CPTSD is a subtype of PTSD that develops in response to prolonged, repeated traumatic experiences, typically lasting months or years. Many people with complex PTSD use alcohol to self-medicate, which may lead to alcohol use disorder (AUD). Four of the study authors and one masters-level research assistant were involved in coding the final list of studies using a manual developed by the second author. All coders were trained on two cases before breaking into teams of two that would double code studies. Discrepancies in data entry were discussed during a meeting of all coders to ensure accurate transcription of the data. The percent agreement between coders was 88%, which is considered acceptable by conventional standards of interpretation.
Health Challenges
Teens who experienced physical or sexual abuse were three times as likely to use substances than those who had not. And 59% of young people with posttraumatic stress (PTSD) develop substance use disorders. The studies that examined medications targeting PTSD all tested selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors (SSRIs) and none observed a between-group difference in AUD or PTSD outcomes, although trends in PTSD improvement were observed in participants treated with sertraline. Finally, several studies investigated medications that were hypothesized to treat both AUD and PTSD (e.g., prazosin and aprepitant), with no clear benefit on AUD or PTSD outcomes. A number of factors may have influenced the findings noted in ptsd blackouts this review, including gender differences, veteran vs. civilian status, and the various behavioral platform employed. In summary, Petrakis and colleagues conclude that clinicians can be reassured that medications that are approved to treat AUD can be used safety and with some efficacy in patients with PTSD, and vice versa.
Co-Occurring Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder and Alcohol Use Disorder in U.S. Military and Veteran Populations
A good treatment program will design a program tailored to your individual needs. It will help you process trauma, stop drinking, and learn new, healthier coping mechanisms going forward. Studies have shown that a traumatic stimulus triggers people with PTSD and an alcohol use disorder to crave alcohol. When those people are presented with a neutral stimulus, there is no increase in cravings. Research finds that almost 50 percent of women will experience a traumatic event at some point in their lifetime. Women are more likely to experience trauma in the form of sexual assault or childhood trauma.
Factors That Contribute to PTSD and AUD
However, one of the greatest predictors of positive treatment outcomes is social support. Making a loved one feel supported and understood can increase the likelihood of effective treatment. It may be especially challenging to mention treatment with a PTSD alcoholic spouse because they are a husband or wife, not their disease but by showing care and compassion, you could provide the motivation necessary to begin treatment.
- However, one of the greatest predictors of positive treatment outcomes is social support.
- The experience of psychological trauma (experiencing or witnessing an event involving actual or threatened death or serious injury of self or others APA 1994) does not necessarily lead to long-term emotional distress or alcohol abuse.
- The veteran who received the therapy reported reduced alcohol use throughout treatment, scored in the nonclinical range for PTSD at the end of treatment, and maintained treatment gains at a 3-month follow-up.
- Women affected by PTSD are more likely to use alcohol after the trauma experience, whereas men seem to be more likely to use other substances.
Implementing SUD treatments for individuals with co-occurring PTSD and AUD could be a way for providers to address clinical needs without learning another manual-guided treatment. Motivational enhancement therapy also shows promise as a way to increase treatment initiation among veterans and military personnel who are reluctant to enter treatment or address their substance misuse during treatment for PTSD, particularly if they perceive that substance use eases their PTSD symptoms. In research and practice, several notable gaps exist in addressing co-occurring PTSD and AUD in military and veteran populations.