience trauma due to their jobs.
Unlike a one-time traumatic event, repeated exposure to emergency incidents (including emergencies where there has been loss or violence) can cause cumulative trauma or repeated trauma. Cumulative trauma leads to a higher incidence of PTSD. This increased likelihood may result in long-duration persistent PTSD symptoms, including hyper-arousal, intrusive memories of the trauma, emotional detachment, and an inability to return to daily living.[6]
Trauma-informed care is needed for veterans and first responders suffering from PTSD because of their unique experiences when compared to other clients. Providing a supportive, secure, and structured environment, peer support, and evidence-based trauma therapies are the first steps toward healing.
PTSD Treatment Through Operation Agape
At Agape Treatment Center, we provide trauma-informed, individualized treatment at various levels of care based on each individual’s needs and level of recovery. Treatment plans are designed to help you process your trauma, develop new coping skills, and achieve emotional stability.
We also offer Operation Agape, a program specifically designed for the trauma-related needs of veterans and first responders who experience PTSD, substance abuse, or other trauma-related challenges. The services offered through Operation Agape use trauma-informed approaches to meet the unique needs of military veterans and first responders. This programming is highly structured, includes peer support, and uses evidence-based treatment modalities to help you on your road to recovery.
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The Connection Between PTSD and Substance Abuse
Research from the National Institute on Drug Abuse (NIDA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs demonstrates a significant correlation between posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and substance use disorder, as individuals with PTSD face a much higher risk of developing alcohol dependence, opioid dependence, and issues with other substances.[7]
Substances are frequently used to:
- Reduce intrusive memories or flashbacks
- Calm anxiety or hyperarousal
- Fall asleep
- Provide temporary relief from emotional pain
While these substances may offer short-term relief, in the long run, they can exacerbate PTSD symptoms and cravings while increasing the risk for addiction and relapse.[8] As such, integrated treatment is essential for long-term recovery.
Evidence-Based PTSD Treatment Options
Treatment for PTSD should usually consist of psychotherapy that is focused on trauma and includes medication when necessary.
Common evidence-supported treatments include prolonged exposure therapy, which involves safely and gradually exposing individuals to their trauma memories in a therapeutic setting, and EMDR (Eye Movement Desensitization and Reprocessing), a technique utilizing bilateral stimulation to enable the brain to process traumatic memories.
Each of these therapies has been established through clinical trials, meta-analyses, and systematic literature reviews as being effective in reducing PTSD symptoms.[9]
In addition to delivering evidence-supported psychotherapy, holistic approaches can be used to assist the healing process by addressing the autonomic nervous system as well as individual well-being.[10] The use of holistic approaches does not take away from an individual’s treatment plan but, rather, augments traditional therapies by assisting with the creation of emotional stability and long-term success.
Amanda Stevens is a highly respected figure in the field of medical content writing, with a specific focus on eating disorders and addiction treatment. Amanda earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work from Purdue University, graduating Magna Cum Laude, which serves as a strong educational foundation for her contributions.
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Start Healing from Trauma
Living with PTSD can become overwhelming, especially if your symptoms negatively impact how you interact with others, perform daily activities, or effectively manage your emotional health. By receiving treatment, you can begin to move forward in your healing journey. With the right level of care, you will learn how to manage your symptoms, process your traumatic experience, and subsequently move toward long-term recovery. If you or a loved one has been impacted by PTSD, there are resources available. Reach out today and see what treatment could look like for you.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions About Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder Treatment
What is the relationship between trauma and addiction?
There is a significant connection between trauma and addiction. Many individuals with PTSD use substances to help cope with intrusive memories, emotional distress, or hyperarousal. While the use of substances may provide short-term relief, they usually increase the symptoms of PTSD over an extended period of time. Consequently, this will increase their likelihood of developing an alcohol or substance use disorder.
How does PTSD lead to substance abuse?
PTSD can affect how the brain processes stress, fear, and emotional regulation. Alcohol or drugs are sometimes used to numb symptoms such as flashbacks, anxiety, or sleep disturbances. This pattern of self-medication can quickly escalate into dependence, making integrated treatment essential.
What are the signs of severe or long-term PTSD?
The following may be some indicators of severe or chronic PTSD: frequent flashbacks, emotional numbness, avoidance of activities previously enjoyed, general irritability, difficulty with relationships, or ongoing difficulty with sleep. If your PTSD symptoms are beginning to interfere with your work, relationships, or safety, we highly recommend you seek professional assistance.
What triggers PTSD symptoms the most?
Triggers vary among different individuals, though most triggers can be a result of recalling sensory thoughts that may cause an individual to re-experience their traumatic event. Triggers include sound, smell, place, or specific contexts. Other triggers may also be associated with emotional distress due to a lack of sleep or psychoactive drugs.
Is PTSD considered brain damage?
No, PTSD is not brain damage. However, PTSD does change the brain’s functional response to stress or perceived threats. Functional changes to the brain can be improved by using evidence-based, trauma-focused treatment combined with long-term support.
Sources
[1] American Psychiatric Association. (2022, November). What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)? https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd
[2] National Center for PTSD. (n.d.). PTSD history and overview. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/essentials/history_ptsd.asp
[3] [4] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, August 16). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/symptoms-causes/syc-20355967
[5] Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. (2018, May). First responders: Behavioral health concerns, emergency response, and trauma. https://www.samhsa.gov/sites/default/files/dtac/supplementalresearchbulletin-firstresponders-may2018.pdf
[6] National Center for PTSD. (2024). PTSD basics. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/what/ptsd_basics.asp
[7] National Institute on Drug Abuse. (2024, February 6). Trauma and stress. U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. https://nida.nih.gov/research-topics/trauma-and-stress
[8] National Center for PTSD. (2025, October 17). Substance use and PTSD. U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/related/substance_misuse.asp
[9] Mayo Clinic Staff. (2024, August 16). Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD): Diagnosis & treatment. Mayo Clinic. https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/post-traumatic-stress-disorder/diagnosis-treatment/drc-20355973
[10] Kim, S. H., Schneider, S. M., Bevans, M., & Kravitz, L. (2013). Mind-body practices for posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal of Investigative Medicine. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3668544/
