PTSD And Drug Abuse

Introduction

The fact of the matter is that a lot of people with post-traumatic stress disorder have eventually succumbed to the temptations of drug abuse, immersing themselves in the use of substances to forget or get over the traumatic events they’ve gone through. It, therefore, warrants a closer inspection, the relationship that exists, if any, between post-traumatic stress disorder and drug use. See here for the best drug rehab near Fort Lauderdale.

What Is PTSD?

PTSD stands as an acronym for Post Traumatic Stress Disorder, a brain disorder brought on by extreme mental stress. Perhaps, you’ve seen war veterans or survivors of tragic happenings like sexual molestation exhibit irrational behavior. Perhaps, they act like they see things that simply aren’t there or shout at nonexistent things. That is PTSD, a condition that sees victims relive their past trauma through flashbacks or nightmares, causing psychological turmoil.

Post Traumatic Stress Disorder and Drug Use

As a result of the emotional turmoil victims of PTSD go through regularly, they are afflicted with a wide range of conditions, with insomnia and panic attacks being a valid example of these. They sink deep into anxiety, depression, and irritability, losing sight of any sense of purpose. In seeking refuge, they often then turn to drugs as an escape from their own mind.

Statistical Usage Of Drugs By PTSD Victims

A statistical study compiled recently discovered that up to sixty-eight percent (68%} of PTSD victims are either drug users or afflicted with alcohol disorders, yet another form of substance abuse. People suffering from PTSD are also more likely to get addicted to drugs than those having no PTSD.

Relationship Between Post Traumatic Stress Disorder Symptoms And Substance Abuse

Researchers have found specific relationships that occur between certain symptoms of PTSD and the type of substance being abused by a victim. Substances with strong antidepressant or antianxiety effects such as alcohol or marijuana have been linked to increasingly severe hyperarousal symptoms in PTSD patients. Other substances have been known to affect extreme and sudden mood swings or increase depression in patients, with codeine as an example.

Consequences Of PTSD And Drug Abuse

The reason given by a number of recovered drug addicts sent into their drug spiral by PTSD is that the use of those substances results in less distress, providing an escape from troubled minds. While drugs and their abuse might initially help with feelings of stress and panic, the use of these substances will have long term consequences including;

• Worsening PTSD Symptoms due to aggravating substance abuse.
• Increased Dependence on and inability to function without drug use.
• Adverse Health Effects and possible reactions to using said substances.
• Inpatient Psychiatric Hospitalisation as a result of worsening mental conditions of victims.
• Suicide Attempts with the dangerous combination of a brain disorder and drug abuse pushing the victim into attempting to take his own life, often repeatedly.
• Eventual Death is a result of the conflation of a wide range of symptoms and adverse effects that subsequently go out of control.

How To Deal With Post Traumatic Stress Disorder And Substance Abuse

People with post-traumatic stress disorder want to alleviate the distress and trauma that comes with the brain disorder. Its severity often makes them unable to function, leaving them living in a state of perpetual panic. Drug abuse is, however, not the answer. What is then? A well-rounded, functional, institutionalized care system dedicated to solving trauma disorders is, with the attendant specialized drugs meant for victims of PTSD and prescribed by qualified practitioners.

Conclusion

Are you a victim of war? Rape? Natural Disasters? Other traumatic events? Are you prone to recurrent panic attacks and memory flashbacks? You or whoever it is that fits this criterion might be suffering from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. This article has attempted to show clearly, why drug abuse is never the solution to PTSD and the agony its victims go through.