We know a lot more about PTSD than we used to. I want to focus on one of the symptoms. Addiction.
Many individuals with PTSD will turn to drugs or alcohol as a way to numb their pain or to gain some measure of control in their lives.
Some people try to cope with their Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) symptoms by drinking heavily, using drugs, or smoking too much. People with PTSD have more problems with drugs and alcohol both before and after getting PTSD. Also, even if someone does not have a problem with alcohol before a traumatic event, getting PTSD increases the risk that he or she will develop a drinking or drug problem.
Following a traumatic experience, the brain produces less endorphins, one of the chemicals that help us feel happy. People with PTSD may turn to alcohol and other mood-enhancing drugs, which increase endorphin levels. Over time, they may come to rely on drugs to relieve all of their feelings of depression, anxiety and irritability.
Among people seeking treatment for substance use disorders, it’s estimated that nearly one in three are suffering symptoms of PTSD. Rates of alcohol and substance use disorders among those diagnosed with PTSD are also strikingly high.
Dr. Lonny Shavelson found that 70% of female heroin addicts had been sexually assaulted in childhood. So yes. “Rates of alcohol and substance use disorders among those diagnosed with PTSD are also strikingly high.”
What brought all this on was the announcement of a Presidential Commission to study the recent wave of opiate deaths in America. What are the odds that this commission, headed by that renowned expert on drugs and substance abuse, Governor Chris Christie, will even give a nod in the direction of PTSD? Roughly zero.
I should add that long term PTSD is a genetic disease triggered by trauma.
Comments
6 responses to “Addiction Is A Symptom Of PTSD”
Just wondering…
Is chronic overeating and obesity a symptom of PTSD?
http://www.nj.com/opinion/index.ssf/2017/03/chris_christie_is_scarier_than_low_budget_horror_s.html
This is a subject very dear to my heart. I’m working with mental health in a different sort of capacity–trying to find an alternative to A.A. that retains its peer-to-peer fellowship quality, without the cultishness.
It’s very important to get the information you’re posting out there. I’m looking forward to reading anything more you post here.
Lori,
I have been writing on this subject for years.
Try searching – M. Simon Drugs PTSD.
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MMM,
Yes, Anything that ups serotonin or anansdamide production is addictive to those who are deficient.
Why not let people who are suffering from PTSD medicate themselves any way that works? Most of the social problems associated with illegal drugs are due to the illegality, not the drug.
Why not let people who are suffering from PTSD medicate themselves any way that works? Most of the social problems associated with illegal drugs are due to the illegality, not the drug.
You left out the physical problems. For example here is a list of heroin side effects:
Bad teeth
Inflammation of the gums
Constipation
Cold sweats
Itching
Weakening of the immune system
Coma
Respiratory (breathing) illnesses
Muscular weakness, partial paralysis
Reduced sexual capacity and long-term impotence in men
Menstrual disturbance in women
Inability to achieve orgasm (women and men)
Loss of memory and intellectual performance
Introversion
Depression
Pustules on the face
Loss of appetite
This list doesn’t include the incidence of AIDS and Hep C from sharing needles; the desperation for a next fix leading to theft, prostitution, and jail; and the ostracism of family and former friends.
I’ve been a long time advocate of legalizing drugs, even heroin. But my thinking has taken a 180 degree turn during the last 3 months. Without going into all the ugly details, it is because I had an opiate addicted close relative live with me. Never again.
I now have zero tolerance for this shit. Put these people in drug treatment, by force. If they fail, and go back to dealing, using, and stealing, jail their sorry asses. Cut off the welfare and let them sink or swim.
And no, I’m not interested in re-reading the PTSD hypothesis, nor any other medical excuse. Been there on the outside looking in. When you deal with it first hand, you KNOW what causes it, and it ain’t a disease.
The problem is with your relative, not the drugs. People with a predisposition to addiction will find something to become addicted to, whatever the legal situation. They can always find something, drugs, alcohol, gambling, sex, cigarettes, cult religions, left wing politics, you name it.
After 100 years of prosecuting opiate users, distributors and producers it’s still available in vast quantities. All we have to show for it is billion dollar cartels and corruption up to the highest levels of government.
Most of the side effects you list are the result of poor quality control, or are easily handled. What the world needs is cheaper and better opioids, not bigger and better interdiction.