PTSD and Addiction: Understanding the Connection

Addiction is a persistent problem in today’s society. In England alone, 20% of people drink more than the recommended weekly amount, and around 680,000 people are reported to be frequent drug users.

People misuse drugs and alcohol for numerous reasons, one of the major factors being to self-medicate to deal with bad situations and feelings.

The Link Between Trauma and Addiction

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a mental health condition that can develop after experiencing or witnessing traumatic events.

Research consistently has found that the presence of PTSD and addiction is extremely common, with many people experiencing both conditions at the same time. This is because people suffering from PTSD often use substances as a way to cope with distressing trauma symptoms.

The severity of the conditions can vary massively from person to person, but the conditions will overlap and complicate each other, putting up obstacles for recovery.

Knowing about the link between PTSD and addiction and understanding why it occurs is key to effective treatment and long-term recovery.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD is a trauma-related mental health condition that can occur immediately, weeks, months or sometimes years later after witnessing or being subjected to a traumatic event.

It is a condition that most commonly occurs after events such as abuse, violence, accidents, military combat, health problems and childbirth.

Common PTSD symptoms include:

• Intrusive memories or flashbacks
• Nightmares
• Avoidance of trauma reminders
• Heightened anxiety or hypervigilance
• Emotional numbness or detachment
• Physical symptoms such as sweating and trembling

PTSD is more common than you may think and affects a significant amount of the UK population. Estimates suggest that around 1 in 10 people in the UK experience it at some point in their lives.

What Is Addiction?

Addiction is a chronic condition where you have a dependency on a substance and/or behaviour and compulsively engage in the addictive behaviour despite the negative consequences.

Addiction, especially substance misuse, is a widespread public health concern in this country. According to the latest figures, over 329,646 adults in England were receiving support from drug and alcohol services in 2024 to 2025, a 6% increase on the previous year.

In terms of substances, the most common ones involved in addiction are:

• Alcohol
• Opioids (heroin, painkillers)
• Stimulants (cocaine, amphetamines)
• Cannabis
• Prescription drugs (benzodiazepines, sleeping pills)

How PTSD and Addiction Are Connected

PTSD and addiction frequently co-occur and can influence each other. Many people think that substances and addiction lessen PTSD symptoms, but in fact, the conditions worsen each other, creating a spiral.

A study found that 38.5 % of those with a substance use disorder met the criteria for PTSD. This is because people often use substances to reduce distressing symptoms such as anxiety, flashbacks, or insomnia, with the estimated figure being that 20% of people with PTSD do this.

This is an unhealthy coping strategy, and over time, it can lead to dependency and addiction.

Why Trauma Can Increase the Risk of Addiction

There are many reasons why trauma and PTSD can increase the risk of addiction in a person.

Self-Medication

Many people use alcohol or drugs to numb painful memories or emotional distress. This behaviour is often described as the self-medication theory, which suggests substances are used to alleviate and manage PTSD symptoms, getting temporary relief.

Changes in Brain Chemistry

Trauma can affect how the brain processes stress and emotions, leading to a susceptibility to addiction. Substances can also impact the same brain areas and temporarily alter brain chemistry, affecting the brain’s reward system, providing short-term relief but increasing the risk of dependence.

Emotional Dysregulation

PTSD can cause intense mood swings, anxiety, and irritability. This means sufferers may find it hard to function normally and for others to cope with them. Due to this, people often turn to substances to cope with overwhelming emotions and live a somewhat survivable life.

Childhood Trauma

A study by the University of Bath found that early exposure to traumatic events has been strongly linked to an increased risk of later substance misuse.

Signs of Co-Occurring PTSD and Addiction

Knowing that you are struggling is the first step to recovery. It’s important to be aware of the symptoms of co-occurring PTSD and addiction so that you can get the help you need.

Signs of PTSD and addiction include:

• Using drugs or alcohol to cope with traumatic memories or anxiety
• Increased substance use during periods of emotional distress
• Difficulty managing daily life without substances
• Avoiding reminders of traumatic events while relying on drugs or alcohol

When PTSD and addiction occur together, the condition is often referred to as dual diagnosis. On entering a treatment programme, having a dual diagnosis means that you will receive treatment that addresses both issues, as it is understood that they will affect each other and may complicate your recovery journey.

Challenges of Treating PTSD and Addiction

PTSD symptoms can complicate addiction recovery. People suffering from PTSD may be reluctant to get help, as substance use may temporarily reduce trauma symptoms but ultimately worsens mental health. This could be blamed on PTSD rather than addiction.

PTSD can also make it hard to trust others, which is important in therapy, leading to overwhelming emotions and traumatic events having to be relived as a person digs into the whys behind their addiction.

Individuals with both conditions often experience:

• More severe psychological symptoms
• increased relapse risk
• Longer treatment journeys

Because of these challenges, integrated treatment approaches are usually recommended as both conditions will be tackled at the same time, without hopefully worsening the situation.

Treatment for PTSD and Addiction

Effective treatment often involves addressing both trauma and addiction at the same time. This means you will need a personalised and comprehensive approach that acknowledges how trauma and PTSD can impact usual recovery treatment.

Trauma-related addiction recovery programmes may include:

• Medically supported detox
• Trauma-informed therapy
• Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
• Group therapy and peer support
• Relapse prevention planning

This considered approach is becoming the norm because it is effective. Integrated treatment models have shown promising results for those experiencing both PTSD and substance use disorders.

Long-Term Recovery and Support

Dealing with both PTSD and addiction is not just a case of going to a drug and alcohol rehab. It can be a long road, but recovery is possible with the right support.

You need to maintain your engagement with recovery and make big changes to your life post-rehab. Key elements of long-term recovery include:

• Attending ongoing therapy
• Building healthy coping strategies
• Developing strong support networks
• Maintaining structured routines

Trauma-informed care can help you process past experiences while building healthier ways to manage stress and emotions, helping you live a more fulfilling life.

When to Seek Professional Help

PTSD and substance misuse issues won’t get better on their own. They are conditions that can have serious and lifelong consequences on your life.

You don’t have to go it alone. If there are clear signs that your issues are becoming too much for you or others to handle, then professional help may be the only way forward.

Signs that you need professional help include:

• Persistent trauma symptoms affecting daily life
• Increasing reliance on alcohol or drugs to cope
• Difficulty controlling substance use

Reaching out to an alcohol or drug rehab is not a defeat. If you are struggling, support is available and taking early action can significantly improve recovery outcomes.

Get Help with Trauma and Addiction Today

PTSD and addiction often develop together due to the complex effects trauma has on mental health and emotional regulation.

While the combination can present significant challenges on the recovery journey, effective treatment is available. With trauma-informed care, professional therapy, and ongoing support, you can recover from both PTSD and substance misuse and move towards a healthier future.

For more information about trauma-related addiction recovery and how we at Addiction Advocates can help, get in touch today.