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PTSD and Addiction Treatment Center in Maryland | The Freedom Center
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder that develops when some people experience or witness a traumatic or life-threatening event.[1] PTSD is often seen in combat veterans and survivors of natural disasters or violent crimes, which may motivate them to use drugs or alcohol to self-medicate their feelings of fear, anxiety, and stress.
Addressing the causes of trauma and PTSD – as well as a substance use disorder that may exacerbate symptoms – can be challenging. At The Freedom Center, we approach dual diagnosis treatment of PTSD and substance use disorder using a compassionate, trauma-informed approach that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
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Key Points
- Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a disorder caused by experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event.
- PTSD and addiction often co-occur because survivors of trauma may use substances to self-medicate feelings of distress and fear.
- Effective treatment of PTSD and substance use disorder requires an integrative approach with a dual diagnosis treatment program that addresses both conditions simultaneously.
What Is PTSD?
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) is a trauma- and stress-related disorder caused by experiencing a traumatic or life-threatening event. PTSD may occur after someone directly experiences a traumatic event, such as an accident, natural disaster, a violent crime, or abuse, or witnesses it happening to someone else.
Experiencing trauma can cause stress reactions, such as sleep disturbances, hypervigilance, and intrusive thoughts, that are temporary. PTSD involves trauma symptoms that are persistent, long-lasting (30 days or more), and disruptive to daily life without resolving on their own. Though 90% of the population experiences a traumatic event, only about 10% of people develop PTSD.[2]
Certain groups are at an increased risk of developing PTSD based on biological or social factors. Men and women often experience different types of traumatic events that increase their risk of PTSD.[3] Men are more often the victims of physical assault or violent crimes, whereas women are more likely to experience sexual assault. Men are also more likely to serve in direct combat roles and represent a higher percentage of military personnel.
Some other risk factors for PTSD include:[4]
- Exposure to trauma, such as a natural disaster, war, abuse, or violence
- Experiencing childhood trauma like neglect or abuse
- Witnessing someone else’s trauma, such as a death or violent incident
- Ongoing or repeated exposure to traumatic events
- Having limited or no social support from friends and family
PTSD manifests in different ways depending on the individual, their trauma history, and the inciting trauma, but the common symptoms of PTSD include:[5]
- Actively avoiding situations, places, or people that are reminders of the traumatic event
- Nightmares, flashbacks, or other unwanted memories of the event
- Heightened anxiety and reactivity that disrupts sleep, stress management, and emotional regulation
- Persistent feelings of guilt, shame, or other negative emotions
Addiction and PTSD
There’s a link between trauma and substance use, as well as PTSD and substance use disorders. Dual diagnosis PTSD and addiction refers to the presence of a mental health condition like PTSD and a substance use disorder. According to an epidemiological study, 44.6% of individuals with lifetime PTSD also met criteria for an alcohol use disorder or substance use disorder.[6] The study also found that having PTSD at any point is associated with an increased likelihood of a substance use disorder diagnosis.
Causes of PTSD and Addiction Dual Diagnosis
PTSD and substance use disorder often co-occur due to complex and interrelated factors, including:[7]
- Engaging in risky behavior: Individuals with substance use disorder may engage in behaviors that increase their exposure to trauma, such as car accidents or physical altercations, also increasing their risk of developing PTSD.
- Self-medicating PTSD symptoms: People struggling with PTSD may use substances as a coping mechanism to alleviate distressing symptoms like anxiety, flashbacks, or insomnia. This can develop into an addiction over time.
- Shared vulnerabilities: Genetic components and exposure to early trauma are shared risk factors for substance use disorder and PTSD, suggesting a common underlying vulnerability.
Challenges with Dual Diagnosis Treatment for PTSD and Addiction
Dual diagnosis makes treatment complex, but there may even be more challenges with treating PTSD and addiction. Many PTSD symptoms, such as anxiety, insomnia, irritability, and emotional dysregulation, overlap with symptoms of substance use or withdrawal. This can make PTSD and addiction difficult to diagnose and may complicate treatment, too.
The self-medication cycle can be hard to break as well. People with PTSD may rely on drugs or alcohol to manage flashbacks, nightmares, or emotional pain, and while there may be short-term relief, this behavior reinforces addiction and prevents true healing.
PTSD that arises from interpersonal trauma, like abuse or assault, can also make it difficult for individuals to trust others or feel safe in a treatment environment, preventing them from engaging in therapy or group counseling sessions.
Confrontation, loud noises, or certain discussions in traditional addiction treatment environments or group therapy settings may inadvertently trigger PTSD symptoms. This is why trauma-informed care is so important when treating PTSD or other trauma disorders.
