Recovery and PTSD
PTSD and addiction overlap more than most people realize: 30-60% of people seeking addiction treatment have PTSD. Treating both at the same time, not one after the other, gives the best shot at lasting recovery.
Why Do PTSD and Addiction Show Up Together?
- 30-60% of people seeking addiction treatment have PTSD
- Using numbs PTSD symptoms
- PTSD symptoms trigger relapse
- Both need treatment
What Does PTSD Look Like?
- Flashbacks
- Nightmares
- Avoidance
- Hyperarousal
- Emotional numbness
- Difficulty sleeping
How Do PTSD and Addiction Feed Each Other?
- PTSD triggers → cravings
- Using → temporary relief → more PTSD
- Withdrawal → PTSD worsens
- Recovery → PTSD surfaces
What Treatment Works?
Integrated treatment works best:
- Treat both simultaneously
- Trauma-informed care
- EMDR
- CPT (Cognitive Processing Therapy)
- Medication if needed
Which Medications Help?
A few medications are commonly used:
- Prazosin (nightmares)
- SSRIs (depression/anxiety)
- Not benzodiazepines (addictive)
Where Do You Find Help?
- VA (if veteran)
- Dual diagnosis programs
- Trauma specialists
- SAMHSA helpline (1-800-662-4357)
What Should You Do First?
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Get assessed. For both PTSD and addiction.
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Find integrated treatment. A program that treats both at the same time.
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Start trauma therapy. EMDR or CPT.
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Talk about medication. If appropriate.
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Build support. Meetings plus therapy.
What Does SoberSphere Recommend?
- Treat both. Integrated programs, not one-at-a-time.
- Use evidence-based trauma therapy. EMDR, CPT.
- Medication helps some people. Talk to a psychiatrist who understands addiction.
- Find a dual diagnosis specialist. Not a generalist.
- Recovery from both is possible. It happens every day.
PTSD and addiction can both be treated.
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