For many people living with addiction, trauma is part of the story. Whether it’s the aftermath of childhood abuse, military combat, sexual violence, or other deeply painful experiences, trauma can leave lasting wounds that influence behavior, thinking, and coping strategies. And for some, those wounds are intertwined with substance use. In fact, research shows that PTSD and addiction frequently co-occur.
According to the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, about 4 out of 10 people with PTSD also struggle with substance use problems. But while these two conditions are strongly linked, healing is possible with the right care, compassion, and support.
Why Do PTSD and Addiction Occur Together?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) develops in response to a traumatic event or series of events. People with PTSD may experience flashbacks, nightmares, anxiety, intrusive thoughts, and a sense of ongoing threat.
For some, using substances becomes a way to cope with PTSD symptoms. Alcohol, opioids, benzodiazepines, and other drugs may temporarily numb fear, quiet intrusive thoughts, or make sleep easier. But over time, what starts as self-medication can evolve into dependence and addiction.
The National Institute on Drug Abuse notes that people exposed to trauma, especially in childhood, are at higher risk for developing a substance use disorder later in life. This risk increases when trauma goes untreated or when someone lacks healthy coping tools.
Warning Signs of Co-occurring PTSD and Addiction
Because PTSD and addiction overlap in so many ways, it’s not always easy to tell when both are present. Recognizing the signs is the first step toward getting the right help. Some common warning signs include:
- Using alcohol or drugs to avoid painful memories or emotions
- Drinking or using more than planned, or being unable to cut back
- Avoiding people, places, or conversations that trigger reminders of trauma
- Trouble sleeping or experiencing frequent nightmares
- Feeling detached or emotionally numb
- Increased irritability, anger, or risky behaviors
- Neglecting responsibilities at work, home, or school
- Relationship conflicts tied to substance use or emotional withdrawal
If you or someone you love shows several of these signs, it may point to an underlying co-occurring disorder with a combination of PTSD and addiction.
The Risk of Missed or Misdiagnosed PTSD
One of the challenges with co-occurring PTSD and addiction is that PTSD doesn’t always get recognized right away. Sometimes, addiction is treated as the primary issue without anyone looking deeper at what’s driving it. Other times, PTSD may be misdiagnosed as anxiety or depression.
When PTSD goes untreated, recovery from addiction is harder to sustain. People may stop using substances but continue to struggle with nightmares, flashbacks, or emotional triggers. Without the right tools to manage PTSD, relapse risks remain high.
That’s why it’s so important to work with treatment providers who understand both PTSD and addiction, and how they interact. Trauma-informed care looks at the whole person, ensuring that neither condition is overlooked.
How Trauma-informed Care Helps Break the Cycle
At Riverside Recovery, we know that to heal from addiction, we must address the underlying causes that led someone to use in the first place. Trauma-informed care creates an environment that recognizes the impact of trauma and prioritizes emotional safety and trust.
Instead of asking, “What’s wrong with you?” trauma-informed care asks, “What happened to you?”
Some key elements of trauma-informed addiction treatment include:
- Recognizing the role trauma plays in addiction
- Teaching healthy coping skills to manage stress and cravings
- Creating a safe, non-judgmental space for processing trauma
- Using therapies like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and accelerated resolution therapy (ART) to help process traumatic memories
- Offering holistic therapies like yoga, mindfulness, and meditation to support mind-body healing
Begin Treatment for PTSD and Addiction
At Riverside Recovery, our addiction treatment programs provide a full continuum of care, including medical detox, residential treatment, partial hospitalization, intensive outpatient programs, and long-term recovery support.
We tailor care to each person’s needs, integrating evidence-based therapies with holistic healing practices. Whether you’re a veteran or an everyday person, we’re here to help you work through the pain of trauma, overcome addiction, and build a healthier, more hopeful future.
You don’t have to face this alone. Contact us today to learn more about our trauma-informed programs and start your journey toward lasting recovery.