Dual Diagnosis Treatment for PTSD and Substance Use Disorder at The Freedom Center
Treating PTSD and addiction can be difficult, but comprehensive, dual diagnosis treatment can promote lasting recovery. The interplay between these conditions can cause people to use substances to cope with trauma symptoms, but substance use only intensifies feelings of distress and anxiety associated with PTSD. Dual diagnosis programs are designed to break this cycle by addressing both conditions simultaneously.
Addiction and mental health treatment usually begins with medical detox to manage withdrawal symptoms and any emotional or psychological struggles. Once the client is safe and stabilized, they may transition into a residential or inpatient program, partial hospitalization program (PHP), intensive outpatient program (IOP), or outpatient care, depending on the level of support needed.
Each level of care offers comprehensive, individualized treatment plans with therapies that address both PTSD and addiction according to the client’s unique needs. Treatments include:
- Individual therapy: One-on-one therapy sessions to help clients process trauma, manage cravings, and build coping skills in a safe and private space.
- Group therapy: Support groups foster healing and resilience by connecting individuals who share similar experiences with trauma and addiction.
- Family therapy: Family therapy can repair strained relationships, build trust, and create a more supportive home environment for recovery by involving your loved ones in the healing process.
- Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT): This evidence-based therapy helps clients recognize and reframe negative thought patterns, reducing trauma-related triggers and substance use behaviors.
- Dialectical behavior therapy (DBT): DBT is especially effective for individuals with intense emotional reactions. It teaches emotional regulation, mindfulness, and distress tolerance, which are important skills to recover from trauma and manage lifelong sobriety.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
If you or a loved one is ready to get help but finances are holding you back, give us a call. We can work with your health insurance provider.
Get Help Right Now at The Freedom Center
PTSD and addiction are both intense disorders that can do great damage. While it might seem hard, getting help for both disorders is possible, and you deserve it. We at The Freedom Center want to provide all you need to recover and feel good once again. Our programs can include a dual-diagnosis plan according to your needs.
If you or a loved one suffer from PTSD and addiction, do not hesitate to contact us. You can visit our website or give us a call at any time. Our team will be able to help you and answer any questions you might have. This can be your first step towards the change you need to become healthy again.
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Frequently Asked Questions About PTSD and Addiction
Powder cocaine is a hydrochloride salt that’s usually snorted or dissolved and injected.
Crack cocaine is a crystalized form that’s smoked. Crack produces a faster, more intense high, but also wears off quickly, leading to more frequent use. [11]
Both forms are highly addictive, but crack is often associated with a quicker path to dependence due to how rapidly it enters the bloodstream and affects the brain.
Finishing rehab doesn’t mean the journey ends.
At The Freedom Center, the team will help each person develop a personalized recovery plan that lasts. That might include alumni support, sober living connections, and continued therapy.
The goal is that everyone leaves with a roadmap—and a support system—to stay sober and thrive in real life after their time at The Freedom Center.
It’s important to treat both PTSD and substance use disorders together, but stabilization through medical detox may be necessary before therapy for PTSD can begin. Once a client is medically stable, various therapies can be integrated effectively for long-term recovery.
Sources
[1] What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?. Psychiatry.org – What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd#:~:text=Posttraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20is,physical%20and%20mental%20health%20problems on 2025, April 21.
[2] María-Ríos, C. E., & Morrow, J. D. (2020). Mechanisms of shared vulnerability to post-traumatic stress disorder and substance use disorders. Frontiers in Behavioral Neuroscience, Retrieved from https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/behavioral-neuroscience/articles/10.3389/fnbeh.2020.00006/full on 2025, April 21.
[3] Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. How Common is PTSD in Adults? (2018, September 13). Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/understand/common/common_adults.asp on 2025, April 21.
[4] U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (n.d.-b). Traumatic events and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). National Institute of Mental Health. Retrieved from https://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/topics/post-traumatic-stress-disorder-ptsd on 2025, April 21.
[5] What is posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD)?. Psychiatry.org – What is Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)? (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ptsd/what-is-ptsd#:~:text=Posttraumatic%20stress%20disorder%20(PTSD)%20is,physical%20and%20mental%20health%20problems on 2025, April 21.
[6] Va.gov: Veterans Affairs. Treatment of Co-Occurring PTSD and Substance Use Disorder in VA. (2017, May 15). Retrieved from https://www.ptsd.va.gov/professional/treat/cooccurring/tx_sud_va.asp on 2025, April 21.
[7] Lortye, S. A., Will, J. P., Marquenie, L. A., Goudriaan, A. E., Arntz, A., & Waal, M. M. de. (2022, July 19). Treating posttraumatic stress disorder in substance use disorder patients with co-occurring posttraumatic stress disorder: Study protocol for a randomized controlled trial to compare the effectiveness of different types and timings of treatment – BMC psychiatry. BioMed Central. Retrieved from https://bmcpsychiatry.biomedcentral.com/articles/10.1186/s12888-021-03366-0 on 2025, April 21.
