It can be difficult to recognize signs of addiction if you don’t know what to do. Midss’s mental health experts indicate that Addiction and Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) are both known to have a negative impact on the brain’s ability to function, including memory and motivation. Addicts will seek out certain substances and engage in dangerous behaviors.
Many patients with PTSD will resort to drugs or alcohol to ease their emotions and pain. They feel like they can control their lives. This is why PTSD and substance abuse often co-exist, which can lead to more severe psychiatric or addiction problems. Recognizing these issues is the first step in recovery.
The latest statistics on PTSD and alcohol abuse show that around half of those who rely on substances also have signs of PTSD.
What’s Post Traumatic Stress Disorder?
A mental condition that causes anxiety and stress following trauma is called post-traumatic stress disorder. PTSD can be caused by any type of trauma, psychological or physical.
PTSD is most commonly caused by:
- Military experience
- Emotional abuse
- Sexual or physical assault
- Kindness abuse
Post-traumatic brain injury can cause flashbacks or nightmares to remind the person of the trauma. This is a sign that the individual never truly processed the experience and has not fully recovered. Soldiers who have witnessed many deaths but were unable to save their comrades from harm may experience flashbacks of the battlefield or gunshots. A child who was abused as a child may feel helpless and compelled to take revenge.
According to the National Center for PTSD, the leading cause of PTSD in women and addiction is due to sexual abuse and military combat.
Symptoms and Treatments for PTSD
These are some of the most prominent symptoms of PTSD:
- Nightmares
- Flashbacks to the traumatic event
- Avoidance
- Anxiety
These symptoms can occur at any time and can lead to panic attacks or depression. Those who have symptoms of PTSD or substance abuse could also experience depression and chronic pain.
Addiction
Sometimes, substance abuse can be directly linked to addiction. This is when an individual can’t control their use of a substance. They will become dependent on the substance, which can lead to a decline in their mental and physical health.
One or more of these substances can make a person addicted:
- Illicit Drugs
- Prescription Drugs
- Nicotine
- Alcohol
- Tobacco
- Inhalants
Signs of Addiction
Sometimes addiction can be difficult to recognize. Here are some common signs and symptoms:
- They are unable to control their behavior and avoid the substance they are using
- Isolation, abandoning commitments, and ignoring relationships
- You may experience withdrawal symptoms, such as the need for higher doses to achieve a greater effect.
These symptoms may all co-exist and can be experienced together by one person.
Recognizing Early Signs of PTSD or Addiction
Individuals may not be aware of symptoms of PTSD or addiction in the initial stages.?
These are some signs to look for early:
- They lose control of their behavior and show no remorse
- Find out if the substance they are using is present in any situation
- Experimentation
These signs could be an indication of addiction. However, others may simply be experiencing these symptoms as a result of stress or going through an experimental phase.
Personality Changes
Individuals suffering from addiction or PTSD may notice changes in their personalities and experience some irregularities. These changes could include a loss of interest in hobbies or hurting their closest friends.
Over time, these changes will be more evident in their personalities. It is crucial to encourage and guide them in positive ways and keep them from falling back into old patterns. This will allow them to go back to their sobriety and feel the joy of living life.
Health Changes
Apart from the dramatic changes in patients’ personalities, PTSD or substance abuse can also easily be identified through their health conditions. Whether it is an addiction to drugs or alcohol, anyone who has been addicted to any substance will see a decline in their health.?
Symptoms of PTSD and addiction include:?
- Frequent illness
- Memory loss
- Dramatic weight loss
- Hair loss
- Weak nails
Key Takeaway
People suffering from PTSD are more likely to have violent outbursts and panic episodes, which could be upsetting for family and friends to observe. Guilt about these outbursts might push people suffering from PTSD to self-medicate with addictive substances, such as drugs and alcohol. Addiction can develop if you continue to use alcohol or other substances in this manner.
If you or someone you love is experiencing any of these symptoms, it is time to seek professional treatment for substance abuse and PTSD. Haven House Recovery is a rehabilitation center that offers individualized treatment for patients with PTSD or substance abuse. You or your loved one’s recovery will be quicker if you get help sooner than later.?
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